World Heritage Rainforest
Ancient, Extraordinary, Irreplaceable
Most people are astonished to discover that just 90 minutes south of Brisbane lies one of Australia's most extraordinary natural environments. The Scenic Rim — a dramatic crescent of escarpments, deep rainforest valleys, and ancient volcanic peaks — contains three World Heritage-listed national parks and more plant species per hectare than any other temperate region on earth.
This is Gondwana rainforest. It was old when the dinosaurs walked through it. The ancient Antarctic beech trees in Lamington National Park are thought to be over 2,000 years old. The rainforest floor still carries the same ferns, mosses, and fungi that evolved here tens of millions of years before Australia separated from the supercontinent. A day in the Scenic Rim is genuinely unlike anything else you can do within a day trip of a major Australian city.
What Makes Our Tours Different
Cooee's Scenic Rim tours are led by qualified naturalist guides with deep knowledge of the region's ecology, geology, and wildlife. They know where the Albert's lyrebirds display in the early morning. They know which creek bend the platypus feeds from at dusk. They know the stories behind the landscape — the Yugambeh people who have lived in this country for over 20,000 years, and the remarkable family of pioneers who built O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat from scratch in the 1920s.
Small groups — maximum 14 guests — mean you're never rushed past the good stuff. Comfortable air-conditioned transport, complimentary Brisbane CBD pickup, and a gourmet lunch from a local Scenic Rim producer make this as comfortable as it is extraordinary.
The Scenic Rim
Where You're Headed
Our Tours
Five Ways to Experience the Scenic Rim
Each tour explores a different facet of the Scenic Rim — from dusk glowworm caves to sunrise platypus walks, thundering waterfalls to canopy treetop crossings.
Scenic Rim Full-Day Explorer
The definitive Scenic Rim experience. O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat at dawn, Lamington National Park's ancient rainforest walks, and the Natural Bridge glowworm cave as the sun sets.
- ✓O'Reilly's treetop rope bridge walk & bird feeding
- ✓Guided Ancient Antarctic beech forest walk
- ✓Natural Bridge glowworm cave at dusk
- ✓Gourmet Scenic Rim picnic lunch included
- ✓Wildlife spotting — lyrebirds, pademelons, wallabies
Springbrook Waterfalls & Canyon Tour
Springbrook National Park is where Queensland's most dramatic waterfall scenery concentrates in one extraordinary plateau. Purlingbrook Falls, Twin Falls, and the canyon views from Best of All Lookout will stop you in your tracks.
- ✓Purlingbrook Falls — Queensland's tallest plunge waterfall
- ✓Twin Falls circuit hike (easy–moderate)
- ✓Best of All Lookout — 270° escarpment views
- ✓Natural Bridge glowworm cave
- ✓Gourmet picnic lunch with local produce
Scenic Rim Sunrise Wildlife Walk
The Scenic Rim at first light is a completely different world. Mist in the valley, lyrebirds mimicking the forest, and platypus surfacing in the still creek pools. An intimate early-morning experience for wildlife enthusiasts.
- ✓Platypus watching at dawn creek pools
- ✓Albert's lyrebird & regent bowerbird spotting
- ✓Guided misty valley rainforest walk
- ✓Sunrise breakfast at scenic escarpment lookout
Scenic Rim Food & Wine Trail
The Scenic Rim is as celebrated for its food producers as its rainforest. This tour combines boutique winery cellar doors, artisan farm visits, and exceptional paddock-to-plate dining against some of Queensland's most beautiful rural scenery.
- ✓2 boutique Scenic Rim winery cellar doors
- ✓Farm visit — seasonal produce & cheese making
- ✓3-course lunch at a working Scenic Rim farm
- ✓Canungra Valley & escarpment views
Bespoke Private Scenic Rim Tour
Your day, your way. Choose your parks, your pace, and your focus — photography, botany, family adventure, or honeymoon escape. Our guides build the perfect Scenic Rim day around you.
- ✓Fully custom itinerary — any combination of parks
- ✓Private vehicle & dedicated naturalist guide
- ✓Flexible departure time & pace
- ✓Catered to photography, families, seniors & mobility needs
Destination Highlights
Three National Parks, One Extraordinary Day
The Scenic Rim is the collective name for a crescent of national parks forming the southern rim of the Brisbane Valley. Each park has its own character — and all three are unlike anything else in eastern Australia.
- 🌲Lamington National Park — Australia's largest remaining subtropical rainforest, home to O'Reilly's treetop rope walk, 160km of walking tracks, and the world's richest concentration of rare bird species.
