Fast Facts

DATES

23-25 August 2023

3 day trip, 3 day challenge

Fundraising Target

$2,500

Accommodation

Twin share in 3-star motel accommodation

Difficulty

3/5

The Challenge

Every day in Australia, two people are diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) and two people die from it. The lifetime chance of developing MND is one in 300 and, on average, life expectancy is just two-and-a-half years from diagnosis.

MND has a devastating impact on the person diagnosed, but also on their family and carers, who witness the decline and are then left with the impacts of the aftermath. To raise money to support those diagnosed with MND, as well as their family, friends and supporters, MND Queensland and their supporters are hiking the Scenic Rim in August. Are you ready to join them?

On this incredible three-day adventure you begin in the foothills of South East Queensland’s Main Range National Park and follow the stunning Scenic Rim trail, challenged by a mix of steep ascents and rugged terrain. You’ll ascend Mount Cordeaux, reach the summit of Mount Mitchell, and explore World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park. The whole time you’ll be raising funds to support people with MND.

Testimonials

“It’s important to do something you believe in for yourself. To challenge myself can only make me stronger.”

– Lauren, Tasmania 2018

“An amazing and uplifting experience with a bunch of like-minded, inspiring people.”

– Wendy, Larapinta 2019

The Difference You'll Make

The money you raise during the MND Walk for Care will provide support to Queenslanders diagnosed with MND, including access to specialist health advisors, telephone helplines, support groups, up-to-date educational resources and in-house client services like occupational and speech therapy. It will also be used to purchase equipment to make the lives of those diagnosed with MND easier.

Here are some of the ways the funds will be used:

$50 enables someone from MND Queensland to be at the end of the phone with information and advice when someone newly diagnosed with MND calls.
$125 allows them to create a life stories book for a client to record their memories, sayings and photos.
$400 provides four to six hours of expert advice for NDIS onboarding for someone.
$900 purchases a suction machine to assist in removing excess saliva for someone who is having difficulty swallowing, enabling them to live more comfortably as their MND symptoms progress.
$5,000 is the cost of an over-65s care package. People diagnosed with MND after the age of 65 cannot access the NDIS, so with donors’ support, MND Queensland subsidises the true cost of the delivery of essential equipment they’ll require.

Pricing & Itinerary

Pay only $475* upfront.

*non-refundable

$1,573

Travel package

Your travel package is paid in instalments. To register, pay just $475* upfront. For further details, see our FAQs.

Enter your details to receive the info pack, including the full itinerary, FAQs and more.

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Includes: Transfers as per itinerary • Twin-share accommodation in 3-star motels • Meals as per itinerary • Water on trekking days • Local guide
Doesn’t Include: Flights • Airport transfers • Travel insurance (highly recommended) • Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages • Personal expenses • Tips and gratuities

Day 1: Wednesday 23 August 2023

Gold Coast – Mount Cordeaux

Welcome to Australia’s Scenic Rim, a thriving rural paradise in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range. Your adventure begins on the Gold Coast where you’ll be picked up at 8.30am by your local guide and meet your fellow travellers. From here, we hit the road and drive towards Mount Cordeaux, on the northern side of Cunninghams Gap and overlooking the Scenic Rim. Follow the walking track up the mountain, passing by an abandoned goldmine shaft where gold was never found. The track ends just before the summit and you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with showstopping views of the Main Range National Park, the Darling Downs and even the high-rise buildings of Brisbane in the distance. We descend the mountain then join the Rainforest Circuit, venturing through lush vegetation as your leader shares stories of the flora and fauna that call this place home. We then climb to an incredible lookout serving up views of Lake Moogerah and the Fassifern Valley. This evening we return to our accommodation for an evening at leisure.

Trekking distance: 9km

Meals: L D

Day 2: Thursday 24 August 2023

Mount Mitchell

Enjoy breakfast at the accommodation before we drive to Mount Mitchell, a volcanic peak in the Main Range National Park to the south of Cunninghams Gap. Today we’ll be conquering its summit, and while some parts of the track are quite steep, you can rest assured the views from the top make every step worth it. Cross through mountain heath, woodland and rainforest, and be sure to look towards the sky in search of peregrine falcons soaring above you. We make a stop at the top to admire views of Mount Barney, the Main Range and the Moogerah Peaks before descending down the mountain. This afternoon, we drive to the Bunjurgen Estate Vineyard in the heart of the Scenic Rim. While here you can indulge in a wine tasting (at your own expense). If you do, you’ll soon find out why the region’s shiraz is so acclaimed. Otherwise, just sit back and enjoy the serene location.

