Bluap

The Lost World Valley truly is a land of changing moods and dramatic vistas. Rainbows arc over the mountains as if painted on the scenery! Those that live and work here are treated to this glorious scene every day ... now you too can stay a while and turn your whole attention to this special place.

JUST TWO PLACES LEFT- CONTACT US NOW TO BOOK!

'Art at Worendo' returns for 2024 ... once again on Mother's Day weekend. What a perfect way to treat your mum - or yourself - to a weekend of peaceful creativity.

A day of art is lovely but sometimes it's important to take a proper break and really observe our gorgeous landscapes - one of the best ways to do this is to actually stop. And breathe. And find your creative flow ... Even if you are a true beginner, or you tell yourself you don't have an artistic bone in your body ... don't worry ... artist and teacher Glynn Kelly is here to guide you to create something lovely ?

Our program of immersion in landscape and art in the heartland of the Lost World valley is a collaborative event between artist and teacher Glynn Kelly and Horizon Guides; staying at the award winning Worendo Cottages. Glynn will guide you in learning the basics of drawing, ink and water colour technique. For beginners, or those wishing to develop their practice: you will be so thrilled with the images you create. All meals are provided - from afternoon tea on arrival to lunch on Sunday. Take some time out to breath in the gloriously wild Scenic Rim!

Don't miss out on this annual event... click This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve your place.

We meet at Worendo at 2pm on Friday 10 May  and the program ends at 3pm on Sunday 12 May 2024

Price: $1,375 pp twin share. Shared bathrooms.
A $500 deposit required to confirm your place.
Numbers are limited to 10 participants, with a minimum of 6.
Reservation form and packing list will be emailed on enquiry.
All meals are included from afternoon tea on Friday to lunch on Sunday (any dietary restrictions must be advised on booking)
Art lessons and materials included. (you are welcome to bring your own if you wish)
Access to scenic spots near to Worendo (to draw and paint) are part of the weekend program. Where we go depends on weather and group interest.
Expect there to be some easy bush walking with sketchbook in hand.
Transport is not provided - allow time to enjoy this scenic trip to Worendo at your leisure!

About Glynn: training in water colour painting as part of the Architecture course at UNSW, led to a lifetime of sketching and painting and to teaching art at high school level. Glynn has a particular love of Plein Air painting which combines his passion for the Australian landscape and art. To see some of his Plein Air work check Glynn's Instagram account @glynn7115  In 2021 Glynn won the Sunshine Coast Plein Air Art prize.

We are proud to offer this program in our glorious Scenic Rim region ~ named by Lonely Planet as among the World's Top 10  places to visit in 2022!

Please join us for this very special event. If you have any questions or concerns just give me a call 0417 760 966

Yours in creativity!

Teresa and Glynn

ABOUT OUR WALKS Our eco-interpreted bushwalks are open to anyone with an urge to get out and experience the magnificent Scenic Rim region – and beyond.

This is a guided group trek 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.

Come - walk and create with Horizon Guides this season! 

Feel like you need a long walk in high places?  Treat yourself to a very special Scenic Rim journey this walk season!
The Border country between Queensland and NSW offers many magnificent and intriguing walking opportunities. Our three-day adventure traces the watershed along the spine of the McPherson Range. Taking in remote sections of the historic Rabbit Board Fence this route is one that few people know but the stories from history resonate at every turn and the modern settlers have tales to tell. The forests are lush and alive with bush fragrance, rich colours and birdsong, including the elusive Albert’s Lyrebird.
Ben Allmon, author of The Black and White Braid books, will be our guest guide on the walk - his story telling of real people and places will linger long in your memories.
The journey is vehicle supported, so you need only carry a day pack with personal gear for each day. Camps are on private property where we will be the only guests.