- 💧Springbrook National Park — The Gondwana Rainforest plateau crowned by Purlingbrook Falls (109m), the Natural Bridge glowworm cave, and sheer escarpment views stretching to the Gold Coast coast.
- ⛰️Main Range National Park — Ancient volcanic calderas, dramatic mountain passes, and the most breathtaking valley panoramas in Southeast Queensland.
- 🦜Rare Wildlife — Albert's lyrebird, regent bowerbird, green catbird, and platypus in the wild — species found in few other accessible locations in Australia.
Sample Day
A Full-Day Explorer Itinerary
Based on our most popular tour — the Full-Day Explorer. Every day is shaped by the season, the weather, and what the forest is doing on the day.
am
Brisbane CBD Pickup
Your guide collects the group from central Brisbane pickup points. Morning coffee provided on board as you head south through the city, and your guide begins the story of the Scenic Rim's extraordinary geology and history.
am
Canungra — Gateway Town
A brief stop in Canungra, the charming gateway village to the Scenic Rim hinterland. Stretch your legs, pick up supplies, and take in the first views of the McPherson Range rising ahead.
am
O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat
Arrive at the legendary O'Reilly's — a mountain retreat in the heart of Lamington National Park that has been welcoming guests since 1926. Your guide leads you through the canopy on the famous rope bridges, 15 metres above the rainforest floor. Regent bowerbirds and crimson rosellas often feed from guests' hands.
am
Ancient Antarctic Beech Forest Walk
A guided walk through one of the most remarkable forests in Australia — the Antarctic beech grove, where trees that may have been alive when the Roman Empire fell stand draped in moss and lichen. Your guide explains the deep geological story of Gondwana and what makes this ecosystem irreplaceable.
pm
Gourmet Scenic Rim Picnic Lunch
Lunch is a highlight in its own right — artisan produce sourced from Scenic Rim farms and producers, served at a lookout with views across the green valleys below. Fruit, cheese, bread, locally-cured meats, and freshly made pastries.
pm
Springbrook Plateau & Waterfalls
Travel across the escarpment to Springbrook National Park. The late afternoon light on Purlingbrook Falls is extraordinary — 109 metres of plunging water into a rainforest gorge. Best of All Lookout offers 270-degree views stretching to the sea.
pm
Natural Bridge — Glowworm Cave
As dusk settles, your guide leads the group into the Natural Bridge cave — a collapsed lava tube where thousands of bioluminescent cave worms (Arachnocampa flava) create a living constellation on the cave ceiling. One of the most magical natural spectacles in Queensland.
pm
Return to Brisbane
Head back to Brisbane as stars appear above the escarpment. Your guide shares any final wildlife encounters from the day while the group relives the highlights. Arrive back at central Brisbane pickup points around 8:00pm.
Wildlife & Nature
What Lives in the Scenic Rim
The Scenic Rim's World Heritage status exists because of the extraordinary wildlife it protects. These are some of the species you may encounter on your day.
Albert's Lyrebird
One of Australia's most spectacular birds, capable of mimicking virtually any sound in the forest. Lamington National Park holds one of the largest populations remaining. Dawn is the best time to hear — and sometimes see — them display.
Glowworm Cave Worms
Arachnocampa flava — a bioluminescent larva found only in Australia and New Zealand. The Natural Bridge cave at Springbrook contains a dense colony that illuminates the cave ceiling like a star field after dark.
Platypus
The Scenic Rim's rainforest creeks provide some of the most reliable platypus-watching habitat within reach of Brisbane. Dawn and dusk are prime time — a patient guide who knows the right creek bends makes all the difference.
Pademelons & Wallabies
Red-necked pademelons are almost guaranteed at O'Reilly's, where they graze the lawn edges at first light. Swamp wallabies are common in the forest understorey throughout the Scenic Rim parks.
Regent Bowerbird
One of Australia's most brilliantly coloured birds — the male's jet-black and vivid orange plumage is extraordinary. Regent bowerbirds often feed from guests' hands at O'Reilly's Retreat, making for unforgettable close encounters.
Ancient Flora
Gondwana plant lineages survive here that have no relatives outside this rainforest — Antarctic beeches, giant stinging trees, walking stick palms, and lichens found nowhere else on the continent. The forest floor is a living museum.
Pythons & Reptiles
Carpet pythons, water dragons, and skinks are common sightings on sunny trail sections. Your guide knows exactly how to spot them — and what to do (usually: admire from nearby) when you do.
