Options beyond the usual
We visit Gold Coast, Brisbane and Moreton Island and the Scenic Rim
A five day break in South East Queensland will allow you to explore some of the diverse experience this part of Qld has to offer some of the options in this part of Queensland may surprise you.
6 Day Short Break
Arrive on the gold coast and collect your car and take the short drive to your hotel. We have a range of properties to suit all budgets . Features Hotels on the coast include the Langham, Dorsett and the family friendly Voco.
This afternoon take the Seaworld Cruises lunch Cruise leaving from the Surfers Paradise wharf and cruising through the Broadwater . When you return maybe take a Jet boat in Paradise tour or Aqua duck tour on land and sea.
Explore the Gold Coast with a trip to one of the theme parks, Movie World, Dream World Wet and Wild and Seaworld or maybe a Hinterland Tour such ar the one below: with Southern Cross Tours
- As we leave the Gold Coast, we drive west to the Scenic Rim, through the hills and on to the town of Canungra.
- Along the journey your expert local guide shares the history, culture and stories of the townships and regions we pass through.
- Once we reach the top of the mountain we are greeted by O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. Here we enjoy a guided rainforest tour along the rainforest floor and high into the trees on the treetop walk.
- We spot unique wildlife and amazing bird life while on the walk and have the opportunity to feed wild crimson rosellas.
- Before we head back down the mountain we stop to see the panoramic 360 degree view across the Scenic Rim and Gold Coast.
- Enjoy a glass of the local Picnic Bubbles at Canungra Valley Vineyard, see the peacocks and meet the Alpacas. (optional feeding and walking experience)
Today we leave the Gold Coast and take a drive to the Scenic Rim where you will find spectacular natural beauty and sweeping valleys and mountain ranges, along with our friendly, relaxed country lifestyle and award-winning local produce.
The Scenic Rim is a year-round destination brimming with foodie experiences, outdoor activities, watersports, cultural pursuits, eco escapes and tourist attractions that invite you to hit refresh in pristine natural surrounds.
Framed by impressive volcanic mountains dating back millions of years, this vast region traverses epic peaks and valleys, verdant rainforests and fertile farmland.
The Scenic Rim is where you’ll discover Australia’s most accessible World Heritage-listed rainforests, six national parks and unfiltered vistas at every turn, as well as our welcoming rural friendliness in charming country towns.
Ripe for road-tripping adventure and longer stays, the Scenic Rim is just 80km or an hour’s drive from Brisbane and the Gold Coast in South-East Queensland.
Full of vibrant communities, local characters and plenty of things to see and do, it’s no wonder the Scenic Rim was listed as one of the world’s Top 10 Regions in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022.
Enjoy wineries , breweries, lavender farms, unique scenery, nature walks and wildlife
Maybe spend the night at Spicers Peak Lodge
he name says it all. Welcome to the Scenic Rim where you will find spectacular natural beauty and sweeping valleys and mountain ranges, along with our friendly, relaxed country lifestyle and award-winning local produce.
The Scenic Rim is a year-round destination brimming with foodie experiences, outdoor activities, watersports, cultural pursuits, eco escapes and tourist attractions that invite you to hit refresh in pristine natural surrounds.
Framed by impressive volcanic mountains dating back millions of years, this vast region traverses epic peaks and valleys, verdant rainforests and fertile farmland.
The Scenic Rim is where you’ll discover Australia’s most accessible World Heritage-listed rainforests, six national parks and unfiltered vistas at every turn, as well as our welcoming rural friendliness in charming country towns.
Ripe for road-tripping adventure and longer stays, the Scenic Rim is just 80km or an hour’s drive from Brisbane and the Gold Coast in South-East Queensland.
Full of vibrant communities, local characters and plenty of things to see and do, it’s no wonder the Scenic Rim was listed as one of the world’s Top 10 Regions in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022.
Or Golf and Overnight at Kooralbyn Valley Resort
A great option for families.
