Australia’s highest non alpine all inclusive Spicers Peak Lodge, is spectacularly located on the World Heritage listed Main Range National Park, with a focus on fine food and wine, bushwalking and mountain-biking. At 1,100 metres above sea level, you’re immersed in the sights, sounds and spirit of an unspoiled wilderness.

Myriad adventures await in the sky or on the land. If you’re active, there’s helicopter scenic flights, nature hikes, 4WD discovery tours and mountain biking. Or you may be seeking a gentler pace – there’s sunset picnics, star gazing, a guest library, pool table and tennis court to unwind and relax. The peerless infinity pool – with yawning views of the mountains – is a temptation impossible to resist for most, as are the indulgent and restorative powers of the Spa Anise Day Spa.

Whether you’re walking high on the spine of the commanding Great Dividing Range or immersing yourself deep in the lush canopy of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Gondwana Rainforest, the beauty of the Scenic Rim Trail is complimented perfectly by the luxury, comfort and care offered by the team at Spicers Peak Lodge. Hiking is a great whole-body workout—from head to toe and everything in between. This kind of physical exercise helps:

  • Build stronger muscles and bones
  • Improve your sense of balance
  • Improve your heart health
  • Decrease the risk of certain respiratory problems

On top of the many health benefits, no two days are the same, giving you room to breathe and think with breathtaking scenery and diverse walking terrain. Plus unique luxury eco accommodation and superb food and wine to boot. The 6-day walk encompasses all of the highlights of the 4-day walk – including Mt Mistake, ancient Gondwana rainforest, 360-degree views at Bare Rock and arcing ridges near Cunningham’s Gap – and adds the irresistible southern sector of the walk featuring the heights of Mt Mathieson, the secrets of Oakey Creek and of course the indulgences of Spicers Peak Lodge. 

Throughout your journey on foot, you will enjoy the very best accommodation, cuisine and signature special touches that reinvigorate your body and soul. For those planning the 6 day hike, preparation is key.

Here are some tips to help you plan your training:

What else can I do to prepare?

  • Go hiking in the bush as often as you can
  • Add extended walks 12 – 18km to your training program
  • Ensure you have the right shoes, not too old and not too new with good grip. The most common issue we see is soles coming off old hiking boots the glue disintegrates overtime.
  • If your shoes are new wear them in before you come
  • Try hiking poles they help to take weight off your knees
  • Build your leg strength and aerobic fitness

You might like to consider a personal trainer if you want a more structured and supported preparation plan.

What level of fitness do I need?

  • You need to be able to walk an avg. 14km a day for multiple days
  • You need good aerobic fitness as we are hiking in the mountains
  • Comfortable with wearing a back pack with avg. weight of 6kg
  • Strong & stable on your feet to navigate rock scrambles & uneven ground

What do I need to bring?

  • Water resistant duffel style bag or similar with a weight limit of 12kg
  • Water bladder or bottles with 2.5L minimum especially for the warmer months
  • Hiking poles and gaiters if you like to use them
  • Day back pack 22 litres or more with a waist strap
  • Paddy Pallin Day Packs
  • Anaconda Day Packs
  • Carribee 65l Duffel

Packing tips

  • Quality rain jacket and optional rain pants
  • Warm jacket e.g. light weight down jacket
  • Fleece jumper or similar x 2
  • In winter a beanie, gloves, scarf and thermals are required
  • Breathable walking shirts plus shirts for evening
  • Light weight hiking pants plus pants for evening
  • Hiking socks – foot care is important
  • Hiking boots/shoes with good grip that have been worn in but are not too old
  • Change of shoes for evening (runners or comfortable shoes)
  • Plastic or ‘stuff bag’ for putting shoes or wet items into
  • Hanging toiletry bag is useful
  • General medicine as approved by your Doctor – Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Voltaren
  • Prescribed medicines
  • Toiletries – toothpaste and brush, hair brush, deodorant, nail clippers, tweezers, band-aids, lip balm, dental floss, hand sanitiser, razor
  • Phone and camera charger

To find out more about hiking Queensland’s High Country, visit Spicers Peak Lodge.