This route explores pretty rural landscapes among the foothills of the Great Dividing Range. Atop the Richmond Range, the Mallanganee lookout and picnic area provides a spectacular view across the valleys of the distant volcanic plugs that form the mountains of The Rainforest Way. A loop near Urbenville takes in the village of Woodenbong and the forests and lookouts at Toolom National Park, home to the greatest diversity of macropod species of Australia.
Built as a Lions Club project to allow travellers to visit the forests, the Lions Rd criss-crosses Running Creek and Gradys Creek on the Queensland and New South Wales border at the famous tick gate. Along with the amazing rainforests, the highlight is the spectacular railways engineering feat of the Border Loop and a treat for rail enthusiasts. To enable trains to cross the Border Ranges, engineers had to find a means of gaining altitude at a reasonable gradient. The answer was this ingenious spiral loop.
This drive includes parts of a scenic loop into the hinterland of Queensland’s Gold Coast. From the east, the route begins in Nerang and follows part of the local Tourist Drive 8 towards Tamborine Mountain and Canungra. Tamborine Mountain is a pretty holiday community with cafes, gift shops and a real village atmosphere. There are well-defined rainforest walks for a hinterland experience and a variety of good food and wines.
This drive takes you up to the Springbrook mountain plateau and to the many spectacular waterfalls, lookouts and ancient rainforests of Springbrook National Park including Best of All Lookout over the entire volcanic caldera. Then across the range to Natural Bridge, a spectacular naturally-formed rock arch, lush rainforest and waterfall, complete with a colony of glow worms.
Touching the wilderness section of the Lamington National Park, the Lost World Circuit offers so much more than spectacular breathtaking scenery. In the Lost World you will find hidden country cottages, farm stays, cabins and camp grounds that are suitable for a family getaway or a romantic escape. Swim, fish or picnic beside the crystal clear mountain streams and rock pools. There is a cooking school, arts events, spectacular walks and so much more to discover.
The Scenic Rim Way is an east – west crossing of the Scenic Rim, connecting Aratula on the Cunningham Highway to Route 90 through to the Gold Coast and Pacific Highway. There are numerous routes, trails and loops that will take you to quaint country towns, magnificent scenic lookouts, wineries and breweries, arts and craft boutiques, lakes and national parks, road side food stalls and some very cool places to stay a little longer. Take the time to explore the Scenic Rim Way.
The town of Boonah, in the foothills west of Beaudesert, is a “must-do” easy town to explore on foot. Friendly locals at the visitor information centre will direct you to spectacular views, waterfalls and excellent rock climbing opportunities. The route passes through rich farmland punctuated by pockets of rainforest. Carrs Lookout offers views of the headwaters of the Condamine River, origin of Australia’s longest river, the mighty Murray.
In Murwillumbah, visit the World Heritage Rainforest Interpretation Centre. The dioramas and audio-visual presentations give insights into the great caldera, the creation of Mount Warning and the battle to preserve the rainforests. The route itself follows the base of Mount Warning, giving picturesque views of the valley and rim of the caldera.
These falls topple over 100m to the valley floor from the rim of the ridge of Nightcap National Park. The route travels through the township of Nimbin which is known for the 1970’s Aquarius Festival and for its alternative lifestyles. East of Nimbim you’ll see Protesters Falls and the beautiful village of The Channon, home of the famous monthly markets. Signs point to the rural villages of Dunoon, Dorroughby, to Minyon Falls and on to the regional city of Lismore.
This drive is an absolute must. It features spectacular rainforests, plus unforgettable vistas of Wollumbin (Mt Warning) and the caldera. The vastness of the caldera, the mosaic of farmlands and the deep green of the rainforest stand out against the spire of Mount Warning. The Antarctic Beech picnic area has views over the Lost World Wilderness. A highlight is the breathtaking view from the Pinnacle Lookout on the rim of the great caldera, at 919m above sea level. To stand on the rim of the great caldera is to experience one of Australia’s great natural wonders.
This stunning drive through the Byron Hinterland is reminiscent of the Tuscan countryside and is punctuated with rainforest, waterfalls, farms, historic villages, community halls, cafes, artist studios, B&B’s and roadside stalls.