New Scenic Rim Trail approved as part Queensland strategy for tourism in National Parks

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is backing a new nature-based tourism project that will offer a six-day walk through the Scenic Rim, running through World Heritage listed Main Range National Park, south west of Brisbane.

QPWS had given the green-light to the Turner family, owners of the Spicers Group, to move forward with their proposed Scenic Rim Trail that will follow the escarpment of the caldera, running through sub-tropical rainforests, tall eucalypt forests, mountain heathlands, waterfalls and offering spectacular views.

Announcing the approval, Queensland National Parks Minister Dr Steven Miles stated “rivaling more temperate offerings in Tasmania and New Zealand, thiswill be a captivating experience for walkers.“The project will include two new eco-camps on the park, linked by a combination of new and existing low-impact walking tracks and fire trails, and new mountain bike tracks primarily on fire trails.

“Scenic Rim Trail guided tour operations will deliver ongoing employment and economic benefits for the local community”.

Dr Miles also announced a new high ropes course, mountain-bike hire and water-based activities were proposed at Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre, The Gap, by respected south east Queensland tourism operators, Tree Top Challenge and Riverlife.

He also oreshadowed even more new projects on or near National Parks under a recently finalised eco-tourism strategy, adding “this Government is heralding in a new era of working with the tourism industry to deliver high quality, sustainable tourism experiences that showcase the beauty of our pristine areas.”

Queensland Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the Scenic Rim Trail demonstrated how industry, government, and conservationists could work together to deliver on eco-tourism – with Traditional Owners to also be engaged.

Minister Jones added “it’s exciting to see investors prioritizing eco-tourism in Queensland because we know it has the potential to drive significant growth in visitors as they come face-to-face with nature.

“Projects like the Scenic Rim Trail will help grow visitation to Queensland, protect the environment and deliver new eco-tourism experiences for visitors.”

On behalf of the Turner family, spokesperson Jude Turner stated that the family was passionate about providing world-class leisure and adventure experiences that connected guests with the natural wonders and heritage of the Australian outdoors.

Turner stated “we are motivated by sharing south-east Queensland’s great beauty spots and our love of nature with others in a responsible manner.

“The Scenic Rim Trail welcomes the opportunity to work with the government and community to implement long-term land management efforts that will protect and preserve this natural asset for the future, while allowing more people to enjoy it.”

Dr Miles said the Turner family operated several high quality tourism and ecotourism ventures in the Scenic Rim area and were “well credentialed’ when it came to conservation activities.

He concluded “they’ve bought and set aside about 8000 hectares of the Scenic Rim for nature refuges and been involved in local wildlife rehabilitation projects.”

This Scenic Rim Trail will stretch 50kms, incorporating 32 kilometres of existing trails, and 18 kilometres of new bushwalking track from Mt Mistake to Spicers Peak Nature Refuge. It will run from Mt Mistake in the north to the Canopy Eco-Lodge in the south, linking the national park to the Turners’ nature refuges.

The trail will be used for small-group walking experiences and will also be open to the public.

Construction, maintenance and monitoring costs for all proposed infrastructure will be fully funded by the proponent.

QPWS, as the landholder, has given owner’s consent for the proposed Scenic Rim Trail to progress to local government for development approvals.

Images: The Scenic Rim (top) and a planned lodge on the trail (below).

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