Brisbane & the Scenic Rim

Explore Brisbane and the Scenic Rim and its rural mountains

Often passed over for other destinations in jam-packed Queensland, subtropical capital city Brisbane and the Scenic Rim on its rural mountainous outskirts deserve a longer stay and closer inspection.

Australia’s third most populous city has the most varied topography of all Australian capitals. Cleaved by the winding Brisbane River, and sundered by the landscape’s shifting elevations, Brisbane’s neighbourhoods have developed distinct personalities. Small and walkable, the CBD is packed with history. South Bank has a popular man-made swimming beach, while edgy Fortitude Valley buzzes with shops, restaurants and clubs. The Valley is linked to upscale Kangaroo Point by the heritage-listed Story Bridge, Australia’s longest steel cantilever span.

Just an hour into the city’s lush hinterland, the Scenic Rim brims with brilliant national parks, bountiful native wildlife as well as outstanding food and wine. Comprised of a semi-circular group of volcanic mountains, Scenic Rim offers a plethora of outdoor opportunities plus the kind of authentic rural hospitality which sees locals happily yakking with you at the pub.

Highlights

Multi-cultural Brisbane, Australia’s third largest city
Iconic Story Bridge
Vibrant South Bank with its museums, galleries and busy Streets Beach
Queen Street Mall and the informative Museum of Brisbane in the CBD
Trendy Fortitude Valley, home to restaurants, bars and cafes
The Scenic Rim, an outstanding food and wine region
Peerless views of Queensland’s Great Dividing Range
Gateway to six national parks including the World Heritage-listed Main Range National Park and diverse Lamington National Park
Native Australian wildlife including koalas, kangaroos and cockatoos
Countless outdoor activities from golf to horseback riding and hot air ballooning

Activities

Visit the little Museum of Brisbane in the art deco City Hall for a back-story on early settlement. Walk across or better yet, climb Story Bridge – neither is for the faint of heart. Follow some of the Scenic Rim’s many picturesque trails – Tamborine Mountain National Park alone has nine. Take a hot air balloon over the mountainous landscape or tee off amid wild kangaroos. Refuel at one of the many acclaimed waterfront restaurants on Eagle Street Pier or stop in at a traditional country pub for a hearty meal and tap beer.

Getting there

Brisbane is serviced by regular direct flights from all major Australian cities and regional hubs, as well as many international destinations in Asia and the Middle East. The Scenic Rim is a well-developed mountainous region located an hour inland from Brisbane, best explored by car.

Combine with

Brisbane and the Scenic Rim are easily combined with the aptly named Sunshine Coast, where many Brisbane locals spend their holidays. Alternatively, head further north to Cairns, gateway to Great Barrier Reef and the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest.

Brisbane city sky line walking across bridge

Brisbane & the Scenic Rim Itineraries

A personalised itinerary takes into account your individual travel style, budget and special interests. To get you started on deciding what you may want to do and see we have compiled a range of suggested itineraries and inspirations in case you are travelling as a family, on a honeymoon or enjoy more physical activity. Below are some of our most popular sample tour in Queensland.

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Scenic Rim Trail

5 or 8 days

Take in the tranquillity of Queensland’s Scenic Rim on this moderately challenging 6 day accommodated walking adventure.

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Accommodation in Brisbane & the Scenic Rim

Below is our range of luxury accommodation that you can stay at, in Queensland. Please contact us for availabilty

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Spicers Hidden Vale

Scenic Rim

Spicers Hidden Vale is a gem, an escape just an hour’s drive from Brisbane that combines the style and comfort of a luxury retreat with the warmest of country welcomes.

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