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.
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!
Tour Summary
Dates: 2024 TBA Cost: $TBA pp twin share Guests: Maximum group size 9 plus guide/s Accommodation: See walk descriptions Inclusions: - Led by experienced and qualified guide. - Vehicle support with driver - Special guests - First aid & emergency equipment provided. - Natural history interpretation. - Great fun with like-minded people! Notes: Email us now This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive updates. FAQ: For more information on walk gradings, suitability of walks and weather conditions please visit our FAQ page.https://horizonguides.com.au/item/312-horizon-guides-border-tracks-2024#sigProIdbf7ca9b776