Hike through World Heritage-listed forests along the cliff-rimmed escarpment of an ancient volcano, taking in stunning views over the valleys and impressive peaks of south east Queensland’s Scenic Rim.
Location
In Main Range, about 110km or a 1.5hr drive south-west of Brisbane.
Accessible by
- Conventional vehicle
 
Park facilities
- No campfires
 - Toilets
 - Tent camping
 - Hiking
 - Walking
 - World Heritage
 
- 
    
    
        
    
        
        
    
        Panoramic views and fresh mountain air are your reward for making the steep climb to the range crest.
    
    
        Photo credit: © Greg Carter
    
    
 - 
    
    
        
    
        
        
    
        Discover the majesty of ancient rainforests with links to Gondwana.
    
    
        Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government
    
    
 - 
    
    
        
    
        
        
    
        Admire wedge-tailed eagles soaring over cliffs and valleys.
    
    
        Photo credit: Brett Roberts © Queensland Government
    
    
 - 
    
    
        
    
        
        
    
        Before leaving the trailhead, please clean your boots at the footwear hygiene station.
    
    
        Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government
    
    
 - 
    
    
        
    
        
        
    
        Your hike begins in the dry eucalypt forests of the foothills. 
    
    
        Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government
    
    
 - 
    
    
        
    
        
        
    
        Wear sturdy footwear as the trail can be steep, wet and slippery.
    
    
        Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government
    
    
 - 
    
    
        
    
        
        
    
        Walking in small groups is best for safety and to maintain the remote experience.
    
    
        Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government
    
    
 - 
    
    
        
    
        
        
    
        Use lightweight camping gear, and have safety equipment and detailed topographic maps. Remove excess packaging from foods before you leave home.
    
    
        Photo credit: Karen Smith © Queensland Government
    
    
 - 
    
    
        
    
        
        
    
        Main Range is as remote as it is beautiful. Always tell someone your walking plans and contingency plan should you be late returning.
    
    
        Photo credit: Karen Smith © Queensland Government
    
    
 - 
    
    
        
    
        
        
    
        The first day on the trail is out in the open and all uphill. Pause often to catch your breath and take in the nature that surrounds you.
    
    
        Photo credit: © Lise Pedersen
    
    
 - 
    
    
        
    
        
        
    
        Mist and cloud often clothe the mountains. Be prepared for wet walking and enjoy the rainforest in all its moods.
    
    
        Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government
    
    
 - 
    
    
        
    
        
        
    
        The Scenic Rim Trail begins with a heart-pumping climb to the top of this ridge, then upwards towards the crest of the Mistake Range.
    
    
        Photo credit: Greg Carter © Queensland Government
    
    
 - 
    
    
        
    
        
        
    
        It can be misty in the mountains, but clear days give stunning views.
    
    
        Photo credit: Karen Smith © Queensland Government
    
    
 - 
    
    
        
    
        
        
    
        Reminders of timber-getting days can be found along the trail.
    
    
        Photo credit: Steve Finlayson © Queensland Government
    
    
 - 
    
    
        
    
        
        
    
        Be frog friendly! Endangered Fleay’s barred frogs live in Main Range National Park.
    
    
        Photo credit: Harry Hines © Queensland Government
    
    
 - 
    
    
        
    
        
        
    
        Don’t let your walk destroy the forest. Clean all camping gear and footwear of soil and seeds before leaving home, and use the footwear hygiene station at the trailhead.
    
    
        Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government
    
    
 - 
    
    
        
    
        
        
    
        Camp in the mountains surrounded by towering trees.
    
    
        Photo credit: © Lise Pedersen
    
    
 - 
    
    
        
    
        
        
    
        Sections of the trail are open and exposed, so you will need sun protection.
    
    
        Photo credit: © Lise Pedersen
    
    
 - 
    
    
        
    
        
        
    
        Rainforest fungi comes in all shapes and sizes.
    
    
        Photo credit: © Lise Pedersen
    
    
 - 
    
    
        
    
        
        
    
        Weather can change quickly and the trail becomes slippery when wet.
    
    
        Photo credit: © Lise Pedersen
    
    
 - 
    
    
        
    
        
        
    
        Criss-cross streams in the headwaters of Dalrymple Creek.
    
    
        Photo credit: © Lise Pedersen
    
    
 - 
    
    
        
    
        
        
    
        Banshee walkers camp has elevated camping platforms.
    
    
        Photo credit: © Lise Pedersen
    
    
 - 
    
    
        
    
        
        
    
        The Scenic Rim Trail leads to the tops of mountains and into the depths of lush rainforest.
    
    
        Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government
    
    
 
- Changes to Scenic Rim Trail end point - Main Range National Park 10 July 2024 to 18 December 2025