Escape in the Scenic Rim

The Scenic Rim will host a month-long celebration of the outdoors featuring more than 100 nature and adventure-based activities including guided and non-guided hikes, rock climbing, hang-gliding, eco-masterclasses and hot air ballooning.

Held 29 April – 29 May, the Escape in the Scenic Rim program will be held throughout the World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforests and mountains of the region.

Scenic Rim Regional Council Mayor Greg Christensen said adventure and nature-based tourism was growing in popularity.

“An adventure and nature-based festival for the Scenic Rim is a 'no brainer',” Cr Christiansen said.

“We have six National Parks, ancient UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforests, epic waterfalls, scenic mountain ranges, waterways and lakes. It’s nature's playground at its finest.”

Cr Christiansen said the Escape program encouraged visitors to immerse themselves in nature.

“Escape is not a festival where you'll experience hordes of people and the usual trappings of large events,” he said.

“This is an immersive experience where people can discover and relax in nature and challenge themselves physically if they want to.

“We want to share this special space to inspire people to get back to the important things in life – spending time with each other, and in nature.”

“There are events for all ages and all levels of fitness, and if you'd like to stay and maximise your experience, we have well-known and longstanding nature resorts such as Binna Burra Lodge and O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, along with a range of other glamping, ecotourism, farm stay and lodge accommodation for all budgets and tastes.”

Escape in the Scenic Rim highlights include:

• Backpacking Alpacas – Grab your backpack and a picnic lunch and sign up for an alpaca hike from the alpaca farm to a scenic spot along Canungra Creek for lunch.
• The Iconic Stinson Walk, O’Reilly’s Retreat – Recount Australian history and celebrate the life of Bernard O'Reilly, who heroically saved the lives of two plane crash survivors 85 years ago in Lamington National Park with a hike through Lamington National Park.
• Lamington Wild Walks and Forest Immersion – Wild Walks in Lamington National Park across May, in partnership with Park Tours and Binna Burra Lodge. These are challenging adventures off the main walking track system, with guides and BBL park licences.
• Luxury Camping Escape, Scenic Rim Trail – Experience the height of relaxed luxury with this event-special retreat at Spicers Canopy Luxury Tents. Complete a 12km guided hike then spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in a glamping tent or enjoy a soak in the outdoor hot tub.
• Cedar Creek Forest Trail – This bush walk through Thunderbird Park takes you on a timeless journey – from high plateaus to tumbling waterfalls, virgin rainforests to natural Australian bush lands, plus see wallabies and platypus in the wild and an endless array of Australian birdlife.
• Explore Boonah to Ipswich Trail - This walk takes you from Lillybrook to Boonah, about 20km following the original stock route along Wyaralong Dam, hosted by an experienced Bushwalking Queensland guide.
• Bush Walking Queensland – Hosted walks along the Great Escarpment Trail and other experiences.

See the full range of activities and book via the Escape in the Scenic Rim website.