Horizon Guides: Bushwalks February - August 2025
Hello wonderful Horizon Guides bushwalkers!
For those new to Horizon Guides – welcome and thank you for finding us - 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!
ECO NEWS FLASH Scenic Rim announced as Australia’s 12th ECO Destination and Queensland’s 6th: Our beloved Scenic Rim Region has now achieved global recognition with ECO Destination Certification. As a Green Travel Leader, Horizon Guides is proud to be a part of the Eco-Tourism network, linking us to like-minded operators around the world. It takes a great deal of commitment and hard work to achieve these lofty goals and it’s incredibly encouraging to know that so many individuals and organisations are striving to operate sustainably, educate others and thereby make our planet a better place for all life.
At Horizon Guides, our walks are all about enjoying being in nature – observing the worlds about us, marvelling and 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 Queensland offer a tremendous variety of bushwalking challenges and is an excellent place to truly become a ‘bushwalker’!
Bookings are now open for DAY HIKES for February to August. There will also be extended interstate trips and weekend camps throughout 2025 … details will be available when dates and plans are finalized!
BOOK NOW and be in the draw for THREE early-bird GIVE-AWAYS!!!
DRAW 1: Wilderness Equipment Deluge Rain Shell valued at $299.95
DRAW 2: Lifestraw Peak Series 1lt squeeze bottle water filter valued at $89.95
DRAW 3: Life Venture 300ml Thermal Mug valued at $29.95
This offer is simple and works as follows. To be in the draw:
- Complete the reservation form and pay for any two walks by Valentine’s Day Friday 14 February.
- On Saturday15th February we will be drawing the winners - yay!
WALK 1: Upper Ballunjui Falls (Binna Burra, Lamington NP) Approx 10.5km Return Approx 5hrs. GRADE: Moderate
Sunday 23 February Cost: $95pp
This lovely return walk in the Nixon Creek headwaters begins on the Border Track at Binna Burra and branches off the Ship Stern Track. With cool closed canopy rainforest overhead, sweet waterfalls and two lookout points, it’s an ideal place to begin our 2025 bushwalk year.
WALK 2: Paddy’s Falls Explore (Mt Barney NP) Approx 8km 5 – 6 hrs. GRADE: Moderate +
Sunday 9 March Cost: $95pp
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 3: Yowgurrabah (private property) Approx 7.5km return 5 - 6 hrs Moderate - Challenging (rough trail)
Sunday 16 March $95pp + $10 cash for the landowner.
Every now and again we have the opportunity to walk in places that are by invitation only. This walk is one of those - nestled in the Numinbah Valley, 'Yowgurrabah' feels like an important place - with treasures at every turn. It's not a long walk - we will take our time and tread carefully in deference to just having the chance to be in this place. (If you want more details than this you'll just have to book the trip and find out for yourself!)
WALK 4. Apple Tree Park to Purlingbrook Falls Trail Head (Springbrook NP) Approx 7.1km on way 5+ hrs (car shuffle required)
GRADE: Moderate
WEDNESDAY 26 March Cost: $95pp
Today’s walk is the last section of the GC Hinterland Great Walk. Initially taking the power line easement for about 1km the track then drops down into the catchment of the Little Nerang Dam. After crossing Little Nerang Creek the track heads upstream up the side of a narrow gorge with pools and cascades cut into older rocks from beneath the ancient Tweed volcano. After 1km the track emerges at a basalt slab above the beautiful Warringa Pool.
The track continues on the other side of the creek to Purling Brook Falls, where a massive cliff of cream-coloured rhyolite, 100m high, looms over a deep gorge of black basalt. After crossing the suspension bridge, a steady climb brings you back to the top of the plateau. Just before crossing the top of Purling Brook, the track branches left to The Settlement camping area where we end our hike.
WALK 5: Cleared Ridge – Mt Montserrat Lookout (1012m) – Upper Portals – Yamarah Ck. (Mt Barney NP) Approx 11km 7-8 hrs Elevation +/- 600m GRADE: Moderate +
Sunday 30 March Cost: $110pp
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 6: Knapp’s Peak Reserve (Private access) Approx. 7.5km Moderate/Challenging OFF TRACK Elevation +/- 270m 5-6hrs
Sunday 6 April $95pp + $10 cash for the landowner.
This striking peak lies to the north of Mt Maroon on private land. Significant cliffs and rock outcrops support diverse flora and fauna. This is an OFF-TRACK bushwalk so be prepared for uneven footing and steep sections throughout. The easterly views from the top are rewarding and we may be entertained by peregrine falcons in the updraughts! A great introduction to off-track walking, on a little-visited peak.
WALK 7. Lower Portals Evening walk Moonlight return (Mt Barney NP) Approx. 7km Return ~ 5 hrs
GRADE: Moderate
Sunday 13 April (FULL MOON) Cost: $95 pp
Beginning mid afternoon at the Lower Portals car park the obvious track crosses a number of small ridges and gullies before crossing Mt Barney Creek. A short distance upstream is the glorious Upper Portals water hole. Here we'll cool off and enjoy a back-pack dinner before walking back by moonlight.
