2024 walks and events program
For those new to Horizon Guides – welcome - It will be great to meet you on a walk soon. Horizon Guides has been sharing the Scenic Rim with walkers since 2008 – we love our back yard! Our walks are all about enjoying being outside – observing the worlds about us, learning about the life we encounter, enjoying the views, breathing deeply and carrying some of that peace back home. They are also about learning how to bushwalk safely and managing ourselves in different conditions with small groups of like-minded souls. By hiking regularly, over time, you’ll develop a great repertoire of skills and grow in confidence for future adventures. The Scenic Rim offers a tremendous variety of bushwalking challenges and is an excellent place to truly become a ‘bushwalker’!
As a thank you to our guests we are GIVING AWAY a Helinox Chair ZERO (RRP $199.95) to one lucky person – wow! At only 500gms, this is an accessory you will quickly find is your best friend – and it will stay in your pack and go with you everywhere ? We will draw this on 30 June - so you still have time to enter...
The offer is simple and works as follows:
- Make a reservation and pay for two of the walks in advance.
- The first 25 people to do this will be in the draw to win the chair! You can either drop in to Far Outdoors in Boonah to collect, be united with it on your first bushwalk or we will post it to you.
This program is for our walks from June - November 2024. Most are Sunday walks but look out for the Wednesday ones - lovely mid-week escapes!
Contact us if you have any queries about particular walks or concerns about your ability to participate.
To reserve your walks: Send us an This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your preferred walks and attach your completed reservation form. You can download the PDF reservation / medical consent form and T&Cs from the links below. Don’t take too long to decide as the walks generally book out very quickly (some within a few days!). Once we have received your reservation request we will respond to confirm your booking.
SPOTS AVAILABLE from current program WALK 15: Campbell’s Folly (Private Property) Approx 5 hrs walking + lunch time. GRADE: Challenging – rough off-track. Cliff edges in places.
Sunday 16 June Cost: $95 pp ($10 pp donated to the property owners)
Some places are just magic and ‘The Rock’ property is one of them. Towering above the family home are tremendous cave-dotted cliffs, home to peregrine falcons, rock wallabies and many unique plant species. Geologically it’s part of the Mt Gillies Rhyolite unit, outliers to Mt Barney.
The approach is through rolling green paddocks with awe-inspiring views of Mt Lindesay from every angle. Making our way up the wooded western slope of the peak we eventually reach the top – and the wonderful vista. We return by the same route.
WALK 1: Paddy’s Ridge area explore (Mt Barney NP) Approx 8km 5 – 6 hrs. GRADE: Moderate +
Sunday 30 June Cost: $85 pp
This off-track bushwalk southwest of Mt Maroon to Paddy’s Falls is an adventurous outing in the heart of wild country. We have options for a loop walk that takes in nearby ridges and features. There are interesting cliff areas and magnificent views that you won’t see on a regular excursion into this area. NB We cross Mt Barney Creek near the trail-head at the start and finish of the walk. Note: The trip will suit bush walkers with some experience keen for a real ‘off-track’ adventure. You must be confident walking on natural terrain (no track).
*** JUST 3 PLACES LEFT *** on our Introduction to Navigation Course with Caro Ryan from Lots of Fresh Air - an excellent course for everyone who loves to go bush! 13 - 15 July 2024
WALK 2: Mt Matthieson Circuit (Main Range NP) 8km. Approx. 6 hrs GRADE: Moderate track with some short, steep rough sections.
Sunday 21 July Cost: $95 pp
There is nothing quite as magical as being in the bush as day gives way to the night – especially on a full moon! Mt Matthieson is a favourite circuit walk and one of the most diverse and historically interesting circuits on the Range. Starting at the Spicer’s Gap picnic area near the pioneer grave site the track climbs gradually through rainforest before coming onto a ridgeline of open eucalypt forest. From Mt Matthieson (752m) the track follows a sharp ridge with bird’s eye views of the Great Divide. Small volcanic cliffs add variety with ferns and orchids sheltering in their crevices. Turning southwest the track meanders through rainforest before opening out onto old logging tracks and joining the historic basalt-cobbled pioneer road. This takes us back to the start via the Governors Chair lookout where we will have dinner and watch the moonrise from 5pm. From here it’s about a 30-minute walk to the vehicles.