Australia’s first integrated resort, for getaway, play, explore, also a satellite village for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games
Getaway from the hustle and bustle to immerse yourself in the heart of the serene Scenic Rim while staying at the largest rammed earth eco-construction in the Southern Hemisphere with a popular Pavilion tavern, award-winning pool, and Spa on 800 acres
Play the championship golf, complimentary lawn bowl, putt-putt, tennis plus an array of activities from the sky to water, or get back to nature with an authentic outback farm experience of Aussie Muster show, horse riding, meeting hundreds of the wild Kangaroos, occasional wild Koalas if you are lucky and admiring Australia’s native grass trees and much more. During the day, you will be amazed by views of some of Queensland’s tallest mountains from the eco-friendly resort’s bushwalking and mountain biking track, Kooralbyn Look Out or Mt Kooralbyn. Subject to the booking and weather condition, you could also enjoy the bush dancing and campfire at night and gaze at the magical milky way consists of incredible 300 billion stars from the resort’s unique viewing spot, a perfect place for families, couples, excursions, golfers, special interest or incentive groups, weddings, conferences and events
Explore the region’s many other attractions within an easy tourist drive following the rim road surrounding the resort, including Wyaralong Dam, Maroon Dam, Mt Maroon, Mt Barney, Mt Lindesay, Vineyards, Camel Farm, Olive Farm, Robotic Dairy Farm just to name a few
Today head for Brisbane drop off the car in the city centre, and if its a Sunday visit the Brisbane Markets at Southbank and maybe finish off with a cocktail at the Emporium hotel rooftop bar. Or explore Moreton Bay with River to Bay Cruises. Visit some of the Breweries and eateries along the river bank of the Brisbane River or take a day trip to Stradbroke Island.
Depending on when you are in Brisbane maybe visit Eat Street :OPEN EVERY FRI & SAT 4-10PM AND SUN 4-9PM
Heaps of quality food to choose from:
Put a soundtrack to your dining experience: Our MainDeck Stage features top local & touring bands as well as regular featured headline shows every weekend. The OpenSky Theatre favours more edgy fun filled live entertainment and Big Screen entertainment. The LaneWay Cabaret hosts breezy jazz bands and more intimate easy listening style entertainment. Solo performers are positioned throughout Eat Street so you’re never far from live music or entertainment.
But don’t stay too long because this evening we get the catamaran to Moreton Island’s Tangalooma Resort for a two night stay
Today dan be as hectic or as relaxing as you would like with heaps of activities to choose from
ATV Quad Bikes
Beach Segway Tours
Desert Safari Tour
Helicopter Scenic Flights
Massage & Beauty Treatments
Northern Safari Bus Tour
Southern Safari Bus Tour
Whale Watching Bus Safari
View all land activities
WATER BASED ACTIVITIES
Wrecks Snorkel Tour
Clear bottom Dusk Kayak Tour
Illuminated Wrecks Tour
Marine Discovery Cruise
Underwater Sea Scooter Safari
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Wrecks Fish Feeding Cruise
Parasailing
View all water activities
FREE RESORT ACTIVITIES
Kid’s Playground
Kookaburra Feeding
Night Activities
Pelican Feeding & Sea Bird Talk
Squash
Swimming Pools
Tennis
The Eco Centre
EXPLORE MORETON ISLAND
Blue Lagoon
Cape Moreton Lighthouse
Champagne Pools
Eastern Beach
Honeymoon Bay
Mount Tempest
Tangalooma Wrecks
Tangalooma Desert
Today have a great walk and breakfast on the Island before the 0930 ferry departure for Brisbane on arrival get a taxi to the Howard Smith Wharves for lunch before your return home.
A foodie haven, a hotbed of creativity, a playground for nature lovers—all with its iconic river acting as the thread that winds through it all.
Here we play, we revel, we indulge and embrace life to its fullest.
That’s why we built Howard Smith Wharves to be an ever-evolving dining and entertainment destination that brings this diversity of food, music and community together.
By taking the artefacts of Brisbane’s wharfage history, we’ve tied together Brisbane’s working heritage to the thriving modern city it has become today.
Located beneath the Story Bridge, our waterfront home boasts 13 restaurants, cafes, bars, event spaces and a hotel. Along with the multi-awarded Felons Brewery at our heart, we’re dedicated to raising the bar on hospitality.
Led by our founder Adam Flaskas and brought to life by our passionate team, we’ve built a precinct that celebrates Brisbane’s magnetic energy—harnessing it for all to enjoy, from day to night.
River to Bay
Our custom-built fleet of high-speed vessels are some of the fastest, safest and most efficient boats operating in South-East Queensland. That means we can take you to more remote, harder-to-reach destinations faster than anyone else.
