Country Cool on the Western Downs
Get a taste of country life on a day trip to Jimbour and Bell in the Western Downs, just a short drive from Toowoomba or the Bunya Mountains.
Explore the country with this 6 day drive from Brisbane through the Lockyer Valley to Toowoomba, along the Condamine to Goondiwindi and the Southern Downs.
Bunya Mountains, Western Downs
STOP1
Branell Homestead, Laidley, Lockyer Valley
Day 1: 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.
STOP2
Picnic Point Lookout, Toowoomba
DAY 2: 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 the 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].
STOP3
Coomba Falls near Maidenwell, South Burnett
Day 3: 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.
STOP4
Bunya Mountains, Western Downs
DAY 4: 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].
STOP5
GrainCorp Silos, Yelarbon, Goondiwindi Region
DAY 5: Condamine to Goondiwindi
Yelarbon Recreation Grounds [approx. 362km / 4hrs]
Steer through country fields on the Leichhardt Highway/A5 and towards Goondiwindi [192km].
Grab a bite in Goondiwindi and explore the art and shops of the town, then just 400m from the main street, stroll along the river walk, where the 3km riverbank hugs the New South Wales border.
From Goondiwindi take the Kildonan Road (which is a designated Tourist Drive) to travel to Yelarbon [approx. 55km] to see the silos, which have their own viewing area. Explore the onsite museum and machinery yard. Have dinner at the Oasis Hotel after stretching your legs at the Yelarbon Lagoon [1.2km].
STOP6
Girraween National Park, Southern Downs & Granite Belt
DAY 6: Goondiwindi to Southern Downs
Girraween National Park [approx. 203km / 2hrs 38mins]
Take the Texas Yelarbon Road and on to Mingoola Road/State Route 89 to follow the dirt tracks through Sundown National Park and see Red Rock Gorge (for experienced 4WD travellers) [113km]. Tour a local vineyard or visit a cellar door to pick up your favourite vintage.
Start driving on the Bruxner Highway and on to New England Highway/A15 to the final destination, Girraween National Park [90km]. Look around for intriguing balancing boulders and abundant birdlife.
Explore gentle or more adventurous bushwalks passing open fields of grazing kangaroos, waterfalls and rock pools. Head back to Brisbane via New England Highway [additional distance to cover – 253km].
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