walk

6 Day

Grading: Moderate to Hard
Up to 18km/per day
From $7158* pp

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 eco accommodation nightly and superb food and wine. Experience the mountains of the Scenic Rim and UNESCO Gondwana Rainforest as you crisscross National Park and Spicers private land on this iconic journey.
Helpful tips & information
Group Size
Small groups of max 12
General info
A good level of fitness and stability is required

Accommodation

Trail info

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival Day

Meeting time: Meet your guide/s and fellow walkers at 2.30pm at reception

Meeting Location: Spicers Hidden Vale located at 617 Grandchester Mount Mort Road ,Grandchester.

Check-in at 2pm, we recommend checking in and taking your luggage to your room before meeting your Guide/s and group at 2.30pm at reception.

If you are self-driving, upon arrival take the lower entrance onto the unsealed road and park along the wooden fence. Undercover parking is not available. If this is a concern, we can assist in arranging transfers.

Transfers to / from Brisbane can be arranged.

Packing List

Frequently Asked Questions

To gain a full understanding behind the Scenic Rim Trail and founder Jude Turner’s passion for land, conservation and nature the signature 6 day walk would not be complete without a visit to the Hidden Vale Wildlife Research Centre.

Your Guide/s will walk you over to the centre sharing history about Old Hidden Vale Station and the Retreat as you go. The walk is just 15 – 20 minutes.

At the Wildlife Centre you’ll get to see the interpretation room and your Guide/s will share information past, present and future about the conservation work being undertaken by the Turner Family Foundation.

To find out more visit the Turner Family Foundation website.

 

 

Once back at the retreat you have some leisure time before a group dinner in Homage restaurant at 6pm.

Your breakfast and coffee order will be taken at dinner ready for the next morning.

Day 2
Grading: Moderate to hard
12km
To Spicers Mt Mistake

Breakfast will be at 7am in Homage.

Please come packed and ready to go with your luggage and all gear. You can place your bags on the front deck while you have breakfast.

If you had any items from the mini bar or beverages during your stay at Spicers Hidden Vale they will be automatically charged to your credit card upon check-out and a receipt sent by email.

We will meet at reception at approx. 7.45am (or as advised by your guides) before a prompt 8am departure.

You will depart in the 4WD bus to the start of the trail, which is a 40 min drive. There is a bathroom at the start of the trail.

From here you will start on your first day of hiking!

Today’s trail

Today’s trail is approximately 12 km on Grade 4 and 5 trails. Trails will be long, rough and steep in sections. You will use the natural rock to navigate some sections with your guides safely leading the way.

Day one is an adventurous day that sees you climb up the Mistake Mountain Range with a 600m ascent. The ecosystem is dry sclerophyll forest with incredible views afforded throughout the day.

A highlight is the 16m rock ladder, which you’ll be safely harnessed to. If you have a grave fear of heights or any concerns about climbing the ladder, there is an alternative trail.

Birds of prey The edge of the escarpment is a favourite for birds of prey including the Wedge Tailed Eagle.
Arrive at Camp

You will arrive at Spicers Mt Mistake at approximately 3:30pm where you will be welcomed with a cool drink, afternoon tea and a great sense of achievement.

From here the afternoon is at your leisure.

Your group will gather together for the daily briefing where your guides will provide you with key information for the next day including communicating breakfast and departure times.

Please note that timings may change depending on weather and conditions.

Share style dinner will be served at 6pm, followed by time spent relaxing by the fire.

Day 3
Grading: Moderate
18 km
To Spicers Amphitheatre

Breakfast is served at 6.45am with tea and coffee available earlier.

After breakfast you will pack your luggage and make your final preparations for the day.

Your guides will provide you with your lunches and show you where to refill your water bottles.

You’ll walk out of camp at 8am.

Times may vary depending on the time of year and conditions.

Today’s trail

Today’s trail is approximately 18km largely on a Grade 3 trail – a formed track with some obstacles and some short, steep hills.

The final hour of the day is spent on a Grade 5, unformed track. The terrain is rough, unmarked and filled with natural beauty.

You’ll start the day with a climb before entering World Heritage Listed Gondwana Rainforest. This will be your first encounter of this natural wonder and a taste of what’s to come. Emerging from the rainforest, you’ll join a former logging road.

In the final section of the day you’ll step deep into the rainforest on a private Grade 5 trail that takes you into camp.

Arrive at camp

Arrive at camp with a great sense of achievement and take a moment to relax on the viewing deck.

Your guides will take you up to your treehouse-like cabin, giving you an orientation and briefing for the incredible camp you find yourself in.

There are two communal wash pavilions and after a well-earned shower you are welcome to make your way to the lounge to relax.

We recommend enjoying the sunset at the viewing deck before is served at 6pm.

