Bluap

Hello wonderful Horizon Guides bushwalkers!

For those new to Horizon Guides – welcome and thank you for subscribing. It will be great to meet you on a walk soon. At last – some chill in the mornings and lovely autumn days … makes the feet itchy!

Here is a grand list of bushwalks – some you will notice are already published – thank you for all the reservations.

All the new walks are added in to this list. There are some new areas for us (eg White Rock) that are closer to the city. With the obvious cost of living increases it’s good to have some walks that are not such long drive.

Car Pooling is more important than ever so we’ll encourage this where possible. With permission, we can connect you with others on your walk so you can explore the option to share travel.

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To help you offset the cost of travel we have a special autumn offer.

Book and pay now for any THREE walks and pay only $85/walk!!

A total of $255 (saving you $45) is required on booking.

Please note that you may only take up this offer ONCE. It also excludes any extra payment required for walks on private property. Payment for other walks will be due as usual two weeks prior to the day.

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Read on … here are our bush walks for May – October. Book NOW by sending us an This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the walks you wish to reserve.

1. Monday 4 May (Labour Day) Mt Gipps via the Rabbit Board Fence from Richmond Gap. 9km return Elevation gain/loss 425m around 5hrs. GRADE: Moderate +

Cost: $100pp

This is a straightforward walk though it’s got some sharp hills so we will take our time. Beginning at Richmond Gap where the Lion’s Road crosses to NSW we walk east on the Qld side of the Border beside the historic Darling Downs-Moreton Rabbit Board Fence. Traces of history are a feature of the walk though it’s the vistas that will most often capture your attention! Tall trees dwarf the walker and there are splendid views north across Christmas Creek and to Lamington NP.

2. Sunday 17 May Cleared Ridge – Upper Portals Circuit. (Mt Barney NP) Approx 12km 6 + hrs Moderate/Challenging

Cost: $100 pp

Today’s walk begins on Cleared Ridge overlooking the Burnett Valley. We follow the ridge along the firebreak until it becomes a foot track, threading down between boulders in open forest. There are great views of Mt Barney and surrounding peaks. The trail brings us to a small saddle above the Upper Portals waterhole – where you may like to take a dip! From here we head back up to the saddle and down to the upstream side of the portals. After lunch we follow Barney Creek up to the junction with Yamarah Creek. Return to the vehicles is via the fire trail in the valley floor – with a steep climb to finish!

** The public 4WD gravel road to Cleared Ridge trailhead has been done up and is now accessible with an SUV. Barring a big weather event of course!

3. Sunday 24 May Yowgurrabah (private property) Approx 7.5km return 5 - 6 hrs Moderate - Challenging (rough trail)  

Cost: $100 pp + $10 pp CASH for land manager.

Every now and again we have the opportunity to walk in places that are by invitation only. Nestled in the Numinbah Valley, 'Yowgurrabah' feels like an important place - with treasures at every turn. It's not a long walk but it does have its challenges - we will take our time and tread carefully in deference to just having the chance to be in this place.

4. Sat 6 Campout & Sun 7 June “Kerry Valley Secret” private property exclusive camp beside Stockyard Creek.

Cost: $215pp (cost includes: guiding fee, camping fee, 2 course dinner, donation to Mt Bishop landholder)

Saturday arrive by mid afternoon to camp and relax with creek ramble, campfire and dinner included.

Sunday walk: Mt Bishop (Private property) Max elevation 507m / Ascent approx. 295m. Approx. 7km/6hrs Moderate +

Starting just off the Kerry Road near Cedar Glen Road this off-track circuit hike is a ripper! Separating the Left and Right Branches of the Albert River the Mt Bishop razorback ridge is encircled by some the Scenic Rim’s most iconic mountain landscapes. We’ll have time for morning snacks on the narrow summit before continuing along the high country. Lower down the slope is an inviting and sunny place with a breathtaking view – perfect for lunch. From here it’s a fairly gentle ramble along farm tracks back to our vehicles beside the Albert River Right Branch.

5. Sunday 14 June Mt Montserrat Lookout (1012m) – Upper Portals – Yamarah Ck. Valley (Mt Barney NP) Approx 12km 7-8 hrs Elevation +/- 600m GRADE: Moderate/Challenging 


Cost: $100 pp

This excellent circuit begins on Cleared Ridge overlooking the Burnett Valley. From Yamahra Creek we gain the west spur of Montserrat, continuing until the rocky summit is reached. The views of Mt Barney are superb. Descent is via a steep spur that brings us to the junction of Yamahra Creek and Mt Barney Creek. After lunch at the Upper Portals we take the fire trail back along the valley floor, criss-crossing Yamarah Creek before climbing steeply back up to the walk start. Montserrat has a remote feel and with most of the walking on single trails, you’ll feel like you’ve been on a real ‘bushwalk”.

