Ancient Footsteps //

Slow down and feel connected to the awe-inspiring beauty of country with a guided walk.

Discover the secrets of the Scenic Rim with your own private trail walking guide.

Meet Lisa.

You could say the great outdoors is in Lisa’s blood.  Growing up on the edge of Lamington National Park, Lisa spent her childhood and teenage years exploring the rainforests and rivers of the Scenic Rim.

Lisa is the daughter of ParkTours founders Tony & Connie Groom and grand-daughter of Binna Burra Mountain Lodge founder Arthur Groom.  She started working as a tour leader and co-ordinator with her family business over 30 years ago, and took over the helm of the company from her parents a decade later. Lisa’s passion lies deeply in regional ecotourism, discovering local characters and showcasing nature from a different perspective.

Meet Teresa.

Growing up in remote parts of Australia, Teresa developed a deep connection to the bush and Australian landscapes that continues to this day. For many years she was an outdoor education teacher, seeking through adventure to draw students into a closer understanding of themselves, the natural world, and their integral role as stewards of the earth.

Teresa has now called the Scenic Rim home for 25 years. Every walk, every day, she learns more and more about her home and country.

Teresa’s immense local knowledge of fauna and flora, coupled with her passion for the environment is truly inspiring.

Discover the hidden secrets of the Scenic Rim with Teresa Cause from Horizon Guides and Lisa Groom from Park Tours, our local Scenic Rim walking experts. Take a walk with them and they will introduce you to the hidden treasures of the Scenic Rim’s beautiful natural world. With a number of national parks within the Scenic Rim, the choice of potential bushwalks is huge. But without their local knowledge it isn’t as easy as planning a walk from a map of the area. As a guest of Wander, the guides share the beauty of wild places and bring a connection to nature and country.

There are wonderful places to explore nature on tracks and trails in the National Parks of the Scenic Rim – some of the best wild places aren’t always easy to find by yourself, as there are few marked tracks in this wilderness area and some are on private land. Having a guide to accompany you will ensure that your day in the bush is enjoyable and the focus is on the experience and on learning about the ecology and history of the region.  Carry nothing more than a day pack so you have the freedom to explore.

Relax and unwind at the end of the day in comfortable accommodation. Taste the local cuisine or enjoy delicious camp meals and picnics. These elements combine to give you a refreshing and energising holiday. They also organise special interest tours including birding, wildlife, self-discovery and community immersion.

Highlights. 

• Be introduced to the hidden treasures of the Scenic Rim’s beautiful natural world with your own private guide. 

• Discover uncharted trails in the pristine landscape.

• Your walk is tailored to your interests and experience – from a gentle ramble to a challenging hike.

The What, Where, How’s.

What.

Where.

On a fine and cool winter’s morning, you could find yourself exploring the unique peaks of Mt Edwards and Mt Maroon affording magnificent views of the valley below. 

On the volcanic rim, the mountains are the stars of the show. The McPherson ranges and Lamington feature large and smaller volcanic peaks and spectacular cliffs. 

Once you have booked, your guide will contact you so she can best determine a walk that suits you and your expectations.

When.

Guided walks are available every day except Sundays and, depending on the time of year, it’s best to start your walk early. Our guides recommend 7am in the summer and 8am in the winter.

Price.

$285 for two people – 3 hour walk (Lamington’s Yangahla Lookout or Tullawallal /Antarctic Beech trees)

$395 for two people – 5 – 6 hour walk (Lamington’s Daves Creek Circuit or Coomera Lookout) 

$650 for two people – 8-9 hour full day walk (Coomera or Ships Stern circuit) 

Ask about options for Nature Journaling, and walking meditation experiences. 

What’s included.

• Lemon myrtle tea and homemade cake or biscuits or café morning tea
• Private guide and licences for National Park
• Public liability and National park fees

What to wear.

• Sun protective clothing suitable for conditions (Warm layer depending on season and hike).
• Hat (essential)
• Comfortable sturdy footwear

What to bring.

• A daypack large enough to fit the following ESSENTIAL items 
• Wind and waterproof jacket
• Water (1 – 2 litres)
• Sun protection
• A packed lunch and energy snacks 
• Personal medication
• Small torch
• Swimming gear in the warmer months 
• Camera and binoculars (optional)
• Hiking pole/s (optional)

How to book.

You will be able to add your Guided Walk to your booking at the time you book your accommodation. Guided Walks available will appear at the time of check-out. Our Guided Walks are very popular and may not be available on the date of your stay so please get in touch with our concierge here if you want to select a walk as part of your stay. 

Bookings are required with at least 3 days notice, to assist the teams with planning. 

Need to know more?

Please get in touch with our concierge here if you have any other questions, we are happy to help.

Ready to slow down and go at your own pace?