WALK 8: Mt May Peaks (Mt Barney NP) Approx. 6km / 5+ hrs Elevation +/- 500m. GRADE: Moderate-Challenging
Friday 25 April (ANZAC Day) Cost: $95 pp
An off-track circuit bushwalk that begins at Waterfall Creek Campground and first ascends the main track to the Mt May ridge. From here we ascend the North Peak of May then carefully make our way to a small saddle before ascending the South Peak of May. A short rocky scramble brings us onto the spur that leads to the descent route on the 4WD track with a side trip to the Waterfall on return.
WALK 9: Wilsons Peak Summit (1229m) and descent to Teviot Gap. Elevation +/- 479m. 6 + hrs. Challenging.
Sunday 11 May Cost: $110 pp
Wilson’s Peak – Jirramun - is a clear monument on the Main Range rising above the ridge as an isolated peak. The ascent is very steep though relatively straightforward along the Rabbit Board Fence. Rainforest giants dominate the beginning of the track but as the climb steepens there are distinct changes in the vegetation until the trachyte summit cliffs are reached. Picking our way along the base a break in the cliffs allows access via easy scrambling to the summit. There are views through a forest ‘window’ and it’s a lovely spot for lunch. After enjoying the summit we scramble back down to the track and take the route of the original Rabbit Fence that follows a spur that drops off the mountain and ends at the Gap. As this is a ‘through walk’ a car shuffle is required.
WALK 10: Boonah Border Gate to Kinnanes Falls (Main Range NP) Approx 7.5km 5hrs. Moderate/challenging.
Sunday 18 May 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.
WALK 11: Ivory’s Rock Circuit (Private Property) Approx 8km circuit. 4 – 5 hrs. Moderate
Sunday 1 June Cost: $95pp
What a way to welcome winter J 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 rock features and to several lookouts with views across the forested valleys and beyond. It’s a great walk through varied geological epochs and different forest types.
WALK 12: Waterfall Gorge – Mt Greville Circuit (Moogerah Peaks NP) 6 – 7 hrs. Challenging. Rough and rocky.
Sunday 8 June Cost $95pp
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.
WALKS 13: WINTER SOLSTICE Weekend Camp at Goomburra, Main Range NP
Saturday 21 – Sunday 22 June Cost: TBA
Let’s gather to celebrate the shortest day of 2025 with a base camp at Manna Gum by pristine Dalrymple Creek! There will be a walk each day and much to enjoy about pulling out all your wooly winter gear to sleep under a frosty, starry sky. More details to follow – please let us know if you are keen J
WALK 14. Kerry Valley private property Approx. 7km Return ~ 5 hrs
GRADE: Moderate - Challenging
Sunday 13 July Cost: $95 pp (+ $10 cash pp donation to the property owners)
A beautiful off-track circuit walk to a peak at 525m with expansive views across the valley.
WALK 15: Campbell’s Folly (Private Property) Approx 5 hrs walking + lunch time. GRADE: Challenging – rough off-track. Cliff edges in places.
Sunday 20 July Cost: $95 pp (+ $10 cash 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 16: Albert River Circuit (Lamington NP, Green Mountains Section) 21.8km 7 – 8hrs GRADE: Moderate.
Sunday 3 August Cost: $110 pp
This is a gem of a walk and one of our favourites! “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 17: Mt Superbus and the 1955 wreck of the Lincoln Bomber (Main Range NP) 13.5km Approx. 9 hrs. Challenging with very steep grades to Mt Superbus 1372m (612m elevation gain)
Sunday 10 August Cost: $110pp
This hike takes us to a rather sombre destination but one of particular historical interest as well. The steep challenging walk through dense rainforest takes us over the summit of Mt Superbus, the second highest peak in Queensland and onto the site of the tragic crash of the Lincoln Bomber in the early hours of 9 April 1955. It was on a mercy dash from Townsville to Brisbane with a two day old baby suffering severe jaundice. Flying at low altitude the crew for some reason found themselves on a route to the west of the Range instead of approaching Brisbane over Caboolture. The results of this error were catastrophic. A bushwalking group in the area heard the crash just after 4am and quickly organised to alert the authorities. Within hours it was ascertained there were no survivors. Large sections of the wreck remain at the site though there have been souvenir hunters over the years. This is a return walk so we will retrace our steps by the same track.
WALK 18: Lophostemon Ridge - Steamers CIRCUIT (Main Range NP) Approx 15km / 9hrs (including breaks) Challenging – ‘foot-pad track’. Truly spectacular!
Sunday 31 August Cost: $110pp
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 views along the Main Range and from the western end of the Stern are some of the best in the region. There is no real ‘track’ so be prepared for very steep climbs and descents and rough ground throughout.
NB The final section to the viewpoint 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.
NB 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/Medical Consent form the 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 $95 - $110pp 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.
WHAT'S INCLUDED...
- Variety of walks and levels of challenge in the region.
- Experienced & qualified guide/s with Wilderness First Aid certification.
- Guides carry relevant emergency equipment including PLB.
- Hot cuppa at lunch + a 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 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, 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!
See you all very soon - yours in bushwalking!
Your Guides,
Teresa and Sally
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!