Scenic Rim Trail Stages
Stage 1: Thornton View to Mount Mistake SRT Walkers Camp
- Distance: 9km
- Time: Allow 5-6 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
- Elevation: Steep uphill sections, rough surface, rock scrambling
Stage 1 of the Scenic Rim Trail sets the stage for an exhilarating journey with a tough climb up to the range crest. Right from the start, the trail demands your attention, as you begin a steep 3km ascent through the private Thornton View Nature Refuge. This section can take 2–3 hours to complete, with some rocky stretches where a small rope might help with your pack. Along the way, you’ll notice the landscape’s recovery from the devastating fires of late 2019.
As you near the cliff line, the first giant spear lilies (Doryanthes palmeri) will make their dramatic appearance. These striking plants, which grow along the rocky outcrops of Main Range, add a vibrant touch to the rugged terrain. Navigating a particularly steep and sometimes slippery section, take extra care as you make your way around the cliff break. The final ascent to the ridge top offers a rewarding break in the form of sweeping views across the Laidley Valley and the Little Liverpool Range, with Brisbane's skyscrapers looming in the distance.
From this vantage point, the panoramas only improve as you continue south, with breathtaking views to both the east and west. The trail leads you through open eucalypt forest, where ancient grass trees rise nearly 4 metres high. After about 5km (roughly 3 hours), you’ll reach a natural lookout, offering stunning views across Main Camp Creek towards the rainforest-covered peak of Mount Mistake. This is a great spot to pause, take in the scenery, and perhaps catch sight of birds or larger birds of prey soaring overhead.
Just 550 metres uphill from here lies your camp for the night, nestled in a ridge-top surrounded by towering eucalypts, wattles, and grass trees. This is the northern edge of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area—a truly special place to rest for the night.
Stage 2: Mount Mistake SRT Walkers Camp to Castle View SRT Walkers Camp
- Distance: 14.5km
- Time: Allow 5-6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation: Gradual ascent along a wide management trail
Stage 2 presents a contrast to the steep climb of Day 1, as the hike becomes longer but less challenging. The trail takes you through the first taste of Main Range’s lush, subtropical rainforests, guiding you steadily uphill along the Mistake Range. This section follows an old road alignment—once used for hauling timber—and you’ll pass the remnants of a timber jinker along the way.
The rainforest here is dense, with ferns and tangled vines weaving through the undergrowth, creating a cool and shaded atmosphere. At times, the trail skirts the escarpment edge, offering sweeping views over the valley. However, be cautious near the cliff edges. The trail continues south past the Winder, a relic from the logging days, where water can sometimes be sourced by following an overgrown track to a nearby stream.
The next 5km (about 3 hours) of the trail follows a Grade 4 track towards Goomburra. The open forest here provides excellent views to Kangaroo Mountain and Mount Castle. Your camp at Castle View is perched on the range crest, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the valleys and peaks stretching out into the distance.
Stage 3: Castle View SRT Walkers Camp to Banshee SRT Walkers Camp
- Distance: 10.5km
- Time: Allow 6-8 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- Elevation: Steep uphill and downhill sections, slippery creek crossings
Stage 3 is a day of exploration, with lookout points, vine-filled rainforest, and mountain streams. Start by following the Winder track south for 490 metres, then turn east towards Mount Castle lookout, where the views over the trachyte cliffs are stunning. After enjoying the views, head south into the dense rainforest, where navigation becomes trickier. Look out for orange trail markers to guide your way through thick vines, rocks, and logs.
The trail continues steeply uphill and then downhill as you make your way to Sylvesters Lookout. From here, the rainforest becomes even denser, with occasional open sections and groves of piccabeen palms. The next few hours are slow going as you wind through the rainforest, but you’ll eventually turn west onto a ridgeline and descend into Dalrymple Creek. From here, the trail joins the Cascades circuit, a popular Grade 4 track leading to Goomburra.
After 1.5km on the Cascades circuit, you’ll join the Ridge Track and head uphill towards Banshee SRT Walkers Camp. The camp is located in a patch of introduced Chinese fir trees, planted as part of a forestry experiment in the 1960s. The surrounding rainforest is thick, and during cooler months, you might hear the call of Albert’s lyrebirds.
Stage 4: Banshee SRT Walkers Camp to Cunninghams Gap
- Distance: 13.3km
- Time: Allow 6-8 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation: Steep ascents, rocky descents, and some rock scrambling
On the final stage, the trail takes you through some of the most beautiful and least visited rainforest along the Scenic Rim Trail. Begin with an 800m walk along a wide management trail, then turn sharply onto a narrower footpath heading southeast. The track meanders through rainforest filled with buttress roots and lichen-covered boulders. As you move through this section, be careful of the slippery volcanic soil and the steep descents and ascents.
After about 7.5km, a rock scramble brings you to Bare Rock—an ideal spot to pause, take in the views, and enjoy a break before continuing your descent. From here, it’s a 5.8km (2-3 hour) drop to Cunninghams Gap. Along the way, the rainforest gives way to eucalypt woodland and montane heath, where giant spear lilies and grasstrees line the track.
The final stretch offers sweeping views of Mount Cordeaux and the Scenic Rim, with interpretive signs helping to prepare you for the end of your journey. As you step out of the wilderness and back into civilisation, you’ll feel refreshed, having fully immersed yourself in the incredible landscape of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area.
For more information, visit Scenic Rim Trail.
10 Reviews on “Scenic Rim Trail (47km)”
This multi-day trail is perfect for those in good physical condition, but it’s essential to keep your pack weight light and consider using walking poles for added support. Water is available at each campsite, and creek crossings on days two and three help with hydration. Day one offers fantastic views from Thornton View Nature Refuge, with a challenging ascent leading to Mt Mistake Camp at the northern tip of the National Park. Day two brings a mix of logging trail and rainforest walks, with some steep sections and great escarpment views. The Castle View campsites, however, were less appealing due to wet ground and ticks.
On day three, the trail becomes easier, with a short uphill climb and a rainforest track leading to Cascade Creek crossings. After a bit of uphill, we reached Banshee Campground, where we set up under the canopy just as it began to rain. Day four involves a longer walk, but the rewarding hike to Bare Rock offers sweeping 360-degree views.
The hike itself starts with a tough climb, particularly on a hot day with limited shade—definitely not something to attempt in extreme heat. The first campsite was scenic, though the water tanks were only half full when I was there.
From day two onwards, be prepared for encounters with stinging Gympie plants, so it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with first aid for them beforehand. The second campsite was more exposed, but there were decent grassy spots by the maintenance road (just be cautious of passing vehicles). Fortunately, the third campsite was well-protected, and although there were no hooks or nails on the tent platforms, extra ropes proved useful for securing the tent.
The last day had some of the most impressive scenery of the hike, making the effort worthwhile. The track notes here were a handy reference, better than the shit found on AllTrails. Overall, it’s a challenging but beautiful hike that’s well worth the effort.