Border Range Loop Drive

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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. Parts of this journey are 4WD only.

The drive encompasses the state's oldest provincial city of Ipswich, one of its most picturesque areas and a World Heritage-listed rainforest reserve. The drive crosses over the Great Dividing Range, passing 14 river crossings at Condamine Gorge and finishes at Tamborine Mountain.

Mountainous views, ancient trees, wildlife, waterfalls and fresh creeks are the order of these three days. Be sure to bring a camera with a spare memory card to capture the countless points of interest and intrigue along the way.

Journey Details

529 KM Total
72 Hours Total

Full Itinerary

Brisbane to Warwick

Mode of Travel:

4x4

Route Type:

One way

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.

Warwick to Mount Tamborine

Mode of Travel:

4x4

Route Type:

One way

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.

Mount Tamborine to Brisbane

Mode of Travel:

4x4

Route Type:

One way

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.

Border Range Loop Drive

Queen Street,
Brisbane City, Brisbane Area
Queensland 4000

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Content Provided By Brisbane Economic Development Agency

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