Scenic Rim Trail Stages
Day 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
Day 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.
Day 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
Day 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.
Day 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
Day 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.
Day 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 your final day, 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.
