6 Day, Self-Drive Tour

DAY ONE

Brisbane to Lockyer Valley, Glen Rock State Forest

approx. 143km / 2hrs 15mins

Once you are on Ipswich Road/A7, take the M2/Warrego Highway exit towards Esk/Toowoomba, and head to the Lockyer Valley [92.4km]. Take the Mount Sylvia Road and then take a slight left onto East Haldon Road to enjoy the panoramic mountain views and country roads to finally reach the Glen Rock State Forest [50km]. Hike the ‘Christies Loop’ walking trail [5km return] to see Glen Rock, the red volcanic outcrop.

DAY TWO

Lockyer Valley to Toowoomba, Crows Nest National Park approx. 126km / 1hr 55mins

Head north towards East Haldon Road and continue on to Mount Sylvia Road for a worthwhile pitstop at Toowoomba's Picnic Point Lookout [73km]. Explore the sweeping views of the surrounding valley and bushland from 700 metres above sea level and tour the parklands and waterfall. Take the Warrego Highway/A2 on to Seventeen Mile Road to explore the surrounding high country and visit Ravensbourne National Park [48km]. Take the Esk Hampton Road/State Route 85 and on to New England Highway/A3 to reach and explore Crows Nest National Park [34km].

DAY THREE

Toowoomba to South Burnett, Lake Boondooma approx. 201km / 2hrs 30mins

Start the drive on the New England Highway towards the South Burnett region [72km]. Enjoy a bite and a coldie at the historic Maidenwell Pub in the quaint village of Maidenwell. Travel another 3km to Coomba Falls for the natural waterhole surrounded by granite boulders. Once you are on the Chinchilla Wondai Road/State Route 82, take the Mundubbera Durong Road/State Route 75 for the next stop – Lake Boondooma [168km]. Relax waterside by Lake Boondooma and try your luck at fishing from your camp onsite. Look out for kangaroos and wild horses that call this spot home.

DAY FOUR

South Burnett to Condamine, Bunya Mountains National Park

approx. 132km / 1hr 52mins

Journey south to the Western Downs on the Mundubbera Durong Road/ State Route 75 and then take the Chinchilla Wondai Road/State Route 82 [132km]. Travel through rainforest canopies and ancient bunya pines to reach Bunya Mountains National Park. Soak up the panoramic mountain views from 1,100 m above sea level and follow the walking trails to explore nine different types of rainforest, native wildlife and birdlife. Take the Bunya Highway/State Route 49 through Western Downs and visit Lake Broadwater and Caliguel Lagoon [additional distance to cover – approx. 280km].

DAY FIVE

Condamine to Goondiwindi Region, Yelarbon Recreation Grounds

approx. 362km / 4hrs

Drive through country fields on Leichhardt Highway/A5 to Goondiwindi [192km]. Grab a bite and check out the town’s art and shops. Walk 400m to the river walk, which follows the 3km riverbank hugging the New South Wales border. Take Kildonan Road (a designated Tourist Drive) to Yelarbon [approx. 55km] to see the silos, visit the museum and machinery yard and discover local history. Stretch your legs at Yelarbon Lagoon [1.2km], then dine at Oasis Hotel.

DAY SIX

Goondiwindi Region to Southern Downs & Granite Belt, Girraween National Park, Return to Brisbane

approx. 203km / 2hrs 38mins

Travel along Texas Yelarbon Road and Mingoola Road/State Route 89 [113km] to explore Sundown National Park and the breathtaking Red Rock Gorge [experienced 4WD travelers only]. Visit a local vineyard or cellar door to sample your favorite vintage. Continue your journey on Bruxner Highway and New England Highway/A15 to reach Girraween National Park [90km]. Discover balancing boulders, abundant birdlife, and gentle or adventurous bushwalks with grazing kangaroos, waterfalls, and rock pools. Return to Brisbane via New England Highway [additional 253km].