Ulysses Butterfly
The brilliant electric-blue Ulysses butterfly is one of Australia's most iconic species — and a remarkable sight flickering through the dark rainforest understorey. Spring and summer are the best seasons to spot them.
Plan Your Visit
Everything You Need to Know
Practical information to help you prepare for the perfect Scenic Rim day.
Best Season to Visit
The Scenic Rim is spectacular year-round, but each season has its character:
- Spring (Sep–Nov): wildflowers, warm days, high wildlife activity
- Summer (Dec–Feb): lush green rainforest, dramatic waterfalls after rain
- Autumn (Mar–May): mild days, beautiful light, fewer crowds
- Winter (Jun–Aug): crystal-clear air, misty mornings, best wildlife spotting
What to Bring
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes (no thongs)
- Light rain jacket (the rainforest can be damp)
- Insect repellent & sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle (we provide refills)
- Camera or phone with good low-light settings for the cave
- Layers — the plateau can be 10°C cooler than Brisbane
Accessibility & Fitness
Most of our tours include a mix of easy boardwalk trails and moderate hikes. We tailor the walking to your group — no one is left behind.
- Easy options available on all tours
- Private tours can be fully customised for mobility needs
- O'Reilly's treetop walk is wheelchair accessible in sections
- Families with young children warmly welcome
Food & Dietary Needs
All tours include a gourmet Scenic Rim picnic lunch sourced from local producers. With 48 hours notice we accommodate:
- Vegetarian & vegan options
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Nut allergies & other requirements
Guest Reviews
What Our Guests Say
Verified reviews from guests who've experienced the Scenic Rim with Cooee.
I've lived in Brisbane for 12 years and had no idea this place existed. The rainforest is genuinely ancient — you can feel it. Our guide knew the forest like his backyard, pointed out lyrebird tracks in the mud before we even heard it, and then there it was. The glowworm cave at the end of the day was completely magical. Life-changing is the right word.
We did the Springbrook Waterfalls tour with our two kids (8 and 11) and it was the best family day out we've had in years. Purlingbrook Falls is genuinely breathtaking — standing at the base with the mist on your face is something they're still talking about months later. The guide was brilliant with the kids and made everything exciting and educational.
The sunrise wildlife walk was extraordinary. We saw three platypus feeding in the creek pool within the first twenty minutes — I'd been trying to see one in the wild for years. The Albert's lyrebird calling through the mist as the sun came up over the escarpment is an image that will stay with me for a very long time. Worth every early start.
As an overseas visitor I was completely unprepared for how beautiful this region is. O'Reilly's is extraordinary — the birds eat out of your hands! — and the Natural Bridge glowworms at night were like nothing I've ever seen anywhere in the world. This is what makes Australia unique. An absolute must-do from Brisbane.
Booked the Food & Wine Trail for my partner's birthday and it was perfect. Beautiful scenery, wonderful local producers, and a lunch at the working farm that was genuinely one of the best meals I've had in Queensland. The Canungra Valley wineries were a lovely surprise — we came home with several bottles and very happy memories.
I'm 72 and was worried about keeping up, but the guide was incredibly attentive and made sure the pace suited everyone. The accessible boardwalk at O'Reilly's meant I could experience the rainforest properly, and being there when the parrots and bowerbirds came to feed was something I never expected to witness in my lifetime. Wonderful, thoughtful tour.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need before booking your Scenic Rim day tour.
The Scenic Rim is 90 minutes to 2 hours from Brisbane CBD depending on destination. Springbrook National Park is the closest at approximately 90 minutes. Lamington National Park and O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat are around 2 hours. All Cooee tours include complimentary central Brisbane pickup so you don't need to worry about driving or navigation.
Our Full-Day Explorer ($189pp) is consistently our highest-rated tour — combining O'Reilly's treetop walk, ancient beech forest, Springbrook waterfalls, and the Natural Bridge glowworm cave in a single extraordinary day. If waterfalls are your priority, the Springbrook Waterfalls tour ($169pp) is exceptional. Wildlife enthusiasts often choose the Sunrise Wildlife Walk for its platypus and lyrebird opportunities at dawn.
Yes — the Scenic Rim is one of Queensland's most family-friendly natural destinations. Children are welcome on all tours and our guides are experienced at tailoring the experience for younger guests. The bird feeding at O'Reilly's, the glowworm cave, and wildlife spotting are highlights that children absolutely love. School holiday specials include free places for children under 12.