Day 1 (Approx. 11km) The first day begins in the foothills east of towering Mt Lindesay. The Old Highway Road is but a dirt track through grassy paddocks leading to King George Gate and into NSW. To the south lies the Border Ranges NP. Turning left along the Rabbit Board Fence, the roller coaster trail stretches on through many forest types with spectacular viewpoints.
 
Skirting the precipitous peak of Glennies Chair we arrive at a palm-fringed oasis for morning tea. A short steep climb brings us back to the Fence and our trail rolls on through eucalypt forests and magnificent sections of rainforest. On our northern side, part of Mt Barney NP protects the steep upper catchments flowing to Palen Creek.
 
Descending from the Fence the track brings us to a lush Rabbit Board Reserve paddock where we’ll enjoy lunch and cuppa before heading down a steep spur to meet with our support van for the short drive to Campbell’s Folly, our campsite for the evening. Clyde and Kym Bignall beautifully maintain this piece of paradise and warmly welcome us to their place.
 
Day 2 (Approx. 12km) The dawn chorus of birds and a hot cuppa by the campfire sets the tone for the second day of our walk. After packing lunch and enjoying a hearty breakfast prepared by our hosts we return to where we left off yesterday for the invigorating climb back up to the Fence. Much of this section is through rainforest at altitudes ranging from 650m to 782m. There are some spectacular outlooks and some challenging ‘Big Dippers’ as the Fence dives down steep slopes to a saddle below then climbs back up again to regain the meters lost!
Soon after this we pass through private property and take in panoramic views over the Finger Lime orchards. From here we can look back and trace the ranges that we’ve traversed since beginning our walk.
Continuing on the fence we take an access road that brings us to Wild Mountains camp - a welcome sight! Richard and Susan Zoomers are our hosts here and they will give us a tour around before we settle in to our tents and relax around the campfire until 'sundowners', then dinner, a short stroll away in the main hall.
 
Day 3 (Approx.16km) After a hearty breakfast and a fond farewell we retrace our steps from the previous afternoon and greet our now-familiar Fence. This part of the trail is adjacent to Lever’s Plateau in the Border Ranges NP and small sections of Chinghee NP on the Queensland side. Long Creek rises here and on our way we pass the cascades and ravines of Long Falls. Our rollercoaster walk continues with many knolls and saddles to cross however we are loosing altitude all the way down to the Lion’s Road on the Qld/NSW Border. Spectacular views open up to the east as we enter the cleared farmland overlooking Running Creek Road and the Brisbane – Sydney Railway line far below us. Shortly before we end our long walk we cross the railway tunnel beneath the mountain. The Fence continues on past Mount Gipps from Richmond Gap however we will farewell it here and board our van for the return trip to Boonah.

Cost: $TBA per person ex. Boonah Qld $500 deposit required.
Includes: Walking eco-guide, Story guide and tour support guide, all meals (from lunch Day 1 to lunch Day 3), sunset drinks (wine/beer/non-alcoholic) and cheese platter both evenings, use of private camp sites with hot showers, vehicle support and return transport from Boonah.

Special Notes:
- There are many sharp ascents and descents (no stairs) that may not suit a person with knee or other physical issues or heart conditions. Trekking poles are recommended.
- Personal overnight gear is transported to the bush campsites at Campbell's Folly and Wild Mountains. Camping information and a comprehensive packing list will be provided on booking.
- Special dietary requests will be catered for with notice. Meals at Wild Mountains are all vegetarian.

Please respond by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to make a reservation and receive further details.

Guest numbers are strictly limited to nine people. Your reservation request will be confirmed by return email, then you will receive a booking form as well as a medical consent form. These forms must be competed and signed then returned to Horizon Guides via post or email, along with confirmation of deposit.
In the event that the walk is already fully booked you will be placed on a waiting list for this adventure.

Yours in bushwalking,
Teresa

ABOUT OUR WALKS Our eco-interpreted bushwalks are open to anyone with an urge to get out and experience the magnificent Scenic Rim region – and beyond.

This is a guided group trek 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.

Come walking with Horizon Guides this season! 

