Scenic Rim day trips //

East. 

Exploring the forest trails on foot sets the right pace to connect to this ancient landscape.

The Scenic Rim was named by writer, adventurer, and naturalist Arthur Groom in the mid 1900s. He was known for his almost legendary ability to walk long distances, and for his sense of humour. You don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy these trails – but always walk this country with a good heart.

Wander in the Scenic Rim is located on the grounds of The Overflow 1895, centrally 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.

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. Cedar Creek Falls

Highlights

  • Spectacular waterfall in the wet season
  • Take a plunge into the natural swimming hole
  • Only a short walk and accessible year round
From Cedar Creek Falls Lookout, descend through eucalypt forest and dry rainforest to the rock pools below. There are many steps on this walk, so be prepared for an uphill climb on your return. Climb over the rock face and take a dip in the refreshing, icy-cold water. Popular with locals and visitors, these swimming holes – the only ones on the mountain – are well worth the trip.

Find out more here.

Trip: 46 km, 50 min from Wander in the Scenic Rim
Distance: 1.1 km
Time on the trail: 30 min
Skill Level: Track has short, steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps.
Great Ocean Road, Victoria - Wander

2. Rainforest Skywalk

Highlights

  • See the rainforest from a new perspective on the canopy bridge walk
  • Cantilever bridge 30m above forest floor
This Eco-Adventure offers a unique and thrilling way to explore the beautiful rainforest canopies. Set in a magical 30 acres of privately owned rainforest beside the crystal clear rock-pools of Cedar Creek, the Skywalk is a combination of forest floor trails, high-tech upper canopy bridges, and a 40 metre cantilever bridge that soars a breathtaking 30 metres above the creek and rainforest below.

333 Geissmann Drive, North Tamborine. Find out more here.

Trip: 48 km, 55 min from Wander in the Scenic Rim
Distance: 1.5 km
Time on the trail: 45 min
Skill Level: Easy walk with a formed track and wheelchair accessibility to the Skywalk bridge 
Price: $20 per person (family rates available)
Great Ocean Road, Victoria - Wander

3. Witches Falls Circuit

Highlights

  • Sit under a giant strangler figs
  • Pristine rainforest and birdlife with seasonal waterfall and lagoon
Descend through banksia trees into the rainforest, and stand in awe of giant strangler figs. This ancient place rewards exploration so take your time, listen to the birdsong and steep in the natural beauty. The waterfall flows after recent rain and is best viewed from the lookout platform, accessed via a 200m detour from the main circuit. It can be slippery, so bring some good shoes (and mosquito repellent in summer).

132-138 Main Western Rd, Tamborine Mountain, Find out more here.

Trip: 52 km, 55 min from Wander in the Scenic Rim
Distance: 3.1 km return
Time on the trail: 60 min
Skill Level: Moderate

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. VK Everydays

Highlights

  • Good coffee and seasonal food specials
  • First stop when heading towards Mt Tamborine
Your first pit stop when heading East, Vk’s has a good brew in the heart of Beaudesert. They have a selection of grab-and-go breakfast and a warm atmosphere if you want to linger in the rear courtyard.

105 Brisbane St, Beaudesert. Find out more here.

Trip: 18 km, 20 min from Wander in the Scenic Rim
Great Ocean Road, Victoria - Wander

B. North Stores

Highlights

  • Dine in or take-home food, natural wine, craft beer and cider, coffee and juice
  • Sustainable focus with a kitchen garden and a closed-loop system that minimises waste and nourishes soil
An environmentally sustainable and architecturally designed food, art, and nature precinct on Tamborine Mountain. North Stores houses a thoughtfully curated group of shops and spaces, including an eatery, art, and ceramics studios. Stock up on provisions with a take-home meal and picnic basket, or browse the artworks for sale and breathe the clean mountain air.

46 Main Street, North Tamborine. Find out more here.

Trip: 50 km, 55 min from Wander in the Scenic Rim or 5 km, 10 min from Cedar Creek Falls

Great Ocean Road, Victoria - Wander

C. Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation

Highlights

  • Take a crop to cup sustainable plantation tour
  • Wide range of local food and drink with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options in abundance 
Experience how coffee is grown and produced on this boutique micro-lot coffee plantation. Serving up great coffee, cocktails, breakfast and lunch, there is something for everyone. With plenty of seating inside, and over half an acre of outside dining and picnic area this is a great place to drift through a long lunch.

64 Alpine Terrace, Tamborine Mountain. Find out more here.

Trip: 56 km, 60 min from Wander in the Scenic Rim or 10 km, 13 min from the Rainforest Skywalk.
Great Ocean Road, Victoria - Wander

D. Canungra Hub Café

Highlights

  • Home grown and prepared ingredients with a hearty breakfast
  • Homely atmosphere and great service
Specialising in organic ingredients, local or home-grown and prepared fresh, the Hub team prides themselves on everything being home cooked. Known for their hospitality, this is also a great place to bump into a local.

32 Christie St Canungra. Find out more here.

Trip: 51 km, 48 min from Wander in the Scenic Rim or 12 km, 15 min from Witches Falls

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.

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