An exciting adventure awaits on our Moreton Bay Island Tour. Depart Brisbane and enjoy a quick 60-minute boat ride to the Tangalooma Wrecks to snorkel and spot wildlife. Then, stop for lunch at Dunwich (North Stradbroke) and spot koalas. Finally, enjoy a nature walk at St Helena Island National Park.
Escape the city’s hustle and bustle for an underwater adventure with River to Bay’s Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Tour from Redcliffe & Sandstone Point or from Brisbane. Boarding at the Spinnaker Sound Marina, Sandstone Point Hotel, Bongaree Jetty, Redcliffe Jetty, or Brisbane, our fast boats will take you to Tangalooma Wrecks on Queensland’s beautiful Moreton Island in comfort.
Go on a day trip from Brisbane and discover the world’s second-largest sand island with River to Bay’s Stradbroke Island Day Tour. Departing City Botanic Gardens and Northshore Harbour, River to Bay’s custom-built vessels will take you to Stradbroke Island in an hour. At Straddie, you will spot koalas and other wildlife, relax along the sand, soak up some sunshine, and be mesmerized by the picturesque beauty of Stradbroke Island.
Stradbroke Island Day Tour
Get away from the busy city for a day trip, experiencing the vibrant culture and exploring the breathtaking nature of Stradbroke Island. From relaxation, sightseeing, or an adventure-filled day, Straddie has it all.
Brewery Tour
Cruise on a day or twilight brewery tour and experience the best Brisbane has to offer in the way of beer and visit some of the finest breweries.
Best of Moreton Bay
Snorkel at the Tangalooma Wrecks and search for fish, turtles and other sea life. Enjoy a quiet lunch at Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island and spot wild koalas. And enjoy a brisk walk on St Helena Island National Park.
Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Tour from Brisbane
Set sail with River to Bay from Brisbane to Moreton Bay in under an hour to snorkel and dive deep into an underwater paradise, Tangalooma Wrecks.
Eat Street
Howard Street Wharfs
A foodie haven, a hotbed of creativity, a playground for nature lovers—all with its iconic river acting as the thread that winds through it all.
Here we play, we revel, we indulge and embrace life to its fullest.
That’s why we built Howard Smith Wharves to be an ever-evolving dining and entertainment destination that brings this diversity of food, music and community together.
By taking the artefacts of Brisbane’s wharfage history, we’ve tied together Brisbane’s working heritage to the thriving modern city it has become today.
Located beneath the Story Bridge, our waterfront home boasts 13 restaurants, cafes, bars, event spaces and a hotel. Along with the multi-awarded Felons Brewery at our heart, we’re dedicated to raising the bar on hospitality.
Led by our founder Adam Flaskas and brought to life by our passionate team, we’ve built a precinct that celebrates Brisbane’s magnetic energy—harnessing it for all to enjoy, from day to night.
Tangalooma Resort
TANGALOOMA ISLAND RESORT HOTELS, UNITS, APARTMENTS, VILLAS & HOUSES
At Tangalooma Island Resort, on the golden shores of Moreton Island, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation. Choose from a range of beachfront accommodation styles from 3½ to 4 star quality: including hotel rooms, units, villas and apartments, each set amid luscious landscaped gardens and national park, most with ocean views. Alternatively, take up residency in one of the exclusive island Moreton Island holiday house rentals with million dollar views over Moreton Bay. Ask anyone and they will tell you that Tangalooma Island Resort’s true beauty lies in its natural attractions. The unspoiled splendor of Moreton Island, Wild Dolphin Feeding, along with the resort’s satisfying facilities, offers all guests a complete unique Australian holiday experience.
Spicers Peak Lodge
SPICERS PEAK LODGE
As you watch a band of morning clouds roll through the mountain peaks, close enough to almost touch, you instantly feel part of nature’s grand scheme. At 1,100 metres above sea level, Spicers Peak Lodge immerses you in the sights, sounds and spirit of an unspoiled wilderness. At its heart lies the palatial mountain lodge, where guests are enveloped in Spicers’ signature comfort and exquisite luxury, and every wish or whim is attended to with quiet aplomb.
Poised majestically atop a soaring mountain of the imposing Great Dividing Range, Spicers Peak Lodge is surrounded by untouched rainforest, the world heritage listed Main Range National Park and the dramatic volcanic scenery of the fertile Scenic Rim. With its rarefied position, a distinct sense of solitude and stillness fills the air, whilst the enticingly remote location gives promise to endless adventures.