Suggestion You may wish to leave the tilt door in your cabin open overnight and enjoy the sounds of the forest.
Day 4
Grading: Moderate
16km
To Spicers Timber Getters

Each cabin has a yoga mat, so feel free to stretch out on your private balcony or take your mat down to the viewing deck and enjoy some morning relaxation before breakfast.

Following your morning routine of breakfast, packing and getting organised you’ll walk out at 8am.

Today’s trail

Today’s walk entails Grade 3, Grade 4 and Grade 5 trails. The total distance is approximately 16 km.

We start the day with a relatively flat warm up as we make our way up the access road, enjoying the sounds of the rainforest birds as we go.

This initial track can sometimes get muddy, so you may have to skirt your way around some puddles as we make our way along the track.

As we descend into the valley, we become enveloped by rainforest. Approximately half of today’s walk is on Grade 5 trail. Your guides will lead the way on the unmarked trails.

You’ll ascend down some rocky boulder sections that will require you to crouch down and move slowly. The pace is slower as you take care with your footing, navigating the tree roots and rocky sections.

Arrive at camp

The last section of the day offers a climb up to camp where your hosts will be waiting to welcome you to Spicers Timber Getters Eco Cabins.

Architecturally, the camp is the same as Spicers Amphitheatre, however each has a unique interior and exterior.

Formally a loggers camp, you can view the old tin shed that once housed loggers, or ‘timber getters’, of the era.

Gather in the lounge for your daily briefing ahead of dinner at 6pm.

Day 5
Grading: Moderate
16km
To Spicers Hidden Peaks Cabins

The birdlife at Spicers Timbergetters is particularly beautiful at dawn.

Following your morning routine of breakfast, packing and gathering our gear for the day, we will walk out at 8am.

Today’s trail

Today’s walk entails Grade 3, Grade 4 and Grade 5 trail and is approximately 16 km. You’ll start the day with a heartwarming climb up the fire trail past an old pine plantation. Once at the top, you’ll head deep into the rainforest on Grade 5 track. We come across some huge rainforest trees with buttresses five feet tall.

Once again, the pace is slower as  you take care with your footing while navigating the tree roots and rocky sections. Emerging from deep in the rainforest, you’ll scramble over Bare Rock. This spectacular location offers 360 degree views on a clear day.

From here, you’ll join the commonly used public trail where you may pass fellow walkers, not many of whom will ever venture where you have just been. In the final section of the trail the modern world comes into earshot as you hear trucks carrying goods from the coast to the west.

A vehicle will be waiting for you at the end of the trail ready to transfer you to Spicers Hidden Peaks.

Arrive at Camp

The drive is approximately 15 minutes to camp where you will be greeted and shown to your handcrafted log cabin, each with its own ensuite bathroom.

After you have rested and settled into camp, gather around the fire pit to share stories and your favourite memories from the trip so far. Enjoy a hearty dinner in the lodge.

Day 6
Grading: Moderate
12 km
To Spicers Canopy

Breakfast at 7am before being transferred by bus to the starting of today’s walk.

Today’s trail

You’ll be transferred by bus to Cunningham’s Gap, from where you’ll climb the twin summits of Mt Mitchell. The steady ascent rewards more breathtaking views of the southern ridges and escarpments of the Main Range National Park.

Once taking in the expansive views from the top we descend into Spicers private Nature Refuge crossing creek beds and the farmlands of Peak Station to walk directly into Spicers Canopy.

The twin peaks of Mt Mitchell is an iconic feature along the Scenic Rim Trail and a popular stand alone hike. Our 12km trail takes you over the summit with sweeping views of the southerly end of the Main Range and beyond through Spicers Nature refuge and onto Peak Station where Spicers Canopy awaits.

Arrive at Camp

After arriving at Spicers Canopy enjoy a well-earned shower and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in your glamping-style tent, lounging in the main lodge savoring the aroma of the evening dinner being prepared, or enjoy a soak in the outdoor hot tub overlooking farmland paddocks with the summits of Mt Cordeaux and Mt Mitchell basking in the warm sunset glow.

Day 7
Grading: Moderate
8km
To Spicers Peak Lodge

If the weather is clear, we highly recommend getting up early and watching the sun rise over the mountains.

Enjoy breakfast at camp from 7am before setting off for a morning hike exploring private land, beautiful creeks and possibly spot a koala if you are lucky.

You will return to camp late morning in time to change (and shower if you would like) before driving to Spicers Peak Lodge for lunch at approximately 1pm.

Your guides will bid you farewell allowing you to relax into your time at Spicers Peak Lodge.