Trekking distance: 11km

Meals: B L

Day 3: Friday 25 August 2023

Lamington National Park – Gold Coast

Take some time to enjoy our final breakfast together before we head to Lamington National Park, named after the same bloke as your favourite coconut-covered cake and every bit as appealing. This World Heritage Site is dotted with ancient trees, tumbling waterfalls and fascinating wildlife, all best discovered on foot. We venture into the park for a final walk and uncover its natural wonders with your local leader’s expert guidance. This afternoon, we return to the Gold Coast, and it is here our Scenic Rim adventure comes to an end.

Trekking distance: 2-10km

Meals: B L

Our Climate Commitment

When you travel with us, $10 goes towards carbon offsetting projects in Western Australia. You'll be supporting Carbon Neutral as they replant native plant species to create a green corridor for native wildlife, assisting in the recovery of entire ecosystems. For more on how we're bettering the planet, read our Climate Action Plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

For a comprehensive list of FAQs, download the information pack by filling in the form.

How challenging is this adventure?

This adventure is ranked 3/5. While no extensive trekking experience is required prior to registering, our adventures are specifically designed for people who are relatively fit and willing to train. The Scenic Rim trek is a physical challenge, involving trekking approximately 28 kilometres over two days. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the experience.

You will be well supported on the adventure, with the guides and your team all cheering you on. You are free to move at your own pace and we will take frequent breaks.

How do I fundraise?

Never fundraised before? Not sure where to start? No worries, we don’t expect you to do it alone. You will have regular support from the Inspired Adventures fundraising team, who will help you make a fundraising plan to meet your target. Alongside personalised coaching, we will also send you lots of ideas and resources on how to fundraise. From online fundraising to trivia nights, to bake sales and out-of-the-box ideas, we have years and years of tried and tested tips to make your fundraising a success.

Who will I be travelling with?

We believe small group travel is better for the planet, and better for you. Our adventures usually have 10 – 20 people aged from 18 to 90+ (younger ages considered on request). You can be sure that you have all come together with the shared purpose of making a difference to others and having the adventure of a lifetime.

The group will be led by a local tour guide with expert knowledge of the region. Many groups will also be accompanied by an Inspired Adventures team leader or doctor to support and motivate the team.

Where applicable, a charity representative may also join the team. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about your chosen charity and their work.

How do I train for this adventure?

We will provide you with information on how to prepare for your adventure when you register. In addition, we recommend that you consult your GP and a personal trainer to develop a training plan that will prepare you for the challenge.

As part of your training, we recommend making use of your free time to complete full-day hikes and ideally a hike over several days. You should aim to be able to walk for 6–8 hours and get up to do it again the following day comfortably.

It is sensible to start training as early as possible before you go on your trek.

Do I need to have insurance?

Travel insurance is highly recommended for domestic adventures – to cover cancellation, hospital, emergency evacuation and lost luggage. We recommend purchasing your policy as soon as possible. It is up to you to ensure you have fully comprehensive travel insurance and you'll need to share these details with our team before departure. For more information, please visit www.inspiredadventures.com.au/travel-insurance-information

How will you manage the risk of COVID-19?

We have prepared a detailed COVID-19 Safety Management Plan to account for the wide variety of scenarios that may impact your departure. In the instance that the adventure is unable to proceed due to COVID-19, alternative departure arrangements will be provided where possible.

Inspired Adventures requires that all travellers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as described in government guidelines and ground operator requirements.

For more information, please visit our COVID-19 hub.

Are COVID-19 vaccinations required for this adventure?

How much does it cost to participate in this adventure?

The total cost to participate in this adventure is $1,573.

In addition, you are also committing to raising $2,500 per person for MND Queensland.

In order to secure your place, you will need to pay half of your travel deposit ($475) upfront, and the second half four weeks after registration. This is non-refundable.

A second instalment of your balance is due 6 months prior to departure, and the final balance is due 3 months before travel. If you are registering with less than 7 months to departure, you will most likely be invoiced in fewer instalments based on the date of registration.

Your travel payments are invoiced in instalments to provide ample time to pay your balance. We can build a personalised payment plan that suits your schedule if our standard timeline does not suit.

MND QLD SCENIC RIM 2023

Fast Facts

The Challenge

Testimonials

The Difference You'll Make

Pricing & Itinerary

Our Climate Commitment

Frequently Asked Questions