Explore Brisbane and the Scenic Rim and its rural mountains
Often passed over for other destinations in jam-packed Queensland, subtropical capital city Brisbane and the Scenic Rim on its rural mountainous outskirts deserve a longer stay and closer inspection.
Australia’s third most populous city has the most varied topography of all Australian capitals. Cleaved by the winding Brisbane River, and sundered by the landscape’s shifting elevations, Brisbane’s neighbourhoods have developed distinct personalities. Small and walkable, the CBD is packed with history. South Bank has a popular man-made swimming beach, while edgy Fortitude Valley buzzes with shops, restaurants and clubs. The Valley is linked to upscale Kangaroo Point by the heritage-listed Story Bridge, Australia’s longest steel cantilever span.
Just an hour into the city’s lush hinterland, the Scenic Rim brims with brilliant national parks, bountiful native wildlife as well as outstanding food and wine. Comprised of a semi-circular group of volcanic mountains, Scenic Rim offers a plethora of outdoor opportunities plus the kind of authentic rural hospitality which sees locals happily yakking with you at the pub.
Visit the little Museum of Brisbane in the art deco City Hall for a back-story on early settlement. Walk across or better yet, climb Story Bridge – neither is for the faint of heart. Follow some of the Scenic Rim’s many picturesque trails – Tamborine Mountain National Park alone has nine. Take a hot air balloon over the mountainous landscape or tee off amid wild kangaroos. Refuel at one of the many acclaimed waterfront restaurants on Eagle Street Pier or stop in at a traditional country pub for a hearty meal and tap beer.
- Multi-cultural Brisbane, Australia’s third largest city
- Iconic Story Bridge
- Vibrant South Bank with its museums, galleries and busy Streets Beach
- Queen Street Mall and the informative Museum of Brisbane in the CBD
- Trendy Fortitude Valley, home to restaurants, bars and cafes
- The Scenic Rim, an outstanding food and wine region
- Peerless views of Queensland’s Great Dividing Range
- Gateway to six national parks including the World Heritage-listed Main Range National Park and diverse Lamington National Park
- Native Australian wildlife including koalas, kangaroos and cockatoos
- Countless outdoor activities from golf to horseback riding and hot air ballooning
Brisbane is serviced by regular direct flights from all major Australian cities and regional hubs, as well as many international destinations in Asia and the Middle East. The Scenic Rim is a well-developed mountainous region located an hour inland from Brisbane, best explored by car.
Brisbane and the Scenic Rim are easily combined with the aptly named Sunshine Coast, where many Brisbane locals spend their holidays. Alternatively, head further north to Cairns, gateway to Great Barrier Reef and the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest.
Featured
Itineraries
Discover Queensland’s natural wonders
Daintree RainforestCombine a stay at the newly-rebuilt Silky Oaks Lodge in the renowned Daintree National Park with the beautiful Thala Beach Nature Reserve.
Queensland Reef, Rainforest & Outback
Daintree Rainforest - Great Barrier ReefAn all encompassing 9 night Queensland itinerary. From the pristine reefs and rainforests to the dramatic outback landscape.
Scenic Rim Trail
Brisbane - Scenic RimTake in the tranquillity of Queensland’s Scenic Rim on this moderately challenging 8-day accommodated walking adventure.
Southern Queensland Highlights
Scenic Rim - Sunshine CoastDiscover southern Queensland with Spicers properties, each unique yet individually renowned for their luxury, location and delectable cuisine.
Accommodation
Mt Mulligan Lodge
With accommodation for just 20 guests at any one time, Mt Mulligan Lodge affords an exclusive and personalised encounter with back-country Far North Queensland.
Orpheus Island Lodge
This heavenly island resort offers all-inclusive luxury accommodation in the heart of the untouched Great Barrier Reef.
Daintree Ecolodge
Hidden in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, this boutique eco lodge is the perfect place to rediscover the healing power of nature.
Silky Oaks Lodge
Situated at the edge of the World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park, Silky Oaks Lodge is Queensland’s most unique rainforest sanctuary.
Beach Club
An adults-only oasis, this tranquil, boutique resort sits right on Catseye Beach, overlooking the Coral Sea.
Spicers Hidden Vale
Spicers Hidden Vale is a gem, an escape just an hour’s drive from Brisbane that combines the style and comfort of a luxury retreat with the warmest of country welcomes.
Spicers Clovelly Estate
You’ll be transported to Provence at Spicers Clovelly Estate, a lovely French provincial homestead set on 22 acres of beguiling, landscaped gardens.
Spicers Tamarind Retreat
Spicers Tamarind Retreat is an Asian-inspired sanctum set at the edge of tropical rainforest in the Sunshine Coast’s alluring hinterland.
Spicers Peak Lodge
Be on top of the world at Spicers Peak Lodge, Queensland’s loftiest mountain retreat.