At the top of the long winding country road that delivers you to the lodge, you’re greeted by the retreat’s own herd of curious and hirsute Highland cattle, their splendid locks flowing in the breeze. Inside, the towering peaks of the main guesthouse reach for the wide sky; imposing wooden beams frame the rooms with intent; and the heavy stones of the striking fireplace connect calmly with the earth. Tall panes of glass invite the gentle light to stream in, and soft leather couches invite the guest to while away time without care or contrition. The lounge and dining rooms are cavernous and are filled with exceptional and carefully curated artwork and sculptures, punctuated by some of the country’s more significant indigenous pieces.
This inimitable retreat is Australia’s highest non-alpine mountain lodge, and here, every experience is elevated. Myriad adventures await in the sky or on the land. For the active, there’s helicopter scenic flights, nature hikes, 4WD discovery tours and mountain biking. For those wishing for a gentler pace, there’s sunset picnics, star gazing, a guest library, pool table and tennis court. The peerless infinity pool – with yawning views of the mountains – is a temptation impossible to resist for most, as are the indulgent and restorative powers of the Spa Anise Day Spa.
The ten suites and two private lodges at Spicers Peak Lodge offer the ideal remote hideaway, swathing guests in opulent furnishing and fittings. Bluestone and wooden floorboards accentuate the mountain aesthetic in the Lodge suites, while cosy reading nooks and direct access to the library are a feature of the Loft suites. In the private standalone lodges, separate lounge rooms, outdoor spas, private verandas and panoramic views create the ultimate remote luxury escape.
Spicers Scenic Rim Trail
2, 4, and 6 Day Walks
Time to think. Time to dream. Time to explore.
Of a time when volcanoes ferociously shaped the land, the Scenic Rim stands tall as one of the nations’ most dramatic, alluring and inspiring landscapes. Unique in its diversity and rich in story, this untouched region irresistibly invites the inquisitive, the imaginative and the adventurous to quietly uncover its rarely seen secrets.
Choose your adventure
From 2 days to 6 days, from sky scraping peak to gentle mountain creek, every one of our walks takes you on an incomparable journey through undiscovered lands.
2 Day Walk
About the walk
With a focus on discovering the dramatic southern sector of the Scenic Rim Trail, our 2- day walk traverses the heights of spectacular Mt Mathieson, immerses you in the peaceful valley of Oakey Creek, and ascends to the sensory indulgences of Spicers Peak Lodge. Your home base for the two nights is Spicers Canopy Luxury Tents, located at the mid-point of the walk. Here you’ll enjoy a unique glamping experience, including a soothing hot tub and hearty communal lounge complete with a roaring fireplace and country kitchen. Our passionate, knowledgeable guides will happily share the history of the land and the stories of the outdoors with you as you go, making the walk as informative as it is enjoyable. Our 2-day walk is the ultimate way to get a taste of the Scenic Rim Trail for those with busy schedules.
3 Day Walk
About the walk
As a deeper exploration of the southern sector of the Scenic Rim Trail, our 3-day walk expands upon the 2-day walk itinerary by adding a leisurely morning gorge walk to the delightful billabongs and enveloping rock walls of Miller Vale Creek. With Spicers Canopy Luxury Tents as your base, you’ll enjoy the luxury of additional time to relax, unwind and let your mind wander. Revel in an unhurried lunch and dinner and relish the chance to experience an extra evening gazing at the stars or warming yourself around the fire.
4 Day Walk
About the walk
Our signature 4-day walk takes you on a life-changing journey from the northernmost reaches of the Scenic Rim Trail to the southern secrets of Cunningham’s Gap. From the outset you’ll be pleasantly challenged by the ascent to Mt Mistake, where you’ll tackle the famous 16m metre rock ladder. From there you’ll discover the highlights of ancient Gondwana rainforest and the dramatic 360-degree views from Bare Rock, as well as the rewarding challenges of tackling unmarked trails, rock scrambling and boulder hopping. Our passionate, knowledgeable guides will happily share the history of the land and the stories of the outdoors with you as you go, making the walk as informative as it is enjoyable. Each night of your epic walk will be spent in a variety of exquisite and unique eco camps that exist in perfect sympathy with their natural surroundings. From the authentic Mt Mistake Farmhouse to the hidden treehouse style cabins of Spicers Amphitheatre, from the architectural touches of Timber Getters to the off-grid haven of Spicers Hidden Peaks, your accommodation will be an unforgettable highlight of your adventure. At the beginning and end of each day you’ll have time to savour the gourmet dining, cradle a hot drink at dawn watching the sun rise, or sip a cool drink on the deck after a satisfying day’s hiking. In the evenings, come together in the communal lodges for some great conversation or indulge in a quiet, peaceful moment of solitude in your own private cabin. The entire experience is elevated by our signature Spicers personal service that attends to even the smallest of details with the utmost of care and attention.
