Bluap

Hello wonderful Horizon Guides bushwalkers!
 
2026 is here in the Scenic Rim - storm birds herald the rainy season, cicadas, mowers and cricket provide the background hum to summer in Queensland! In this heat any walks should end in swims…
 
Guiding bush walks and sharing wild places with you truly keeps us going and inspired – a heartfelt “thank you”. 2026 will be filled with adventures that nourish the soul – small walks to secret places, long walks that are old favourites, adventures off the beaten track, a mystery walk or two (if you are game!), weekends to escape, creative events and opportunities to be involved in helping our Earth. I hope you can join us!
 
Speaking of helping the Earth … remember the Protect Beautiful Queensland events? In 2024 we put our voice to Queensland Conservation Council’s campaign to double the area of protected land in our state by 2030. Your voices were there too! Last week QCC launched their latest social media campaign to this end with the focus of “Love Adventure, Respect Nature” I am so proud to add my experience and love of nature to help raise the need to Protect Beautiful Queensland Follow the link to see the posts – Horizon Guides is here along with other respected professionals who call the outdoors home! Please share and find out how you can help to increase our protected areas.
 
For those new to Horizon Guides – welcome and thank you for subscribing. It will be great to meet you on a walk soon. 

Yours in sharing nature, Teresa

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Bookings are now open for DAY HIKES for January - June. There will also be a residential navigation course (16 – 19 July) with Caro Ryan from the Blue Mountains, a three day Spring sailing for beginners adventure with Blue Peter Sea School, extended weekend trips, Tasmania in November and much more throughout 2026 … details will be available when dates and plans are finalized! (You will notice we have had to make a small price increase for the day walks due to increasing insurance costs.)

We begin our program as the summer days are peaking!  Here are our bush walks - read on – and book NOW by return This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
 

WALK 1: Cronan Creek Falls (Mt Barney NP) 12km return 6+ hrs GRADE: Easy +
Sunday 4 January Cost: $100pp
Leap in to 2026 with this classic walk! 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! It’s likely to be a warm day so dips in the waterholes will be welcome…and encouraged.
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 2: Lower Bellbird Track (Binna Burra) Approx 11 km 4 - 5 hrs. Moderate (includes Ballanjui Falls side track)
Sunday 18 January Cost: $100pp
This classic walk at Binna Burra with one of the most interesting and delightful shorter walks that Lamington NP has to offer. Beginning near the café the trail immediately envelops walkers in dense rainforest. Along the escarpment two impressive lookouts, Koolanbilla and Yangahla, afford views to the east and across to Ships Stern ridge. Impressive forests of flooded gum, brushbox and piccabeen palms dominate as the trail winds beneath the towering cliffs. Rifle Bird and Bell Bird Creeks tumble down the richly hued cliff faces and are refreshing spots to pause and cool down. The best of these is Ballanjui Falls - a glorious place to rest, enjoy a cuppa and soak up the coolness of forest pools. This is a return track that branches off at about the halfway point of the Bellbird Track. Our walk ends at the main Binna Burra Road. NB A car shuffle will be sorted out prior to walking so that we enjoy a mostly downhill track.
 
WALK 3: Lower Portals (Mt Barney NP) Approx. 8km return 4-5 hrs Moderate. Some rock hopping requiring balance / agility.
Australia Day Monday 26 January Cost: $100pp POSTPONED to 1st Feb due to heatwave conditions.
What better way to celebrate our Australian way of life than to go bush and be immersed in nature – and swimming in a magic spot! We will have some fun along the way – details before the walk.
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. Mt Barney Creek must be crossed to access the waterhole at the end of the walk. We will also aim to climb the ridges above the Portals to a pretty wonderful viewing place to Mt Barney. If the track and pool are really busy we could head upstream and find ourselves a quieter spot to relax and swim.
 
** No walks in February as my younger brother Peter and I are taking our folks to Tasmania for two weeks - their first visit – yay!
 
 WALK/EVENT 4: CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY
Sunday 1 March. NO COST – this is a volunteer day 
Location and details to be advised – we will be somewhere in the Scenic Rim.
 