6. Saturday 20 – Sunday 21 June WINTER SOLSTICE Saturday night camp at Mt French.

Cost: $150 pp (Includes soups & dessert and guiding fee for Sunday!) BYO camp gear. More details to follow.

Let’s gather to celebrate the shortest day of 2026 with a Saturday night base camp at Teresa’s 3-acre property at Mt French, followed by a walk on Sunday. Gather around the campfire and enjoy hearty soups and shared stories of walks and adventures! On Sunday after breakfast we’ll head out for an easy walk to Mt Cordeaux on the north side of Cunninghams Gap.

7. Sunday 28 June Cronan Creek Falls (Mt Barney NP) 12km return 6+ hrs GRADE: Easy +

Cost: $100pp

From Yellow Pinch Trailhead the well-graded footpad leads up a wooded spur to the fire trail where a short steep track ends at Yellow Pinch Lookout – one of the best views of Mt Barney! From the fire trail it’s a scenic walk to the falls. There are about nine creek crossings and only two of these have culverts. Being winter the creek crossings will have low water levels making for easy ‘rock hops’.

Cronan Falls were once a ‘secret’ spot – now it’s much easier to find – and the forest is grateful that visitors are not longer ‘bush bashing’ to find it … After enjoying a dip in this sweet pool we retrace our steps to the trailhead.

8. Sunday 5 July Ivory’s Rock Circuit (Private Property) Approx 8km circuit. 4 – 5 hrs. Moderate

Cost: $100pp

A fabulous walk for a winter’s day! This intriguing hike takes us to the base of the prominent peaks near Peak Crossing south of Ipswich. A loop track threads its way across the landscape beneath the sacred rock features and to several lookouts with views across the forested valleys and beyond – perfect places to take a break and enjoy a snack and lunch. It’s a great walk through varied geological epochs and different forest types.

Optional: For those keen to do a little more there is an amazing little Nature Reserve outside Purga that is a peaceful stroll to complete the day.

9. Sunday 12 July Mt Blaine Circuit (455m) Approx 6km / 5hrs Elevation +/- 300m Challenging.

Cost: $100

From Flinders Plum picnic area the fire trail takes us north through woodland with dry rainforest pockets clinging to rhyolite outcrops. From the open saddle to the west of Mt Blaine we’ll head up to the summit on a footpad. Much of this area is rocky ‘scree’ so care is required. The summit is a flat open area with 360 degree views! To complete the circuit we make our way down the eastern side of the peak to join up with the Sand Creek Track for an easy amble back to the start.

10. Sunday 26 July Kinnanes Falls (Main Range NP) Distance 6 – 10km / 6 – 7 hrs. Challenging.

Cost: $100

Reaching this beautiful place requires some off-track bushwalking effort in steep country! The falls are not visible from the Head Road and so they are rather a hidden gem in Main Range NP. Depending on conditions (how much lantana is growing) and enthusiasm … we can extend this walk to explore upstream of the falls along Wilsons Creek to a place called The Cascades.

11. Sunday 2 August Rocky Knoll - Goolman Lookout Circuit, Hardings Paddock. 7.5km 4 - 5 hrs GRADE: Easy - Moderate

Cost: $100

The trail is wide and straightforward and it's a lovely walk practically on the doorstep of the city. Starting from Hardings Paddock reserve we’ll ascend about 120m to gain the top of the open forested ridge that is the watershed for Bundamba Creek to the east. It’s an easy ramble along the ridge top to the Rocky Knoll then a bit further on there’s a short ascent to Goolman Lookout. After a cuppa and enjoying the views we’ll regain the main track and complete the circuit back to Hardings Paddock.

"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)

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SCENIC RIM WINTER WALKS WEEKEND! Saturday 8 – Monday 10 AUGUST   THERE ARE ONLY TWO PLACES LEFT ON THIS GREAT WEEKEND of fine dining, beaut walks and wonderful company

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12. TUESDAY 18 August White Rock – Spring Mountain Reserve near Ipswich. Walks TBA

Cost: $100pp

For us, a wonderful new area to explore and enjoy – right on the doorstep of the city. Register for this one so you don’t miss out!

13. Sunday 23 August Lower Portals (Mt Barney NP) Approx. 10km return 5-6 hrs GRADE: Moderate/Challenging. Some rock hopping requiring balance / agility.

