Drive the “Valley of the Lakes” scenic route, discover well preserved rainforests at Ravensbourne National Park, ancient bunya pines at Bunya Mountains National Park, and Aboriginal rock art at Carnarvon Gorge National Park. Take a therapeutic soak in an Artesian Spa in Mitchell, and experience wonderful Outback hospitality at Bonus Downs Farm Stay.

Enjoy a refreshing ale at Queensland’s oldest hotel, sample delicious local organic olives and wander through a delightful lavender farm. Explore the spectacular granite landscapes of Girraween National Park, sample delicious local produce on a Granite Belt food and wine tour and taste locally made craft beer matched with seasonal produce at the Granite Belt Brewery.

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Brisbane to Ravensbourne

Follow the scenic route via Esk in the ‘Valley of the Lake’s to Ravensbourne National Park, a nature lovers Paradise. Discover towering trees, palm groves, trickling streams and amazing birdlife in the best remaining example of the rainforest that originally covered this part of the Great Dividing Range. Local Aboriginal people and those travelling to the bunya feasts in the Bunya Mountains used the area extensively.

Route Details

Duration: 1.5
Distance: 137
Itinerary Route: One way
Mode of Travel: Four Wheel Drive
Activities: Birdwatching, Camping, Scenic Drives, Walks

Ravensbourne to Bunya Mountains

Drive northwest on the New England highway through the old timber town of Crows Nest to Maidenwell at the base of the Bunya Mountains. Stop in at the quaint country pub for cool refreshments or a coffee at the Maidenwell Trading Post. Continue up the steep, winding road through stunning rainforest canopies and ancient bunya pines to Bunya Mountains National Park.

Route Details

Duration: 1.5
Distance: 115
Itinerary Route: One way
Mode of Travel: Car
Activities: Birdwatching, Camping, Scenic Drives, Walks

Bunya Mountains

Enjoy a relaxed day in this pristine National Park. Wander down to the Information and Interpretive centre to learn the significance of the bunya pine to countless generations of Aboriginal people. Follow a selection of walking tracks to explore nine different kinds of rainforests, ancient plant species, animals and colourful birdlife. Make friends with the birds as you relax with a coffee, meal or perhaps a bunya nut sundae at Poppies Café or Elz Bistro.

Route Details

Mode of Travel: Four Wheel Drive
Activities: Birdwatching, Camping, Scenic Drives, Walks, Hiking

Bunya Mountains to Carnarvon Gorge National Park

A big drive today as you make your way to the spectacular Carnarvon Gorge National Park, but it will be well worth the effort. Break the drive with a stop at Miles Historical Museum, one of Australia’s leading regional museums or Roma’s Big Rig, a tribute to our oil and gas industry. Your arrival at Carnarvon Gorge National Park is bound to be a highlight with its spectacular sandstone gorge vistas, ancient rainforests and well-preserved Aboriginal Rock Art.

Route Details

Duration: 6.5
Distance: 574
Itinerary Route: One way
Mode of Travel: Four Wheel Drive
Activities: Birdwatching, Camping, Scenic Drives, Walks

Carnarvon Gorge National Park

When walking in Carnarvon Gorge National Park it is fair to say that the journey is just as enjoyable as the destination. Take your time and enjoy the unique offerings of each track or join a guided walk. Explore the beautiful Moss Garden walk with its splendid waterfall backdrop, ferns and mosses. At the Aboriginal Rock Art Gallery, discover well-preserved motifs and excellent interpretive displays. Stoneaxe stencils and some hands can be seen at Baloon Cave.

Route Details

Mode of Travel: Four Wheel Drive
Activities: Birdwatching, Camping, Scenic Drives, Walks

Carnarvon Gorge National Park to Bonus Downs Farmstay

Travel into Mitchell for a therapeutic soak in the Great Artesian Spa. Visit the original courthouse where local bushrangers the Kenniff Brothers were committed to stand trial in 1902. Continue on to Bonus Downs Farmstay, a privately owned property built in 1911 by one of this country’s most famous landholders.

Route Details

Duration: 3.75
Distance: 375
Itinerary Route: One way
Mode of Travel: Four Wheel Drive
Activities: Birdwatching, Camping, Scenic Drives, Walks

Bonus Downs Farmstay to St George

Start the day with a Bonus Downs Jackaroo Breakfast, take in the morning farm activities or simply enjoy the warm hospitality of your hosts. Depart after lunch for the drive south to St George, the inland fishing capital of Queensland. Enjoy a personalised wine tasting with a bush story in every glass at Riversands Wines, Queensland’s most western winery.

Route Details

Duration: 2.75
Distance: 255
Itinerary Route: One way
Mode of Travel: Four Wheel Drive
Activities: Birdwatching, Boating, Camping, Canoeing/Kayaking, Fishing, Scenic Drives, Walks

St George to Stanthorpe

As you travel east you’ll pass Queensland’s oldest hotel, the Nindigully Pub, a great spot for a cold drink and old-fashioned pub food. Continue through Goondiwindi, well known for being home of the famous racehorse, Gunsynd and Inglewood best known for olives and an award winning lavender farm. Last stop today will be Stanthorpe in Queensland’s premier food and wine region. Settle in to your private Happy Valley Retreat cedar cabin on 20 acres of Australian bush land and maybe sample the craft beer at the onsite brewery.

Route Details

Duration: 4.25
Distance: 400
Itinerary Route: One way
Mode of Travel: Four Wheel Drive
Activities: Birdwatching, Camping, Scenic Drives, Walks

Stanthorpe

Explore the stunning Girraween National Park with its massive granite rock formations and scenic walks. Join a full day food and wine tour with a delicious cellar door lunch or follow a self-guided food and wine drive trail visiting local artisans. A must do on your list is lunch at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism’s Varias Restaurant for a fine dining experience with the best in local produce from artisan producers of the Granite Belt.

Route Details

Mode of Travel: Four Wheel Drive
Activities: Four Wheel Driving, Birdwatching, Camping, Scenic Drives, Walks

Stanthorpe to Brisbane

After a relaxing breakfast on your private verandah, begin your drive back to Brisbane. Along the way, stock up on some foodie delights from the famous Vincenzo’s Deli or call in for the best ever apple pie at Suttons Apple Farm. As you pass through Warwick, you may like to take a tour of the historic Abbey of the Roses, built for the Sisters of Mercy in 1891. Travel back to Brisbane via the Cunningham Highway.