Bluap

2024 walks and events program

Hello wonderful Horizon Guides bushwalkers!

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 a lucky guest on this program 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 ?

This 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 January to June 2024. We’ll be publishing walks and events for the second half of 2024 in coming weeks. There will also be extended trips and treks offered separately – including our Tassie Tracks: Southern Sojourn in November.

There are a few walks that don’t have details yet as they are new walks and require some reconnaissance. Feel free to book them in because they will be good ones! So…read on for our regular day hikes, treks and other adventures - the first one is a ripper – right in our back yard – and not far off!

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.

WALK 1: Paddy’s Falls Explore (Mt Barney NP) Approx 8km 5 – 6 hrs. GRADE: Moderate +

Sunday 21 January Cost: $85 pp POSTPONED DUE FLOODING - NEW DATE 14 April

This off-track bushwalk southwest of Mt Maroon to Paddy’s Falls is an adventurous outing to a swimming spot. 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) and rock hopping along a creek bed.

WALK 2: Cascades Circuit (Main Range NP – Goomburra) Approx. 6.5km return 5 – 6 hrs. GRADE: Moderate

AUSTRALIA DAY Friday 26 January 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. The circuit is completed via old logging trails that follow the ridge before dropping steeply back down to the trailhead. And there will be a full moon for the drive home… (It’s Australia Day so bring some great Aussie food favourites)

WALK 3: Warrie Circuit (Springbrook NP) Approx. 17km 6+ hrs. Elevation +/- Approx. 300m GRADE: Moderate

Sunday 4 February Cost: $95 pp

A spectacular day out – ‘warrie’ means ‘rushing waters’ to the Yugambeh people. It’s well named, as there are many waterfalls to enjoy on this track as it winds through ancient forests, under waterfall spray, along escarpments and by cooling creeks in the upper catchment of Little Nerang Creek.

WALK 4: 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 14 February Cost: $95 pp

What a lovely treat to go for a beautiful bushwalk on Valentine’s Day! 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 5: Mt Matthieson Trail Circuit (Main Range NP) FULL Moon – afternoon/evening walk 8km Approx. 5 – 6 hrs. GRADE: Easy – moderate.

SATURDAY 24 February Cost: $85 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 here it’s about a 30-minute walk to the vehicles.

WALK 6: Cronan Creek Falls (Mt Barney NP) 12km return 6+ hrs GRADE: Easy +

Sunday 3 March Cost: $85 pp

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! Back on the fire trail it’s a scenic walk to the falls. There are about nine creek crossings and only two of these have culverts so depending on water levels you’ll be getting your feet wet! 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.

WALK 7: Cleared Ridge – Mt Montserrat Lookout (1012m) – Upper Portals – Yamarah Ck. (Mt Barney NP) Approx 11km 7-8 hrs Elevation +/- 600m GRADE: Moderate + 


Sunday 24 March Cost: $95 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 as 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”.

WALK 8: A new ‘easy’ level hike in a new location near Killarney.

Easter Monday 1 April Cost: $95 pp

UPDATE: too overgrown at this stage.

WALK 9: Albert River Circuit (Lamington NP, Green Mountains Section) 21.8km 7 – 8hrs GRADE: Moderate.

NEW DATE Sunday 28 April Cost: $95 pp

“We start out along the famous Border Track and at the 5km mark begin to descend through forests of Antarctic beech to a lush rainforest gully featuring Echo Falls. This is the perfect spot to take a break by the sweet mountain water. It’s uphill from here, following a branch of the Albert River upstream to Echo Point lookout. Enjoy panoramic views from Mount Wupawn to Mount Durigan on the McPherson Range and south to the Tweed Range. These peaks are all part of the erosion caldera that surrounds Mount Warning, once a central volcanic plug. Traditional Owners of the Bundjalang language group call this mighty plug 'Wollumbin' (cloud-catcher). Continue east along the Queensland–New South Wales border to Cominan lookout and then turn north-west to connect back up with the Border Track. In September when the beech orchids Dendrobium falcorostrum are flowering, this circuit takes on a particular charm, with the delicate orchids contrasting with the massive trunks to which they cling.” Source: adapted from QPWS website.

WALK 10: Boonah Border Gate to Kinnanes Falls (Main Range NP) Approx 7.5km 5 - 6 hrs. OFF TRACK. Through-walk (car shuffle required). GRADE: Moderate - Challenging

Sunday 21 April 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 11: Mt Gipps via the Rabbit Board Fence from Richmond Gap. 9km return Elevation gain/loss 425m around 5hrs. GRADE: Moderate +

ANZAC DAY Thursday 25 April Cost: $85 pp

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.

WALK 12: The Steamers (Main Range NP) 8 + hrs GRADE: Challenging

LABOUR DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY Monday 6 May Cost: $95 pp

A two-hour drive (last bit requires 4WD) brings us to the start of this walk however it’s worth the journey to visit one of the most dramatic geologic features in SE Queensland! The Steamers rise as steep cliff sections atop a ridge to the west of the Main Range NW of Mt Superbus. They are named the Prow, Funnel, Mast and Stern for their resemblance to a massive ship. The view from the western end of the Stern is one of the best in the region. There is not really any track so be prepared for steep climbs and rough ground with a section of steep scree as we head up on to the ridge and traverse the various features of the Steamers.

** There is an option to return to the start point by a different route to make this a circuit hike.

NB The final section to the view point off the end of the Stern involves an exposed and very narrow short section of ridge. Extreme care is required and this part is not recommended for those nervous of heights. The walk is still very rewarding without this final scramble.

ART@WORENDO – LOST WORLD VALLEY – Drawing and painting (with some walking) retreat –

Friday 10 – Sunday 12 May Cost: $1,375 pp  ($500 deposit required) Details are all here: Art @ Worendo

WALK 13: Mt May – Drynan’s Hut Traverse (Mt Barney NP) Approx. 12km / 7+ hrs Elevation +/- 500m. GRADE: Moderate-Challenging (Car shuffle required)

Sunday 19 May Cost: $95 pp

An off-track bushwalk that begins at Waterfall Creek Campground and first ascends the main track to the Mt May ridge. From here we stay atop the ridge of open woodland with an understory of Kangaroo Grass allowing panoramic views of nearby peaks. Our route links up to the country above Paddy’s Creek and a steep spur takes us to its headwaters. At this point we pick up the fire trail for an easier jaunt down the valley, passing the dramatic Paddy’s Waterfall on the way. At the end we cross Mt Barney Creek near Drynan’s Hut and the end of the track.

Walk 14: Ships Stern Circuit (Lamington NP – Binna Burra) Approx. 19km 7-8 hrs. GRADE: Moderate +

Sunday 26 May Cost: $95 pp

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.

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.

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