Scenic Rim:
Explore the rainforests
O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, Scenic Rim
Spectacular mountains, panoramic views, lush valleys and wide-open road’s and all only an hour from Brisbane, the Scenic Rim is a natural wonderland full of adventure. Boasting a magnificent Regional Botanic Garden and six National Parks, the Scenic Rim sustains a diversity of rare flora and fauna, waterfalls and meandering creeks, subtropical rainforests perfect for scenic strolls, longer bushwalks or epic hikes. No need to rush back to civilisation – there's plenty of accommodation from luxury bed and breakfasts to cabins, farm stays, camping and glamping, hotels and motels, plus renowned gourmet haunts and wineries celebrating local produce.
Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the lush surrounds is on the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. The walk gradually descends to the lower canopy and follows rock pools, a butterfly lookout and sheltered rest areas until reaching the amazing cantilever. This is 40m-long structure soars 30m above the valley, providing spectacular views of the creeks and rainforest below.
O'Reilly's Tree Top Walk
A similar thrill to the Skywalk, O'Reilly's Tree Top Walk allows you to stroll through the canopy seeing flowering and fruiting trees and vines, orchids and ferns, and birds and animals. The walk is only 300m from the guesthouse via the Booyong Walk.
Main Range National Park
Another top-of-the-world experience is Main Range National Park, which offers 30,170.5ha of rugged mountain ranges and breathtaking lookouts. On the western part of the Scenic Rim, the park is home to a mosaic of vegetation types and rare wildlife. The Main Range area provides a collection of camping and accommodation experiences and plenty of walking trails to make most of your visit.
Tamborine National Park
Whether you want to stretch your legs or relax with a picnic in tranquil rainforest surrounds, Tamborine National Park has experiences for all. Most of the walking tracks, provided in six sections of the park, are short and can be completed within a few hours.
Mount Barney National Park
If you're a serious bushwalker and prepared to rough it, put Mount Barney National Park on the itinerary. The seven distinct peaks rise above the surrounding landscape in this wild, beautiful Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage area – home to rare animals, plant species and communities. Not only will you get epic views, but there's a number of secret waterholes ready to be found in the Upper and Lower Portals.
Moogerah Peaks National Park
Four ancient volcanic peaks in the Fassifern Valley form the Moogerah Peaks National Park, and its mounts French, Greville, Moon and Edwards are famed for their unique shape and revered bushwalking tracks. At Mount French, two short tracks make it easy to explore Moogerah Peaks National Park. North cliff track, which is 720m return, leads to Logan's Lookout with panoramic views and the Mee-bor-rum circuit, 840m return, passes through heathland and features a lookout with views of Tamborine, Lamington and Mt Barney. For experienced hikers, the Mount Edwards summit trail rewards with extensive views to the north.
Looking for something extra?
Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm
What better way to put your feet up after exploring the walking trails of the Scenic Rim than a glass of wine at the Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm cellar door. Providing a unique regional wine and food experience, enjoy a tasting of homegrown white and red wines while overlooking the luscious lavender fields.
Cauldron Estate and Distillery Gin Making Class
Take a trip to the Cauldron Estate and Distillery, an 18-acre property with beautifully established vineyards and lush green meadows perfect for picnics, lawn games or kicking back for an afternoon of R&R. Producing unique Queensland inspired beverages including award winning Five To Five Gin range, visit the picturesque vineyard, sample locally made spirits and seasonal cocktails, or learn the art of gin making at the gin making class.
The TreeTop Challenge
Explore the incredible rainforests of the Scenic Rim by flying through the trees. With 100 epic challenges and 12 huge flying foxes spread across five exciting courses suspended over the stunning rainforest, The TreeTop Challenge is an adrenaline inducing experience for all ages.
Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens
Those with a green thumb should schedule a visit to Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens, where tropical meets temperate. Covering 11ha, the gardens consist of exotic species, rainforest, flowering cherries, rhododendrons, magnolias, camellias and maples. Themed areas include the Japanese garden, rose garden, bromeliad garden, wisteria-covered pergolas, perennial cottage garden and features such as a lake.
Beechmont Estate
Make a weekend of it at Beechmont Estate. Exuding country elegance, dine at the chef-hatted Paddock restaurant showcasing the Scenic Rim’s farming heritage, explore the Lamington National Park trails before indulging at the Day Spa and relaxing the luxury cabins featuring cosy fireplaces, stunning hinterland views and private verandas.
