Goomburra Day Walk Scenic Rim Trail

Leader: Ken Mccarron

Contact: 0429959565 kbm63@hotmail.com 

Meeting Point:  Lions Park Hodgson Vale  6.45am for 7am departure

Travel Distance and Time: 110 klm each way 1  hr 30min

Walk Grading:  14 klm  350 elevation gain 6 hrs walking M66

If you've ever considered the full four-day Scenic Rim Trail but hesitated at the thought of carrying a pack the whole way — good news! This walk can be broken down into manageable day hikes, and this itinerary closely mirrors Day 3  of the official trail.

We’ll begin by driving to Goomburra, leaving a car at the campground. The group will then continue to Mt Castle Lookout Carpark, where the walk officially starts. A short stroll brings us to the lookout, now offering an even better view of Mt Castle thanks to a recent tree fall.

From here, we enter a Grade 5 trail — rugged and challenging — which we’ll follow for most of the day. The first section ascends a small rainforest knoll, leading to a planned morning tea stop at a rocky outcrop with stunning views back along the Ramparts and across the Fassifern Valley.

After morning tea, we descend to Sylvester Lookout, then plunge back into the lush rainforest of Main Range National Park. This section features numerous tree falls, but the track is well-maintained, with only the occasional log to climb over. The opened canopy has encouraged lower scrub growth, boosting birdlife — a treat for nature lovers.

Eventually, the trail veers west and drops off the ridge into Dalrymple Creek, where we’ll stop for lunch beside the water.

Post-lunch, we rejoin the Cascade Circuit at Goomburra and follow the creek upstream to Cascade Falls. After a few creek crossings, we ascend a fire trail through open eucalypt forest, then descend back to Goomburra Campground. Here, the group splits with the drivers who left their cars at the start will drive back to retrieve the cars from Mt Castle carpark. Non drivers will continue the walk through the campground and meet the cars at the creek crossing. This group should have time to enjoy afternoon tea before returning to Toowoomba.

Note:  You need to register to attend, please contact the leader Ken if you need further information.

What to Bring: Wear boots with grip, sunscreen and hat. Lunch and snacks and 2L of water. First aid kit. Personal medication. Snake bandage (club policy)

Car Pooling and compensation guidance: approx 220km return. The cost indicates the total cost to be shared by the passengers for a return journey distance. $32 - $50