6 Day Walk
About the walk
Spanning the entire length of the Scenic Rail Trail, this 6-day walk is the trip of a lifetime. No two days are the same, with breath taking scenery, diverse walking terrain, unique luxury eco accommodation and superb food and wine. The 6-day walk encompasses all of the highlights of the 4-day walk – including Mt Mistake, ancient Gondwana rainforest, 360-degree views at Bare Rock and arcing ridges near Cunningham’s Gap – and adds the irresistible southern sector of the walk featuring the heights of Mt Mathieson, the secrets of Oakey Creek and the indulgences of Spicers Peak Lodge. Our passionate, knowledgeable guides will happily share the history of the land and the stories of the outdoors with you as you go, making the walk as informative as it is enjoyable. Plus, over the course of the six days you’ll have ample opportunity to relax with a drink in hand, savour a spectacular meal, connect with others in great conversation or simply find a moment breathe in the peace. Your accommodation is a journey in itself and will be an unforgettable highlight of your adventure. For the first 4 nights you will experience the unique and comforting amenities of Mt Mistake Farmhouse, Spicers Amphitheatre, Spicers Timber Getters and Spicers Hidden Peaks. On the following nights, you’ll discover true glamping at Spicers Canopy luxury tents and the pure indulgences of Spicers Peak Lodge. The Spicers Scenic Rim 6-day walk has quickly become an iconic Australian experience. It has cemented its place in the pantheon of Australia’s greatest walks and is a must-do for any discerning walker.
Accommodation that’s a Destination On the Gold Coast
The Langham
With 169 hotel rooms and 170 residences, The Langham, Gold Coast offers a variety of rooms and suites, each presenting a stunning panorama of the Pacific Ocean or the Hinterland.
Sample the finest modern Australian and Chinese cuisine at the hotel’s curated dining destinations, and relax in complete luxury at The Langham’s signature Chuan Spa.
The Dorsett
Welcome to Australia’s first Dorsett hotel
Stylish and Effortless Accommodation in the heart of Broadbeach
Located on Broadbeach Island and forming part of The Star Gold Coast’s world-class entertainment and leisure destination, Dorsett Gold Coast combines the best of stylish inner-city vibrancy and idyllic beachside escape for memorable stays on the Gold Coast. Just 700m from Kurrawa Beach, moments away from Pacific Fair Shopping Centre and adjacent to the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre; work, play and stay in a prime Gold Coast location just 30-minutes from the Gold Coast Airport.
Voco Gold Coast
Sleep better and take a moment to indulge at voco™ Gold Coast.
Discover what makes voco™ reliably different in our luxury Surfers Paradise accommodation, where the finest amenities are enhanced by a personal touch.
Stay close to the beach and Cavill Avenue’s shops, dining and nightlife. Catch the G:link tram from right outside. Ease into holiday mode in our luxury spa, gym and 2 pools. Dine on fresh seafood or premium steaks in gorgeous restaurants that are stylish yet unstuffy. Kick back in plush suites with ocean views, cushy bedding and the latest tech.
The Kooralbyn Valley
Australia’s first integrated resort, for a getaway, play, explore.
Also, the satellite village for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games
at the centre of Scenic Rim,
the top 10 holiday hotspots in the world 2022, ranked by travel bible: Lonely Planet
Getaway from the hustle and bustle to immerse yourself in the heart of the serene Scenic Rim while staying at the largest rammed earth eco-construction in the Southern Hemisphere on 800 acres
Play the championship golf, complimentary lawn bowl, putt-putt, tennis plus an array of activities from the sky to water, or get back to nature with an authentic outback farm experience, a perfect place for families, couples, excursions, golfers, special interest or incentive groups, weddings, conferences and events
Explore the region’s many other attractions within an easy tourist drive following the rim road surrounding the resort, including Wyaralong Dam, Maroon Dam, Mt Maroon, Mt Barney, Mt Lindesay, Vineyards, Camel Farm, Olive Farm, Robotic Dairy Farm just to name a few Content Goes Here