WALK 3: Waterfall Gorge – Mt Greville (Moogerah Peaks NP) 7+ hrs. GRADE: Challenging. Rough and rocky.
Sunday 4 August Cost: $95
This rugged little peak is one of the gems of the Fassifern. It has such wonderful diversity of habitat, flora and fauna that every turn in the track is a surprise. The route ascends the peak via Waterfall Gorge threading through a jumbled array of rocks between narrow towering cliffs that protect Piccabeen palms and giant White Beech trees. Emerging from the Gorge the route crosses the forested ridge to a magnificent lookout before joining the walking track to the summit. The return route to the vehicles brings us back through heath-land and over rhyolite slabs that support many wildflowers, ferns and orchids and on through open forest to complete the circuit.
WALK 4: Rocky Knoll - Goolman Lookout Circuit, Hardings Paddock. 7.5km 4 - 5 hrs GRADE: Moderate
Sunday 18 August Cost: $85
"The Flinders-Goolman conservation estate is over 1900 hectares in area supporting extensive forests and rugged volcanic peaks and slopes including Flinders Peak, and Mounts Blaine, Catherine and Goolman. The Estate is an important wildlife refuge supporting 136 bird, 25 mammal, 13 reptile and 8 amphibian species as well as 531 different flora species. The multi-user Goolman Lookout trail winds its way to Goolman Lookout where you enjoy spectacular views of Mt Goolman and Ivory's Rock, Scenic Rim and Brisbane. On a clear day, it's possible to see the Pacific Ocean." (Tourism & Events Qld) The trail is wide and straightforward and it's a lovely walk practically on the doorstep of the city.
WALK 5: Boonah Border Gate to Kinnanes Falls (Main Range NP) 7.5km 5 - 6 hrs + travel time. GRADE: Moderate/Challenging OFF TRACK.
Sunday 25 August Cost: $95 pp
Today’s bush walk begins with some very scenic driving to position cars at the end of the walk on the Head Road then driving up Carney’s Creek Road to the Rabbit Fence where we will begin the walk.
The first few kms provides easy going (up and over a couple of knolls) along the Fence with tall forests all around. The point where we begin the descent to Kinnanes has panoramic views across the Fassifern – a good spot to stop for a snack. From here it’s ‘off-track’ all the way and great attention to what’s underfoot will be needed! The grass is long and rocks are plenty… fortunately, the views are splendid and we will pause often enough to enjoy them. Wilson’s Creek is reached via a beautiful grass-tree covered spur and it’s from here that the waters spill over multi-tiered Kinnanes Falls – one of the most beautiful sights in the Main Range. Then it’s a VERY steep descent to the Head Road and our cars.
We can make this a round-trip scenic trip by driving up the Head Road and back to the Border Gate via White Swamp.
WALK 6: Cascades Circuit (Main Range NP – Goomburra) Approx. 6.5km return 5 – 6 hrs. GRADE: Moderate
Sunday 1 Sept Cost: $95 pp
This is a very lovely walk that commences at the Manna Gum camping area and follows the course of Dalrymple Creek up to its headwaters. There is plenty of opportunity to enjoy the cascades and pools along the ascent track. There are some steep sections but there's no rush! The circuit is completed via old logging trails that follow the ridge before dropping steeply back down to the trailhead.
WALK 7: Secret Spring (Mt Maroon foothills) Approx. 10 km 4 - 5 hrs GRADE: Easy / moderate. Through walk on fire trails.
Sunday 8 September Cost: $85 pp
Mt Maroon has many secrets and today we visit a sweet spring that runs tea-coloured clear all year round – even during the deepest drought. Most of our walk is through eucalypt forest and along the way vistas open out on to the peaks and valleys of the Mt Barney area. Being in the foothills the terrain is undulating so you can expect some short ascents and descents. Our walk starts at Cotswold Rd and ends at Mt Barney Creek. A car shuffle is required.
WALK 8: Caves Track – 3km and Gwongoorool Pool – 5.8km return Elev. +/- 250m (Lamington NP – Binna Burra) 6 – 7 hrs GRADE: Moderate (there are many stairs!!)