An afternoon of relaxed luxury

Spend the afternoon exploring Spicers Peak Lodge at your leisure or opt for one of our guided experiences. If relaxation after six days of hiking is what you’re after, book your moment of serenity at Spa Anise and indulge in one of our luxurious treatments.

In the evening, enjoy a drink or two beside the fire pit followed by an indulgent dinner at The Peak restaurant.

Your group will be booked to dine together however if you prefer to have some time to yourself, please don’t hesitate to advise the team at Spicers Peak Lodge on arrival to arrange a different sitting time.

Day 8
Spicers Peak Lodge

Enjoy a morning of serenity at Spicers Peak Lodge including breakfast and perhaps one last walk around the stunning surrounds of the property, saying good morning to the highland cows.

Helicopter transfer

At 10:30am, your helicopter transfer will arrive at the Lodge for your return journey to Spicers Hidden Vale. There is one helicopter that will take you in groups so if you are on a second or third rotation you can enjoy a little more time at Spicers Peak Lodge. Your luggage will travel with you.

The pilot will trace the hiking trail from the sky allowing you to see the vast beauty of the entire Main Range giving you a further sense of what you have achieved on your journey.

For safety reasons, the size of the group and overall weight needs to be accounted for in determining the number of Heli rotations required.

If you have arranged private vehicle transfers, you will be collected from Spicers Hidden Vale.

If you are flying out from Brisbane, please book an afternoon flight of 2pm or later.

Inclusions

  • From $7,158 pp twin share
  • From $8,887 solo traveller
  • Plus, optional $600 luggage porterage

2025 Tour includes:

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 6 days hiking with experienced guides
  • Dinner and breakfast at Spicers Hidden Vale
  • All meals on the walk – breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks
  • All-inclusive stay at Spicers Peak Lodge
  • One-way scenic helicopter transfer on final morning

Tea and coffee included with a selection of beverages (alcoholic & non) available for purchase. Your final night at Spicers Peak Lodge includes beverages and complimentary mini bar.

*The Spicers Peak Lodge all-inclusive package provides meals and most beverages (Cellar master wines and premium cocktails are available at an extra cost) as is the day spa and optional paid activities.

$500 non-refundable per person deposit required at time of booking. Date changes permitted free of charge up to 61 days in advance. Cancellation fee is $500 per person up to 61 days in advance. Full payment is required 60 days in advance. Changes between 60 and 31 days in advance incur a $100 per person change fee plus any additional rate difference. Within 30 days of departure changes cannot be made. Travel insurance is highly recommended to protect yourself against unforeseen events. All change requests must be received in writing.  Click here to view full terms & conditions.

Departures

April - 2025

6-Day Walk

Tuesday, 22 April 2025

10 spots remaining

June - 2025

6-Day Walk

Tuesday, 10 June 2025

8 spots remaining

September - 2025

6-Day Walk

Tuesday, 2 September 2025

The whole experience exceeded our expectations. The guides, Kate and Harley, were knowledgeable, passionate about the trail and environment, and just good fun to be around for the entire trip. They are the best guides I have ever experienced. The uniqueness of our accommodation at the end of each day was special, and made even more so by the hospitality waiting for us. We loved that all accommodation had king sized beds, a definite luxury when hiking. Waking up each morning to sunrises, bird song and a unique outlook was worth less sleep. The food along the whole trail was exceptional, we loved that everything was sustainably sourced, grown or made locally if possible. The staff at each location along the trail were also wonderful, especially Marisa. We are glad we booked the 6 Day Walk; to have the full experience was worthwhile. The inclusion of two nights at Spicers Peak Lodge added another dimension with luxury lodge accommodation, fine dining and some unique experiences too. We loved ending with the helicopter trip back over the trail we had walked and to see that ladder we had climbed on the first day, it was truly breathtaking. Lastly, the company of our fellow travellers who we are now connected with, is special, we had a small group which was fantastic.
— Susan, 6 Day Walker
The whole experience was fantastic and all the staff worked tirelessly to make our stay amazing. A big shout out for our trail guides Harley and Kate who were knowledgeable informative and fun to be around. Completed June 2024. Likelihood to recommend 10/10.
— Terry, Sunshine Coast, 6-day
There were many great moments! We had Kate and Harley as guides, and they were amazing. Nothing was too much for them. They were highly professional, engaging and knowledgeable, and we always felt safe with them despite some difficult sections. I couldn't recommend them enough! The food was also unbelievable. A well thought out and considered menu and more than enough even for hungry hikers. Even the helicopter pilot, Brett from Executive Helicopters was great. Our land transport from Hidden Vale to Brisbane was booked on the wrong day and he simply offered to fly us to his base in Brisbane! What more could you ask for! Thanks for a great experience. Completed June 2024. Likelihood to recommend 10/10.
— Mark, Sydney, 6 day walker