Must-do: Queensland's Scenic Rim Road Trip
If you're craving a road trip through the Gold Coast’s stunning hinterland, then Queensland’s Scenic Rim may just be calling your name. Winding through lush rainforests, charming towns, and some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the region, this is the ultimate road trip for anyone who loves a bit of nature, a sprinkle of adventure, and a whole lot of classic Aussie relaxation along the way.
In this guide, we have put together a day-by-day guide to the very best things to do on the Scenic Rim drive route, paced over a gentle five-day itinerary. From scenic hikes to rainforest adventures and local breweries, you’ll find plenty to do and see. Ready? Let’s dive in.
Travel: 5 Days
Route: Brisbane → Tamborine Mountain → Canungra → Binna Burra → Lamington National Park → Binna Burra → Boonah → Mt Alford → Lake Moogerah → Mt Edwards → Summer Land Camels → Tommerup’s Dairy Farm → Boonah → Brisbane
Best time of year: The best time of year to travel the Scenic Rim Tourist Drive is during autumn (March–May) and spring (September–November), when temperatures are mild, skies are clear, and the landscapes are lush and vibrant. These seasons offer ideal conditions for hiking, camping, and enjoying waterfalls without the summer heat or winter chill.
Highlights: This five-day campervan itinerary through Queensland’s Scenic Rim showcases ancient rainforests, mountain hikes, and charming country towns. You’ll explore waterfalls at Tamborine Mountain, hike in the Gondwana Rainforests of Lamington National Park, paddle on Lake Moogerah, and taste fresh produce at local farms and breweries. Along the way, enjoy camel rides, scenic campsites, and panoramic views with every stop offering a mix of nature, adventure, and local flavour.
Total distance: ~425 km (to return via Boonah).
Total driving time: ~11 hours.
Day 1: Brisbane to Canungra (via Tamborine Mountain)
Distance: 95 km
Travel time: ~2 hours
Day one of this Scenic Rim drive kicks off with a super scenic 95 km drive from Brisbane to Tamborine Mountain and Canungra. As you venture inland away from the coast, you’ll be met with rainforest walks, views of waterfalls, artisanal cafes, and plenty of opportunities to try your hand at some seriously cool adventure activities.
Where to stop between Brisbane and Canungra
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Tamborine Mountain – Tamborine is the epicentre of the Gold Coast hinterland, and a must-do on any Scenic Rim drive. You’ll find hidden cafes, local wineries, and hiking trails that wind through lush rainforests.
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Curtis Falls Walk – This short 1.5 km return trail tucked within the Tamborine forest is perfect if you’re looking to stretch your legs after some time in the camper. The walk is easy and relatively quick, but you’ll want to plan some time here to enjoy a little wildlife watching (turtles, platypus, and glow worms are popular residents of this little rocky enclave)
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Thunderbird Park – Whether you’re travelling with kids or you’re up for some adventure yourself, Thunderbird Park has it all: top rope courses, zip lines, mini golf, and even fossicking for thundereggs.
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Canungra – This little town is everything you’d want in a rural Queensland spot: charming shops, weekend markets, and a laid-back vibe that makes it perfect for unwinding. It’s got that small-town charm where you can easily lose track of time for the afternoon.
Where to stay in Canungra
Looking for somewhere to park your campervan for the night? The Canungra Camping Grounds is a peaceful spot nestled in a wooded area, complete with a gentle creek running through it. It’s the ideal place to settle down after your drive, and it's just a 30-minute drive off the Pacific Highway.
If you're looking for a place that offers a few more amenities, consider staying at Thunderbird Park. Set within Tamborine National Park, you’ll be surrounded by subtropical rainforest. Plus, you can opt for one of the park’s ensuite caravan sites for added comfort.
Day 2: Canungra to Binna Burra, Lamington National Park
Distance: 45 km
Travel time: ~1.5 hours
Day two of the Scenic Rim Drive is all about immersing yourself in the stunning beauty of the ancient Gondwana Rainforest. The 45 km drive from Canungra to Binna Burra is a winding, lush mountain route that’ll have you driving deeper into this dense rainforest. As you get closer to Binna Burra, the landscape opens up to a huge variety of walking trails, waterfalls, and lookouts to explore.
Where to stop between Canungra and Binna Burra
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Lamington National Park – Binna Burra Section – A part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, Lamington National Park is a must-see on any Scenic Rim tourist drive. It’s home to some of the oldest rainforests in the world, and you’ll find plenty of trails to explore. Make sure to stop at the Binna Burra Lower Day Use Area for some great views.
