Introduction
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.
In between the rainforest and National Parks, this drive takes you along country roads where you will discover a treasure trove of historic villages and towns steeped in history from the gold fossickers and cedar getters in the 1800s to significant cultural Indigenous sites.
From Casino, travel west along the Bruxner Highway to Tabulam. At the historic bridge turn right onto Tabulam Road, through Jacksons Flat to the historic village of Bonalbo. Continue north through the beautiful Yabbra State Forest to Urbenville. At Urbenville you can continue on to Woodenbong and to the Mt Lindesay Highway. We highly recommend a diversion to Tooloom Falls (6km) and continue on the Urbenville-Koreelah Road to Tooloom National Park (23km). This will link you back up with the Mt Lindesay Highway. Turn left for Legume or right to Woodenbong.
THINGS TO DO ALONG THE WAY
- Take your binoculars and do the walk at Cambridge Plateau picnic area, renowned for its rare Spotted Gum species.
- Take a break at the Mallanganee lookout with spectacular views over the Richmond Range
- Go 4WD’ing in the Upper Clarence Valley or stop by a creek and try your hand at fossicking
- Stay the night in one of the laid back rural towns and have a yarn with a local
- Visit Tooloom Falls and read about the site’s Indigenous significance