Calling adventure lovers to lead the way in the first ever ESCAPE in the Scenic Rim! 

A month-long celebration of walks, talks and wild adventures from the tip of Tamborine Mountain to the lush valleys of the Lost World has been announced, and it couldn’t come at a better time.

Organisers are calling on adventure lovers to become Escape Ambassadors and celebrate Mother Nature’s wonder.  

At home in the famous Scenic Rim, ESCAPE in the Scenic Rim is a brand-new nature, eco-and adventure celebration, running from 29 April to 29 May, featuring guided and non-guided hikes and expeditions, rock climbs, hang-gliding, a mountain bike marathon, multi-day experiences, eco-masterclasses, nature play programs for children, an adventure race, an adventure film festival, special guest speakers and much, much more.  

Staged in some of the most spectacular areas of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests across the Scenic Rim region, the event was born of the Gondwana Festival, which was held last year as a range of adventure experiences presented by O’Reilly’s, Binna Burra, Park Tours and Mt Barney Lodge.   Scenic Rim Regional Council has taken up the concept and expanded it to encompass the entire region and involve more individual event providers, as well as a broader, month-long program. 

ESCAPE in the Scenic Rim will celebrate the spectacular natural beauty of the region, which was named by global travel authority Lonely Planet as one of the top 10 hottest destinations to visit in 2022 and connect with the growth of adventure and nature-based tourism across the globe. ESCAPE in the Scenic Rim is an initiative of the Scenic Rim Regional Council.  Mayor Greg Christensen said that the event was perfectly positioned as a must-do experience for locals and visitors alike. 

"The region has evolved into a mecca for adventure enthusiasts, many of whom delight in sharing their experiences on online platforms.  Council wants to tap into this and is inviting adventure lovers with a passion for the region to apply to become an ESCAPE AMBASSADOR.  Interested adventurers need to have a keen sense of adventure, love being in the outdoors, particularly of course the Scenic Rim, and be happy to share their experiences with friends and family." 

Graceville’s Sophie Baird (pictured), 20, is on board. A keen hiker and outdoors enthusiast, she escapes to the Scenic Rim most weekends to walk the waterfall trails.  Those keen to join Sophie as an ESCAPE Ambassador can apply here:  https://www.visitscenicrim.com.au/scenic-rim-adventure-ambassador/ 

To be the first to receive the ESCAPE 2022 program and all news, sign up here: https://www.visitscenicrim.com.au/escape-in-the-scenic-rim/ 

The full program will be announced in March; however, highlights of ESCAPE in the Scenic Rim include: 

• The Iconic Stinson Walk - O’Reilly’s Retreat

Recount Australian history and celebrate the life of Bernard O'Reilly, who heroically saved the lives of two plane crash survivors 85 years ago in Lamington National Park.  Hike through stunning landscape surrounded by the incredibly diverse and wonderful flora and fauna of Lamington National Park. 

• Luxury Camping Escape - Scenic Rim Trail

Experience the height of relaxed luxury in the Scenic Rim Region with the event-special night retreat at Spicers Canopy Luxury Tents. Enjoy a 12km guided day hike then spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in a glamping style tent or enjoy a soak in the outdoor hot tub, a beautiful spot for sunset. Awake to bird song and enjoy a Chef-prepared breakfast. 

• Lamington Wild Walks + Forest Immersion - Park Tours

Wild Walks in Lamington National Park across May, in partnership with ParkTours and Binna Burra Lodge. These are challenging adventures off the main walking track system, with guides and BBL park licences. 

• True Nature days at Binna Burra 

Includes Nature Journalling, forest bathing, outdoor yoga and mindfulness practices. 

• Bush Walking Queensland

Bushwalking Queensland Inc. will host walks along the Great Escarpment Trail as well as other walks and information experiences. 

• Border Tracks: Mt Lindesay to Richmond Gap - Horizon Guides

Find solitude and connection, learn about wild treasures and hear timeless stories over three days atop the McPherson Range. The Rabbit Board Fence threads the way through rugged country - lyrebirds are the soundtrack to magnificent forests and superb views, with special guest: Ben Allmon (The Black and White Braid). 

• The Lost World Trail Festival - Worendo Cottages

The views on this trail run will stop the most experienced in their tracks!  A must-do on the trail calendar, the Lost World Trail Festival provides a great combination of road, smooth trails, rocky terrain, hills, a bridge and creek crossing! 

ESCAPE in the Scenic Rim

Grab your hiking boots, dust off your backpack, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for a smile-making, heart-pumping, cup-filling May 2022. Find out more here.

29 April to 29 May 

ABOUT THE SCENIC RIM:

The Scenic Rim has been named by global travel authority Lonely Planet as one of the hottest destinations to visit in 2022! Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022 names the top 10 countries, cities and regions to visit, with the Scenic Rim the only Australian inclusion.  Just an hour from Brisbane and 30 minutes from the heart of the Gold Coast, the Scenic Rim stretches from Canungra to The Lost World, Beaudesert to Boonah, Tamborine Mountain to Kalbar and is home to the ancient World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, six historic national parks, charming towns and villages, adventure parks, farm stays, craft breweries, boutique wineries, ecolodges, tantalising gourmet experiences, world class camping and glamping and breathtaking spaces in between. It’s a region of more than 4,200 square kilometres of rich volcanic soil surrounded by ancient mountains and home to thousands of farmers and food creators, more than 30,000ha of parkland, plus three dams - Lake Moogerah, Lake Maroon and Wyaralong Dam.