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Binna Burra Lodge – When you reach Binna Burra, you’ve got to check out the Binna Burra Lodge. It's the perfect base for exploring the national park, with access to a number of hikes and an onsite café to fuel up.
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Scenic Rim Trail – If you're craving a bit of a hike, the Scenic Rim Trail has some amazing sections to explore. You can take a short and sweet walk like the Rainforest Circuit (1.2 km) or challenge yourself with the Caves Circuit (5 km), which takes you past caves and offers fantastic views of the surrounding forest.
Where to stay in Binna Burra
For those wanting to immerse themselves in nature, the Binna Burra Rainforest Campsite offers powered and unpowered sites, with stunning views and easy access to the trails.
Day 3: Binna Burra to Lake Moogerah (via Mt Alford)
Distance: ~115 km
Travel time: ~3 hours
Today’s leg of the Scenic Rim drive takes you from the rainforest peaks of Binna Burra through the artistic town of Boonah, then on to the craft beer haven of Mt Alford, before winding up lakeside at Lake Moogerah. This leg of the trip really delivers on laid-back activities and is the perfect way to mark the halfway point of this Scenic Rim drive route.
Where to stop between Binna Burra and Lake Moogerah
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Mt Alford – One of the most popular spots in this area is the Scenic Rim Brewery, located in Mt Alford, which is perfect for a quick afternoon break to enjoy a refreshing craft beer. Not a beer drinker? No problem! Enjoy a European-style pub meal while soaking in the laid-back vibe of this small town.
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Lake Moogerah – Once you reach Lake Moogerah, you’re in for a treat. It’s perfect for kayaking, swimming, and having a lakeside picnic.
Where to stay in Lake Moogerah
Offering lakeside camping with a boat ramp, kayaking opportunities, and powered sites, Lake Moogerah Caravan Park is the ideal place to rest up for the night while enjoying the stunning views and nature around you.
Day 4: Lake Moogerah to Kerry Valley
Distance: 90 km
Travel time: 2 hours
Today is all about embracing the countryside and getting hands-on with nature. Start the day with a relaxed drive from Lake Moogerah to Mt Edwards, where you’ll enjoy a scenic summit hike with incredible views over the surrounding area. After that, head to Summer Land Camels, where you can take a camel ride and enjoy camel milk treats before heading to Tommerup’s Dairy Farm in the Kerry Valley to taste fresh local produce and experience farm life up close.
Where to stop between Lake Moogerah and Tommerup’s Dairy Farm
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Summer Land Camels – Ever dreamed of riding on a camel? Well, today's your lucky day. In addition to a ride, you can also sample camel milk skincare products and take a farm tour to learn more about the animals. It’s a fun and educational stop for the whole family.
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Tommerup’s Dairy Farm – Spend the afternoon at Tommerup’s Dairy Farm, where you can take part in farm activities, enjoy local produce, and explore the farm's seasonal tours. It's an authentic experience where you’ll learn about farm life and get a taste of the farm-to-table experience. Want something unique? We highly recommend checking out the farm event calendar when planning your stay to see if there are any special events you can coincide with your road trip!
Where to stay in the Kerry Valley
Looking to embrace more of the rustic vibe for the night of camping? Why not check out Darlington and Burgess Parks. These sites are simple, providing only the essentials like toilets and a dump site. However, the location is unbeatable. With campsites available right on the riverbank, this really is the perfect setting to unwind and relax nestled amongst the trees.
Day 5: Return via Boonah or Scenic Rim Trail
Distance: ~80–100 km
Travel time: 2-3 hours
On the final day of your Scenic Rim Drive road trip, you’ve got a couple of options for your return journey. If you’re up for one last adventure, take a leisurely drive via Boonah, where you can enjoy a final cafe stop or explore some more local art. Alternatively, you can opt for another short hike along a section of the Scenic Rim Trail before heading back to Brisbane or the Gold Coast to wrap up your journey.
Where to stop between Lake Moogerah and Boonah
If you’re returning your Apollo camper to Brisbane, make sure to allow around 1.45 hours to travel back from Boonah and wrap up this Scenic Rim Drive road trip. Looking for more tips for planning your road trip? Check out the top guides below:
Ready to set off on this unforgettable adventure? It really is as simple as choosing your dates, booking your Apollo camper online, and then, when the time comes, picking it up at your nearest Apollo branch before kicking off your very own Scenic Rim adventure. For more ideas on planning your adventure, check out more of our campervan guides.