SPRING CREEK MOUNTAIN TRAIL

This walk is a beauty - following the Rabbit Board Fence for approximately 35km from near Killarney to the foothills of Wilson's Peak. There are views you might know well but from a refreshing new perspective - tracing the crest of the mountains allows an eagle-eye view - far better than those from a car seat. At an elevation around 1000m the days and nights are cooler than the valley making for great walking conditions.

There's a steep start but after this the open trail and mostly moderate gradients allow for relaxed walking and conversation. Rolling along beside the fence and passing through open forests and tall timbers, lush farmland and World Heritage Rainforest this trail is simply lovely.

DAY 1 Saturday 29 April

Walk:             Killarney Border Gate to Smith’s Farm Approx 12km. Moderate

Trans:            Ex Boonah. Transfer to walk start (approx. 115km)

                      Transfer from Smith’s Farm to Kinkuna

Accom:           Kinkuna Bunkhouse (shared room and facilities)

Meals:             L D

Nestled in the heart of the Scenic Rim, Boonah is where we meet before boarding our van for the drive across Cunningham’s Gap via the Settler’s Route to Killarney on the western side of the Main Range. After a break in Killarney we drive out of town to the starting point for this three-day walk along a section of the historic Darling Downs-Moreton Rabbit Board Fence. It’s a steep start, with a 300-metre elevation gain to crest the plateau! The track then eases into more rolling terrain through open Eucalypt forest with extensive views across Acacia Plateau and Koreelah into NSW and north to Mount Colliery and the Condamine Gorge. The Fence traces the QLD-NSW Border passing through farmland and rainforest by turns.

Arriving at Smith’s Farm, Mal – third generation farmer on this land - takes us to visit his favourite trees in the old growth rainforest on the family property. From here it’s just a short drive to our accommodation at Kinkuna.

DAY 2 Sunday 30 April

Walk:              Smith’s Farm to Carr’s Lookout Approx. 13km Moderate

Trans:             Kinkuna to Smith’s Farm to Kinkuna

Accom:            Kinkuna Bunkhouse

Meals:             BLD

Birdsong replaces alarms this morning as we enjoy our first cuppa of the day. After a hearty breakfast and packing our lunch we head back to Smith’s Farm and re-gain the Fence. Today’s walk again follows the Fence over undulating country with ever-changing views bounded by lush pastures. Koreelah NP is our companion on the NSW side of the fence lending a rich green backdrop to the views.

After lunch the views open up spectacularly across the Head as we make our way through farmland with the views all around. It’s not far from here back to Kinkuna for our final evening together.

DAY 3 Monday 1 May

Walk:              Carr’s Lookout to the White Swamp Border Gate. Approx. 10km Moderate + challenging downhill section

Trans:             Transfer to Boonah.

Meals:             BL

As we follow the fence in Queensland we can reach out and touch Koreelah NP in NSW. Established in 1999 the park covers 53sq km. Its creek flats, steep hillsides and deep valleys support a rich variety of habitats from wet and dry Eucalypt forests to cool sub-tropical rainforests featuring Black Booyong, Yellow Carrabeen, Rosewood, towering Hoop Pines and Giant Stinging Trees. This World Heritage Park is also part of the Scenic Rim Important Bird Area, identified as such by BirdLife International. Over 110 bird species are found here including Alberts Lyrebird, Noisy Pitta and Wompoo Fruit Dove. The songs from the forest will be our sound track on the walk from here on.

After an hour or so of easy walking the plateau suddenly narrows as the volcanic cliffs of the escarpment become prominent. The fence dives off the edge but we leave it for a short distance to wind down to the Head Road, re-joining the fence at the Moss Garden. There is very steep decent here before easier ground is reached. There are a couple of climbs over forested knolls but overall we are now headed downhill and the rainforest gives way to tall Eucalypts. Views through the trees reveal the slopes of Mt Superbus and Head Road and signal that our walk is coming to an end. At the White Swamp Border Gate our van meets us for the trip back to Boonah but not before we share lunch and a cuppa nearby.

