Scenic Rim day trips //

Main Range. 

Main Range National Park.

Impressive mountain peaks, escarpments and ridges offer breathtaking views in this Australian World Heritage Area, a home for rare and endangered wildlife and a popular bushwalking destination.

Wander in the Scenic Rim is located on the grounds of The Overflow 1895, perfectly positioned at the hub of the mountain range that forms the namesake of the region. It’s the ideal base camp for a day trip into the wilderness. This region is huge, so we recommend allowing a day for each point of the compass. Take your time – there are people to meet and treasures to discover along the way. Head West to Boonah and then drive through beautiful rural country to the Main Range National Park.

Mapping it out.

East Scenic Rim walks map

Jump to a Google map with all of the featured destinations here.

Great Ocean Road, Victoria - Wander

1. Mount French

Highlights

 

  • 2 Short tracks with a big impact (kid friendly)
  • Spectacular cliffs and panoramic views
1. North cliff track (Logans Lookout): This track leads to Logan’s lookout with excellent, panoramic views over the Fassifern Valley, with the Main Range escarpment to the west and Flinders Peak and beyond to the east.
2. Mee-bor-rum circuit: This circuit track passes through open forest and rocky outcrops, features the East Cliff lookout with views of Tamborine, Lamington and Mount Barney. Further along the track a circular platform with seating provides views of the heathland and Southern side of Mount French.

The end of Mount French Road, Boonah. There are excellent facilities here with flushing toilets, wood BBQs and picnic tables. Find out more here.

Trip: 35 km, 32 min from Wander in the Scenic Rim
Distance: 720m (North cliff track) + 840m (Mee-bor-rum) return
Time on the trail: 15 +25 min
Skill Level: North cliff is an easy walk with a formed track, gentle hills and suitable for wheelchairs or a pram. Mee-bor-rum is a little more challenging with a formed track that has short steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps.
Great Ocean Road, Victoria - Wander

2. Mount Cordeaux

Highlights

 

  • Rainforest trail leading to breath taking views 
  • Giant spear lilies in spring
If you’re looking to climb a mountain, this is a great one to start with. The Mt Cordeaux walking track, accessed from the top of the Gap, is really well marked and defined. The walk branches off the Rainforest Circuit and zig zags through the deep rainforest to the exposed mountain edge, ending at a lookout on the southern side. The cliff face of Mt Cordeaux is spectacular in spring when the giant spear lilies are in flower, and there are plenty of birds and wildlife.
It’s well worth pushing on to Bare Rock (adding 3.2km to the walk), for another stunning lookout over the fertile valleys of Tarome.

At the top of Cunningham’s Gap turn right into The Crest carpark adjoining the highway and follow the signs. Find out more here.

 Trip: 60 km, 50 min from Wander in the Scenic Rim
Distance: 6.8 km return (+3.2 km with Bare Rock)
Time on the trail: 2.5 – 5 hrs
Skill Level: Moderate. Formed track that has steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps.
Great Ocean Road, Victoria - Wander

3. Mount Mitchell

Highlights

 

  • Spectacular mountain views
  • The go to walk for a half day adventure
Offering unparalleled views from Mount Mitchell’s summit, get back to nature on this this energetic walk through eucalypt forest and montane heath.
Climb steeply around the West Peak, over the saddle and you’ll eventually end up on a knife-edge ridge above a sheer cliff on the East Peak (1175m). You’ll feel on top of the world at the natural lookout, with views of the Fassifern and Millar Vale Creek valleys, and mounts Maroon, Lindesay, Barney and Ballow. Search the sky for Peregrine falcons that can reach speeds of up to 180km/hr in near-vertical hunting dives.

At the top of Cunningham’s Gap turn right into The Crest carpark adjoining the highway and follow the signs. Find out more here.

Trip: 60 km, 50 min from Wander in the Scenic Rim
Distance: 10.2 km return
Time on the trail: 3 hrs
Skill Level: Moderate. Rough track with long, steep sections. 

This region also has some wonderful full day walks (hikes). Find out more about our custom day hike experiences here.

Want to get a glimpse of what awaits you? Check out the beautifully shot first episode of Back To Nature as they Discover The Green Cauldron.

Food & Drink.

While you’re on the road, you might want to make a few stops to fuel up and reflect. Remember to travel with purpose and keep your eyes open. Here are some of our favourites – and they’re on the way.

Great Ocean Road, Victoria - Wander

A. Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm

Highlights

 

  • Southern France experience in The Scenic Rim
  • World class food and wine
Kooroomba is home to a cellar door, restaurant and lavendar shop, overlooking six hectares of vineyard and breathtaking lavender fields. Executive chef Daniel Groneberg’s food celebrates fresh ingredients and reflects the rustic and simple attitude of French country style cooking.  
This is a place to unwind with a slow lunch and magnificent views of the Great Dividing Range.

168 FM Bells Road, Mount Alford. Wednesday – Sunday  10am to 3pm. Find out more here.

Trip: 62 km, 55 min from Wander in the Scenic Rim or 40 km, 45 min from the Binna Burra upper day-use area.
Great Ocean Road, Victoria - Wander

B. The Peak

Highlights

 

  • Luxurious dining in the wilderness
  • Best of Australia’s produce from the land, earth, sea and air.
Perched on the top a mountain and enveloped by a World Heritage listed National Park, The Peak is an exceptional dining experience. Head Chef Dean Alsford is passionate about showcasing the best of Australian produce on a plate. For Dean, this ethos isn’t just about the food but also the farmers who grow it, the plates it’s served on and the people serving it.
With an open stone fireplace, captivating views and luxury dining, the restaurant is perfect for a romantic evening.

1 Wilkinson Rd, Maryvale. Find out more here.

Trip: 78 km, 1 hr 18 min from Wander in the Scenic Rim
Great Ocean Road, Victoria - Wander

C. The Scenic Rim Farm Shop

Highlights

 

  • Stock up on the best local produce
  • Fresh, seasonal home grown flowers
A cafe and produce shop nestled under towering Jacarandas and surrounded by working farms. Enjoy local coffee and food prepared by Kate Raymont with ingredients from the Scenic Rim.
While you’re there pop into Elderflower Farm, a boutique flower farm and florist run by Fred and Rachel Watkins. They sell fresh cut heirloom flowers (grown on site) and a selection of beautiful garden goodies. Open Friday to Sunday 8:30am – 4pm.

541 Kents Lagoon Road, Kalbar. Find out more here.

Trip: 38 km, 32 min from Wander in the Scenic Rim

If you know of a great place or meaningful experience that we haven’t featured here, please reach out and let us know. We are always on the look out for ways to travel with purpose.

Keep Wandering.

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