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Drive the Condamine River Road in Queensland
Words Hema Maps Editorial Pics Supplied
Guiding travellers through ancient Gondwana Rainforest nestled within the Great Dividing Range, the Condamine River Road crosses its namesake 14 times, making it a perfect day trip for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Read on to get our track guide.
Well prior to setting out on this track, be sure to check Queensland Government’s Department of Transport and Main Roads’ QLD Traffic website and Southern Downs Regional Council’s Road Conditions to acquaint yourself with road conditions (including road closures and alternate routes). The road is frequently flooded and it is not suitable for towed vehicles.
Be mindful that the Condamine River Road runs through several private properties, most of which should be signposted clearly as private property and/or fenced off. Please respect this private property.
Located approximately two and a half hours southwest of Brisbane by car, the Condamine River Road is a fantastic day trip which covers 128km, many water crossings and some beautiful Queensland scenery.
The details
Grading: Easy — All-wheel drive and high range, novice drivers.
Time: Day trip
Distance: 128km, Boonah return
Longest distance without fuel: 68km, Boonah to Killarney
Fuel and supplies: Boonah, Killarney
Best time of year: Fine all year but check road conditions after rain
Warnings: The Cambanoora Gorge (also known as Condamine Gorge) can flood so check with locals before venturing into this area. It can also become very muddy at times.
Important contacts:
Killarney Area Promotions Association Inc.: killarney.org.au
QPWS, Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation: 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or parks.desi.qld.gov.au
Boonah Visitor Information Centre: 07 5463 2233 or scenicrim.com.au
Warwick Visitor Information Centre: 07 4661 3122 or southerndownsandgranitebelt.com.au
Queen Mary Falls Caravan Park & Café: 07 4664 7151 or queenmaryfallscaravanpark.com.au
The drive
[Please note: The left-hand fork of the Killarney end of the Condamine River Road — called Brosnans Road — is local traffic only, meaning travellers are advised to take the right fork and head into Killarney after completing the track through the gorge.]
Main Range comprises several specific localities — of which the common ones are Cunninghams Gap, Spicers Gap and the areas around the Condamine River, Carneys Creek, The Head and Queen Mary Falls.
Although there are several areas where you can ‘go offroad’ as such, the main focus is the spectacular region comprising the Condamine River. Take the trip from Brisbane to Boonah and make your way to Carneys Creek Road until you reach The Head Road on your second crossing of Teviot Brook. The bitumen road meanders through the foothills of the ranges until you finally start your steep climb towards the lookout of Teviot Falls.
Be careful as you travel through this scenic area, as the road is narrow and the drop off steep! Crest the climb and the valley of the Condamine River is laid out before you. Be wary of lazy cows that may cross your path as you meander down the lush green valley, passing farmhouses, and rusty cars.
The road morphs into dirt and continues down to a turnoff to The Head. From here, continue down the valley where the fun of 14 river crossings awaits you! While a four-wheel drive is not a necessity for this track, we recommend taking one as it really takes this drive to the next level.
The Condamine Gorge can flood at times so check local knowledge and information before venturing into this area. It can also become very muddy, so caution is required during your exploration. Normal four-wheel driving etiquette is required through this section where oncoming cars may cause hazards during river crossings, underwater obstacles (notably large rocks) can cause havoc to your vehicle, and splashed water can enter your water intake.
Your adventure through the valley and river crossings eventually takes you to the small forestry milling town of Killarney from where you can explore other beautiful areas in the Main Range National Park.
There are numerous ways to make your return trip to Brisbane including the Cunningham Highway where you can stop to explore other parts of the park. There’s even some more dirt road driving at Spicers Gap. Other areas worth visiting include the Steamers and Emu Creek Valley which will require high clearance vehicles, and the beautiful mountains including Mount Barney, Mount Maroon, Mount May and the numerous dirt roads that connect these amazing areas.
Things to do
Queen Mary Falls are one of the highlights on the Condamine River Road
Away from the hustle and bustle of the cities and beaches lies some remarkable and seemingly untouched wilderness that is just crying out to be explored. Amazingly, so few people know of the beauty and fun that can be found in Main Range National Park.
One of our lesser-known parks, but known well within hiking and bushwalking circles, Main Range National Park stretches from Wilsons Peak in northern New South Wales up to Cunninghams Gap in South East Queensland. It’s a great place to explore in a car or on foot.
Near the Condamine River, keep a watch out to your left where you may spot the old rabbit fence that was designed as a barrier between Queensland and New South Wales. If you are a keen hiker, don your hiking boots and scoot up the rabbit fence to the amazing views at the top of Wilsons Peak.
After completing this trip most people take the turn towards Queen Mary Falls where some beautiful walks can be found. A short walk or walks for those with lower fitness levels are easily accessible in the area.
All-in-all this is a nice drive with awesome creek crossings that’s right on Brissy’s doorstep. Enjoy!
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