WALK 5: Mt Mathieson Trail Circuit (Main Range NP) FULL Moon – afternoon/evening walk 8km  Approx. 5 – 6 hrs. GRADE: moderate.
Tuesday 3 March Cost: $155 pp (2 course dinner included)
There is nothing quite as magical as being in the bush as day gives way to the night – especially on a full moon!  Mt Mathieson 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 Mathieson (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: Mt Gipps via the Rabbit Board Fence from Richmond Gap. 9km return Elevation gain/loss 425m around 5hrs. GRADE: Moderate +
Sunday 8 March 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.
 
WALK 7: BINNA BURRA Weekend! Time to relax and unwind on classic Lamington walks.
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 March Cost: $195pp for 2 days of guided walks.
Our walk selection will include a shorter walk and a full day out along the escarpment. Most likely on Sunday will be Shipstern as we can make an early start.
** Accommodation and meals are not included. If you book this weekend you will need to make arrangements to stay at Binna Burra or nearby. The Lodge offers campsites, Safari Tents, Sky Lodges and Tiny Houses. Your guide will stay in a Safari Tent for Friday and Saturday night. My suggestion would be to dine together on Saturday evening – either at the Café or we share a ‘pot luck’ dinner in the camp ground.
As soon as your place on the walks is secure with us, make your arrangements to stay at or near Binna Burra. https://www.binnaburralodge.com.au/
 
WALK 8: Paddy’s Ridge Explore (Mt Barney NP) Approx 8km 5 – 6 hrs. GRADE: Moderate +
Sunday 22 March Cost: $100pp
This excellent off-track bushwalk southwest of Mt Maroon is an adventurous favourite that takes in nearby ridges and features and eventually arrives at the top of 40m Paddy’s Waterfall. If time and energy permit we will head upstream and explore up a flagrock creek. There are interesting cliff areas and magnificent views that you won’t see on a regular excursion into this area. 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. Much of the walking on is on natural terrain (no track) and the return section is on open fire trail.
 
WALK 9: Mt Greville Gorges (Moogerah Peaks NP) 5 – 6hrs Elevation +/- 350m GRADE: Challenging.
Sunday 29 March Cost: $100pp
Our route today takes in Waterfall Gorge, Echo Point and Palm Gorge. We will ascend via Waterfall Gorge and link to the top of Palm Gorge for the descent. No summit this time – a peak is not always about the top!
 
WALK 10: Mt May Peaks (Mt Barney NP) Approx. 6km / 5+ hrs Elevation +/- 500m. GRADE: Moderate-Challenging 
Sunday 12 April Cost: $100pp
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.
 
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We are planning two special weekends in May – a glorious time in the Scenic Rim.  Details are yet to come - meanwhile, if you are interested let us know, as places are limited!
 
SCENIC RIM WEEKEND ESCAPE! Saturday 8 - Monday 10 August (EKKA week!).  Pencil in the date for this long weekend in the Scenic Rim. Plans are afoot for a walking weekend with comforts in the heart of Boonah!      More to come…
 
ART & NATURE in the Scenic Rim 16 & 17 May.  This will be a walking weekend based at a beautiful accommodation with a focus on creatively encountering our special landscapes.    More to come …
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WALK 11: Yowgurrabah (private property) Approx 7.5km return 5 - 6 hrs Moderate - Challenging (rough trail) 
Sunday 24 May DETAILS & COST TO BE CONFIRMED
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.

 WALK 12: It’s a BLUE MOON! 
Sunday 31^st May  Cost and details: TBA
If you book this one you are in for a treat – we won’t tell you until the week before – come along for a special walk in the Scenic Rim and be surprised and delighted!

WALK 13. Kerry Valley Secret private property camp!
Saturday 6 Campout Sunday 7 June  Cost: TBA
Saturday arrive to camp and relax with creek ramble, campfire and dinner included.
Sunday walk: a gorgeous bush walk on a local private property.
 
WALK 14: WINTER SOLSTICE Weekend Camp at Mt French
Saturday 20 – Sunday 21 June   
Let’s gather to celebrate the shortest day of 2026 with a Saturday night base camp at Mt French and a walk on Sunday. More details to follow – please let us know if you are keen 

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 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.

 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 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 bush walks 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!