WEDNESDAY 18 September Cost: $85 pp
What a lovely treat to go for a beautiful bushwalk on a Spring Wednesday! Today is a link up of two of the Lamington’s classic short walks. Beginning near the Binna Burra Teahouse the graded track is an intriguing journey through different forest zones thriving on steep western slopes above the Coomera River valley. As the track loses altitude eons of volcanic geology are revealed culminating in spectacular caves carved out of the escarpment. The track takes us up to the Visitor Centre then onto the Gwongoorool Pool track. This return track culminates in a gorgeous pool on the Coomera River.
WALK 9: Lizard Point (Main Range NP) Approx. 12km / 9 hours return. Steep & rough terrain. Challenging.
Sunday 22 September Cost: $95 pp
Lizard Point juts from the Main Range as a prominent shelf on the skyline north of Mt Roberts. It’s quite a spectacular view-point from which to survey the headwaters of Carneys and Wild Cattle Creeks and many of the peaks of the Fassifern. This ridge walk through dense rainforest is rough and challenging. From Teviot Gap it involves a steep climb following the line of the old rabbit fence to gain the ridgeline and then takes a rough rocky foot track through rainforest and over Mt Roberts (1327m) before the trail brings us out to Lizard Point. We return by the same route.
WALK 10: PROPOSED Pack trek on Rabbit Board Fence. Approx. 45km over 3 days Easy/moderate.
Saturday 5 - Monday 7 October. COST: TBA
We are taking expressions of interest in this fun trek involving self-supported hiking - that is carrying all your own kit! A great introduction to multi-day pack walking in a supportive environment.
WALK 11: Dave’s Creek Circuit (Lamington NP, Binna Burra Section) 12 km Approx. 5 – 6hrs. Moderate.
WEDNESDAY 16 October Cost: $85
This walk is a wonderful introduction to the botanical diversity of the eastern Lamington Plateau and the geology on which it thrives. Beginning on the Border Track the track “descends through the head of Kurraragin Valley out into Daves Creek country. The circuit passes through several distinctive vegetation types: warm and cool subtropical rainforest along the Border Track; warm temperate rainforest, containing many examples of ancient angiosperms such as coachwood Ceratopetalum apetalum, in Nixon Creek's headwaters; and wet sclerophyll forest with giant New England ash Eucalyptus campanulata.” (NPRSR track note) Besides the vegetation, panoramic views and interesting geologic features such Molongolee Cave and Surprise Rock make this walk intriguing at every turn.
A variant for the return trip will take us off the Border Track along the Tullawallal Track to stand in an ancient grove of Antarctic Beech (Nothofagus moorei).
TASSIE TRACKS: Southern Sojourn To round out your year of walking why not join our 10 day Tassie Tracks: Southern Sojourn 9 -18 November! Full details are almost finalised... our itinerary takes in iconic walks at Tasman Peninsula - Huon Valley - Bruny Island. Carry only a day-pack - head down to Tassie this summer and breath deep of that glorious southern air!
NB Please remember the program is SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS, including adverse weather forecasts, at the discretion of our guides.
ABOUT OUR WALKS Our day-long eco-interpreted bushwalks are open to anyone with an urge to get out and experience the magnificent Scenic Rim region – and beyond. Groups are small and walks are spaced out to allow time for recovery (and training) for the next walk. You can do as many or few walks as you wish but bear in mind that it’s a good idea to keep up regular walking in between to maintain fitness for the next hike. The hikes offer a range of challenges so read the notes carefully before reserving your place.
These are group hikes and natural history interpretation is an integral part of the guided experience. You are expected to stay with the group. These are NOT fast-paced races to a destination! No drones please.
Our aim is to get out and explore the many facets of our amazing region, note the changes and develop a deeper understanding of the natural richness on our doorstep and, of course, become walking fit with a wonderful group of like-minded bushwalkers.
The nature of the Scenic Rim terrain means that there are few ‘easy’ walks on graded trails. The majority of routes feature uneven ground and ascents and descents, often with rocky sections. The gradients are sometimes very steep. We always allow plenty of time to complete walks so that there is not the necessity to speed through walks or to feel you are not keeping up.
PLEASE NOTE: Participants transport themselves to the start of the walk after meeting at the pre-arranged rendezvous point for the day. (Usually an optional car pool is arranged on the day.) Details of the meeting place and times are emailed one week prior to the walk, along with the names of fellow walkers and a list of necessary items to bring.
Come walking with Horizon Guides this season!
See you all very soon - yours in bushwalking.
Yours Guides,
Teresa and Sally