Pademelons and wallabies at O'Reilly's are almost guaranteed. Regent bowerbirds and crimson rosellas regularly feed from guests' hands at the retreat. Albert's lyrebirds are regularly heard and sometimes seen on early morning tours. Platypus sightings are common at dawn creek pools on the Sunrise Wildlife Walk. The Natural Bridge glowworm cave is a reliable spectacle at dusk year-round. Wildlife encounters are never guaranteed in nature, but our guides' local knowledge maximises every opportunity.
Our standard tours involve a mix of easy boardwalk walks and moderate trails of 1–4km, with some uneven ground in the rainforest. You don't need to be particularly fit — a comfortable walking pace is all that's required. Guests in their 70s and 80s regularly complete all our tours. If you have mobility concerns, please mention them when booking and we'll advise the best tour option, or build a private tour specifically around your needs.
Rain is part of the rainforest experience — and it often makes it more beautiful. After rain, waterfalls thunder, the rainforest smells extraordinary, and wildlife is often more active. Light rain gear is included in our packing recommendations. Tours operate in light to moderate rain. In the event of severe weather, we'll reschedule at no cost. A light rain jacket is always advisable regardless of the forecast.
All Scenic Rim tours include complimentary pickup from central Brisbane CBD locations — confirmed with your booking confirmation. We typically service stops around Brisbane CBD, South Bank, Fortitude Valley, and other inner-city locations. Private tours can accommodate additional pickup points. We drop you back to your original location at the end of the day.
Yes — gift vouchers are available for any dollar amount or specific tour, valid for 12 months from purchase. They make a wonderful and genuinely memorable gift. Contact us directly or purchase through our booking page and we'll send a beautifully formatted digital gift voucher by email.
Your Complete Guide
Scenic Rim Day Tours: Everything You Need to Know
What Is the Scenic Rim?
The Scenic Rim is a 1,400-square-kilometre arc of national parks forming the southern mountain rim of the Brisbane Valley, stretching from the Gold Coast hinterland west to the Darling Downs. It encompasses three World Heritage-listed national parks — Lamington, Springbrook, and Main Range — all part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, one of the most botanically significant forest ecosystems remaining on earth. Less than two hours from Brisbane, this is one of the most accessible World Heritage areas of any major Australian city.
O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat
Established in the 1920s by the O'Reilly family, this mountain retreat in the heart of Lamington National Park has become one of Queensland's most iconic nature destinations. The treetop canopy walk — rope bridges suspended 15 metres above the forest floor — offers a perspective on the rainforest that few visitors forget. The property is famous for its hand-feeding of wild birds, including the spectacularly colourful regent bowerbird and the luminous crimson rosella. All Cooee Full-Day Explorer tours include time at O'Reilly's and guided rainforest walks departing from the retreat.
The Natural Bridge Glowworm Cave
One of Australia's most extraordinary natural spectacles sits in a small, accessible cave at Springbrook National Park. The Natural Bridge is a collapsed lava tube through which a small waterfall flows — and the cave ceiling above it is densely colonised by Arachnocampa flava, a bioluminescent cave worm found only in Australia and New Zealand. As dusk falls, the cave ceiling transforms into a dense constellation of blue-green light, each pinprick the thread-trap of a single glowworm larva. Cooee's Full-Day Explorer and Springbrook tours time the Natural Bridge visit for dusk, when the display is at its most spectacular.
Scenic Rim Day Tour from Brisbane — Planning Tips
The Scenic Rim is accessible year-round, but conditions vary significantly by season. Summer (December–February) brings lush rainforest and roaring waterfalls after rain, but also afternoon thunderstorms — morning departures are advisable. Winter (June–August) brings crisp, clear air, misty mornings, and excellent wildlife visibility. The plateau can be 8–12°C cooler than Brisbane — always bring a layer regardless of the Brisbane forecast. Sturdy, closed-toe footwear is essential on all rainforest trails. Photography is spectacular in the golden hour before the glowworm cave — bring a tripod if you have one for the cave shots.
Related Tours
More Brisbane Day Tours
Explore more of what Queensland offers on a day trip from Brisbane.
Australia Zoo Tours
Queensland's most famous wildlife destination. Koalas, crocodiles, and the legacy of the Irwin family — a full day with the animals just 90 minutes north of Brisbane.
Explore Tour →
Brisbane Wine Tours
WSET-certified sommelier guides, five Queensland wine regions, and gourmet food pairings — including the Scenic Rim's own boutique mountain estate wineries.
Explore Tours →
Brisbane to Melbourne Tour
Ready for something bigger? Our 14-day guided East Coast tour takes in Byron Bay, Sydney, Port Stephens, Hunter Valley, and Melbourne from Brisbane.
Explore Tour →