Cost: $100pp

The walk begins at the Lower Portals car park and is an easy/moderate track walk that crosses a number of ridges in Mt Barney’s foothills. With luck we may see Glossy Black Cockatoos feeding along the way. After about 3km we cross Mt Barney Creek and head upstream to admire the dramatic waterhole. Our aim is to extend the adventure and to climb the ridges above the Portals to a pretty wonderful viewing place to Mt Barney – a place where you will feel enveloped by the peaks…

14. Sunday 6 September Wilson’s Peak Traverse – Boonah Border Gate to Spring Creek Rd Approx 13km, 8 hrs walking. Elevation +/- 600m GRADE Challenging.

Cost: $100pp

This is an epic complete traverse of Wilson’s Peak / Jirrumun, the prominent peak that rises above The Head. The Rabbit Board Fence (aka Qld-NSW Border) is our travelling companion along the route. Our walk starts at the Boonah Border Gate on Carneys Creek Rd and continues roughly west, eventually climbing steeply to the base of the summit cliffs where the fence terminates. On the northern side a rough footpad continues past interesting geology before a scramble brings us to the summit of the peak. A ‘window view’ to the NE is a good spot to rest. Returning back down to the base of the cliffs the rough footpad eventually rejoins the Rabbit Fence and we begin the very steep (but shorter) descent to Spring Creek Rd. NB This is a long day and not suitable for beginners. You should be feeling fit and not carrying injuries!

15. Sunday 20 September Secret Spring (Mt Maroon foothills) Approx. 10 km 4 - 5 hrs GRADE: Easy / moderate. Through walk on fire trails.

Cost: $100 pp + $10 cash for donation for the landholder please.

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. At our highest point there are spectacular views of Mt Maroon. Being in the foothills the terrain is undulating so you can expect short ascents and descents. Our walk starts on private tracks from Cotswold Rd and ends at Mt Barney Creek – a lovely spot for lunch!

16. Sunday 18 October Ships Stern Circuit (Lamington NP – Binna Burra) Approx. 19km 7 + hrs. Moderate +

Cost: $100pp

This is one of the classic hikes on the plateau and deservedly so. The well-graded track drops down to the rainforested headwaters of Nixon Creek before gradually ascending to the Ships Stern and culminating at Kooloobano Point. From here the track traverses the eastern escarpment before swinging SW back into rainforest and then joining the Border Track north for the return to Binna Burra. The ever-changing forest types and cliff top sections affording extensive views of the Numinbah Valley make this an engaging outing. There are caves along the way and several interesting side-tracks including to Charraboomba Rock and Nagarigoon Falls.

NB For the protection of Lamington's sensitive waterways, habitat for a number of endangered and vulnerable frog species, no swimming is permitted in the creeks and pools of Lamington NP.

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Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 October AUSSIE BIRD COUNT EVENT. We will be based at Goomburra (Main Range NP) for an exciting weekend of walking and bird observing! This area is brilliant, with access to many different forest types across a range of elevations. All this means lots and lots of different bird species!!

We will have a special guest birder and photographer along too. Come along and be part of Australia’s biggest citizen science event! Register now and you’ll receive details soon.

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NB Please remember the program is SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS, including adverse weather forecasts, at the discretion of our guides.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 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. Click on the links below to download the reservation form and our T&Cs. Don’t take too long to decide as the walks generally book out very quickly (some within a few days!).

Payment for day hikes must be made 14 days prior to the walk (cash or direct payment) - a reminder will be sent by text or email.

• Price $100 for a day hike. Refer to T&Cs for cancellation policy.
• See individual events for relevant pricing.
• Small groups: Generally a maximum of 8-10 participants + guide/s.
• Beginner bush walkers are welcome – please call us to discuss a good starting point.

 WHAT'S INCLUDED:

• Variety of walks and levels of challenge in the region.
• Experienced & qualified guide/s with Wilderness First Aid certification.
• We are a Certified EcoTourism company.
• Guides carry relevant emergency equipment including PLB.
• Hot cuppa at lunch + a home baked treat
• Participant gear list appropriate to the walk.
• Interpretation appropriate to the place - flora, fauna, geology, history.
• Great fun with like-minded people.

ABOUT OUR WALKS Horizon Guides has been sharing the Scenic Rim with walkers since 2008 – we love our back yard! 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.

At Horizon Guides, 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 and SE Qld offers a tremendous variety of bushwalking challenges and is an excellent place to truly become a ‘bushwalker’!

These are group hikes and natural history interpretation is an integral part of the guided experience, so we won't be galloping by all the interesting bits! For safety reasons you are expected to stay with the group. These are NOT fast-paced races to a destination!  

No drones are allowed under any circumstances.

Come walking with Horizon Guides this season!

Teresa
See you all very soon - yours in bushwalking!

 PS This content has been generated from the mind and imagination of ... a human ... and not by AI. Let's keep our brains agile and creative and having fun!