The Scenic Rim is a region just off of the Gold Coast and Brisbane areas of Australia. Being only 60kms away it is the ecotourism hotspot of southeast Queensland. The series of mountains and volcanoes create this amazing Rim or U formation that goes all the way from the Laidley area to Tamborine Mountain. It’s an iconic landmark of Queensland and also the location of 6 National Parks.
This FKT route is based off Something known as the Scenic Rim Traverse that travels along this unique mountain range. This traverse is not for the faint of hear and is a gruelling Minimum 250+kms long with over 10’000+m of vertical ascent through remote and off track areas (this traverse will be far more than 250kms and 10’000m vert that’s just a minimum based on the topographical rim. This is a grade 5+ route and requires exceptional navigational skills and both running and bush walking experience. Ropes are not needed but it may feel like it is at sometimes.
Completion Standards
Now based on the remote area and off track hiking that this route and the world Heritage Gondwana Rain Forests have to offer the conditions of this track change year to year based on a number of uncontrollable variables. Attached is a GPX file of what I believe is the quickest route following the topographical Scenic Rim Region.
However do to the remote areas, depending on the amount of regrowth or forest fires or floods some of the sections may not be hike able and this can change drastically. Therefore this traverse will be done as checkpoints meaning there are specific locations that one must reach before arriving at the finish to consider this a successful FKT Attempt (the GPX file doesn’t have to be followed exactly as it This gives people in the future years from now the opportunity to alter certain sections of the route if it is deemed necessary to do in order to obtain the FKT.
Below is the Following check points you must pass while following the Scenic Rim Ridgeline and Border Track.
Start
Thornton view trail head (Scenic Rim Trail Start),
Cunningham Gap, Governors Chair lookout in Spicers Gap, Mount Wilson, Mount Barney East Peak, Collins Gap NSW/QLD Border, Point Lookout, Binna Burra
Finish
Hang Gliders Lookout on Tamborine Mountain
These are all points that are well maintained and believe will continue to be as time moves on. As long as you pass through these points we will call it a successful Scenic Rim Traverse.
This is not a trail to take lightly and make sure you e done your navigational research and logistical planning before hand.
To anyone who attempts this you will rewarded with some of the best views in South East Queensland and to those who finish you’ll be rewarded with the satisfaction of completing one of the most difficult trails in Australia.
Goodluck
