Border Range Loop
Leave the bustle of the city behind as you set off on a three-day drive along the Border Range Loop. This scenic route will take you from Brisbane to Ipswich and across the Great Dividing Range to Warwick before heading to the villages of Tamborine Mountain.
The drive encompasses the state's oldest provincial city, one of its most picturesque areas and a World Heritage-listed rainforest reserve. Mountainous views, ancient trees, wildlife, waterfalls and fresh creeks are the order of these three days. Be sure to bring a camera and a spare memory stick to capture the countless points of interest and intrigue along the way.
Brisbane to Warwick
From Brisbane, follow the Ipswich Motorway to Ipswich. Ipswich is the State's oldest provincial city and is renowned for its architectural, cultural and natural heritage. Meander through the city and marvel at the magnificent and imaginatively designed old houses. After a fascinating tour around Ipswich's stately homes and gardens, clear your head with a relaxing and picturesque drive through the Scenic Rim to Boonah.
Local history buffs should keep a look out for the Templin Historical Museum on the Boonah-Fassifern Road (between Boonah and the Cunningham Highway). The museum contains a collection of artefacts and memorabilia chronicling the history of the local area. Hop onto the Cunningham Highway at Aratula and prepare yourself for the steep incline of Cunningham's Gap. You can stop at the top to take in the awe-inspiring views, looking back towards Brisbane and Moreton Bay.
Arrive in Warwick, a city boasting some of Queensland's finest historical sandstone buildings that stand today as reminders of the region's pioneering past. The Post Office (built in 1891) and the Town Hall (1888), are two fine examples. You can choose from a wide range of bed and breakfast, motels, hotels and caravan park accommodation in town.
Route Details
Level of Difficulty: Grade 2
Itinerary Route: One way
Mode of Travel: 4x4
Activities: Walks, Hiking
Warwick to Mt Tamborine
Today's drive will take you through the ranges of the Queensland-New South Wales Border. On the way you'll pass through the tiny township of Killarney where, on weekends, you can drop into the Heritage Centre (located at the RSL Hall in Acacia Street), which specialises in researching local family history.
A couple of kilometres out of town is the spectacular Queen Mary Falls, one of Killarney's most famous attractions. Queen Mary Falls is nestled in the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range. With a wall of glistening rock as a backdrop, the water plummets to the rocks below before continuing its journey down the valley floor to join the Condamine River's upper reaches. Tables, wood fireplaces, toilets and water are provided in a spacious picnic ground. Allow about 40 minutes for the two-kilometre circuit walk. Take in the stunning views from Carr's Lookout and follow the scenic winding road though spectacular countryside under the gaze of some contented-looking cattle.
Continue on to the villages of Tamborine Mountain, a haven for talented artists who love to share their passions with passers-by. A wide range of bed and breakfast accommodation is available on the mountain.
Route Details
Level of Difficulty: Grade 2
Itinerary Route: One way
Mode of Travel: 4x4
Activities: Walks
Mt Tamborine to Brisbane
This morning, head down the mountain to the old saw-milling town of Canungra. You can take a walk through the sawmill's old tramway tunnel, which is cut through sandstone, or just wander through the many art and craft shops in town. From here take a scenic drive up to O'Reillys Plateau in Lamington National Park.
Lamington National Park is part of the Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves Australia World Heritage Area along the Queensland-New South Wales border ranges. The park's beautiful rainforests include the largest subtropical rainforest remnant in the world and one of the most extensive Antarctic Beech cool temperate rainforests in Australia. You can choose from over 300 kilometres of walking tracks, including O'Reilly's Tree Top Walk.
Canungra Valley Vineyards, just outside Canungra, is an excellent stop for platypus spotting on your return journey to Brisbane.
Route Details
Level of Difficulty: Grade 2
Itinerary Route: One way
Mode of Travel: 4x4
Activities: Walks
Images: Southern Queensland Country
More Information: Southern Queensland Country