Jules Lund went back to nature with a group of enthusiastic women on the Hidden Peaks Walk. It involved bushwalking and camping in 3300 hectares of a private and exclusive nature refuge.
Just 90 minutes from Brisbane, you arrive at the edge of a region called Scenic Rim which encompasses the regional centres of Beaudesert, Boonah and Ipswich. That's where it all begins — a weekend with a heavy slant towards luxury. It could be called "glamping" — glamorous camping!
Guide, host and co-founder of Hidden Peaks Walk, David Stent says enjoying nature doesn't necessarily mean getting back to bare essentials. Tracks are challenging but achievable. You just need to be reasonably fit to enjoy one of his adventures.
The Eco Tourism bushwalking tours and camp start in the Main Range National Park and most of the time you are walking on private property which is home to Spicers Peak Nature Reserve. Agreement was reached by the owners and Queensland Park and Wildlife to protect the natural habitat.
During the walk you see creeks, canyons, ridges, kangaroos, koalas, dingoes, cattle and wedge-tailed eagles.
Three- or four-day walking tours involve up to six hours of walking a day. They take up to 10 walkers and there are always two guides. Your reward awaits at the campsite where you are greeted with a glass of very welcome bubbly. Your luggage is in your five-star tent and there are hot showers.
The African-style safari tents are really luxurious. The common room has an open hearth for warmth, kitchen, dining room and bathrooms, so it's a long way from roughing it. The site cost $800,000 to build and tents have polished timber floors, king beds, armchairs and bedside tables.
Everyone relaxes and talks about the day around the hearth, sitting on comfortable sofas, enjoying canapés and sipping a drink with the prospect of a gourmet meal to savour.
At the end of the walk you head to the very private Spicers Peak Lodge. Queensland's highest retreat can only be seen from the air. It won Queensland's Best Luxury Lodge two years running.
The beautiful lodge has high ceilings, rich timbers and very stylish décor and, of course, fireplaces. Views are endless and food excellent. Their seven-course degustation dinner includes red and white wine — as much as you like.
Even those not enjoying a stay at the lodge are welcome to lunch and dinner.
By the way, the average age of those who take part in the walks is 59, and 75 percent are women.
Location
Grandchester, two hours south-west of Brisbane.
Cost
Hidden Peaks three-day walks cost $1550 per person twin-share. They start in Brisbane and include guide walking, accommodation, meals, drinks, personal light backpack, wet weather coat and private coach transfers. Four-day walks cost $1800 per person. During 2010 there is a group special of two free walkers for groups of nine or 10 and one free walker for groups of six to eight. The season runs between March and November 2010.
Virgin Blue has one-way flights to Brisbane from:
- Sydney $99
- Melbourne and Canberra $129
- Adelaide $139
- Hobart $179
- Darwin $198
- Perth $279
There are limited seats which may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Fares quoted are one-way booked on the internet. An extra $15 will be charged for phone bookings. A credit card surcharge of an additional $2 per person per one-way flight is applicable. Fares are correct at August 12, 2010, and are subject to change.
Prices correct at August 12, 2010.
For further information
Virgin Blue
Ph: 136 789
www.virginblue.com.au
Hidden Peaks
10613 Cunningham Highway
Maryvale 4370
Ph: 1300 773 425
www.hiddenpeaks.com.au
info@hiddenpeaks.com.au
