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.

Originally an unsealed track between Kyogle and Beaudesert, this link road was built by the Lions Club of these towns in 1971. Now fully sealed, this is a very scenic drive following the Brisbane rail line and Running Creek (QLD) and Gradys Creek (NSW).

The link section commences north of Mt Lion in New South Wales and from north of Mt Chinghee in Queensland (NOTE: this section is not suitable for caravans and there is a height limit for the rail bridges and at the state border). Travelling north from Kyogle, the Lions Road turnoff is 5km north of Wiangaree. Traveling south from Beaudesert, turn left at Rathdowney onto Running Creek Road. Complete the loop and wind through the forests surrounding Mt Lindesay on the Summerland Way.

• Pick up a copy of the history of the Lions Road at the Kyogle or Rathdowney Visitor Information Centres
• View the rail engineering feat of the Border Loop as it spirals through the mountain
• Take the nature walk at the Border Loop Lookout
• Call into one of the roadside café or general stores for a cool drink and a chat with a local
• Look out for the imposing wedding cake view of Mount Lindesay

• Border Ranges National Park (western section)
• Andrew Drynan Park (base of Mt Chinghee National Park)
• Mt Barney National Park including Yellow Pinch Reserve lower portals – All class 4 or 5 walking tracks

Warning – this driving route is not suitable for caravans and there is a height limit for the rail bridges and at the state border.