GUIDES

Based in Boonah, Teresa Cause founded Horizon Guides in 2007 in response to the need for a specialised bushwalking guide service. Teresa grew up in remote regions of Australia and has a background in outdoor and environmental education, with a particular passion for natural history.  Teresa's extensive guiding experience includes tours in Australia and overseas. The Scenic Rim has been her home since 1995 and she loves to share this wonderful place with walkers of all ages. Teresa is also the proprietor of Far Outdoors in Boonah.

Sally Undery has spent a lifetime walking and on horseback in the rich country beneath the formidable west-facing escarpments of Lamington National Park. With her husband she was a dairy farmer for most of her adult life until they ceased this profession in recent times. Always acutely aware of being a caretaker of the land Sally is now sharing this love of the land with walkers of all abilities. To walk with Sally around the landscapes of the Scenic Rim is a special experience. Her passion for nature and way of sharing stories - ancient and contemporary - will stay with you long after the day is done.

GENERAL TOUR NOTES:

Accommodation: Kinkuna – a place of gathering with many conversations - began life as the Ferndale Provisional School, which opened on 9 November 1948. In 1953 it became The Falls State School was subsequently closed on 26 August 1974. It’s set on a peaceful 2.5acres and was for some time the home of the local Girl Guides group.

If you prefer to camp you are welcome to BYO a tent and find a spot outdoors near the facilities.

Bev Ruskey (former owner and chef at Spring Creek Mountain Café and Cottages) is our in-house chef! All meals and snacks are provided from lunch on the first to lunch on the last day.

Special dietary needs must be advised on booking. Our accommodation is remote and no stores are nearby.

Packing List A detailed packing list will be emailed upon booking.

Laundry With such a short tour there should not be the need to do laundry however it is recommended to pack a small amount of washing detergent for hand washing.

Happy Hour On our first night there will be happy hour before dinner with a complementary wine/beer/non-alcoholic beverage served with a cheese platter. You are more than welcome to bring your favourite beverages for the second evening (limited fridge space available).

Daily briefings Each evening there will be a briefing on the walk or options for the following day as well as a re-cap at breakfast.

Mobile Phone Coverage There is adequate mobile phone coverage at some places along the walk. Emergency access via 112 is more available.

TRACK NOTES:

What do we carry? All you will carry is a daypack with personal items and your lunch. All other luggage etc is transported in the trailer with the van.

Distances and track section times The distance we cover is approximately 35km. We are travelling this distance on foot unless the weather or other environmental factors prevent safe walking conditions. Where indicated the time taken for each section is approximate.

Grading Most of the track is graded Moderate. There are some more challenging sections where the gradient is steep. One of these is an ascent and the other a descent. Refer to daily notes for grading on each section.

Shortening walks. For those who don’t feel up to hiking on any given day you are more than welcome to travel in the van - one of the best aspects of a vehicle-supported walking holiday!

Toilets There are NO toilet facilities during the day hikes. We follow Leave No Trace principles and these will be outlined to you at the beginning of the trip.

Track direction is from west to east taking a roughly northeast direction.

Weather Mountain weather can be quite changeable in the region. Unless conditions are particularly hazardous we will walk even in rainy weather. Make sure you have a quality rain jacket with a decent hood.

Steps There is quite a lot of ‘up and down’ on this walk and it may not be suitable for anyone with knee conditions.

Hydration / Water It is recommended to carry 2 litres of water in 1litre containers per day.

Snakes and other fauna hazards Snakes are common the area but not often seen. Of more general concern are paralysis ticks that may be associated with such conditions as Lyme-like diseases. Preventing bites can be done by using a good repellent and avoiding sitting in loose leaf litter. Leaches are also a ‘feature’ of these forests.

We are looking forward to sharing the Spring Creek Mountain Trail with you soon!