Western Queensland is a stunning place. Last year’s visit wasn’t enough for me, so I convinced a few friends to return with me and explore a little further west.
Category: Australia
Pottsville
“Can you ride from Tweed Heads to Byron Bay on the beach?”
Darb and I talked about this one day and decided it was a bit far to do it in one day. But if we stayed at Pottsville overnight it would be possible to do it over two days.
So we did…
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Byron Bay
It’s easy to overheat when we ride our bikes on long hot summer days. That’s why I was quick to say “yes” when Jason invited us to join him for a ride on the beach at beautiful Byron Bay.
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Wollumbin
Today’s adventure took us from the picturesque village of Tyalgum in Northern NSW, up to the edge of the crater surrounding Mount Warning, and then back to our starting point via Mount Burrell and Mebbin National Park.
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Wiangaree
This unusual ride took us from Running Creek near Rathdowney, over the Border Ranges to the Richmond River, and then back over the range to our starting point.
I have wanted to do this course for a long time because it closes a large gap in my Ride Network between Rathdowney and the Border Ranges. This “missing link” now completes an unbroken line of riding routes which stretches from Kyogle in Northern NSW all the way up to Rainbow Beach on the Fraser Coast and out as far as the Bunya Mountains.
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Highland Holiday
Liz and I recently took advantage of the Queens Birthday long-weekend to have a short holiday up in the mountains near the Border Ranges
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A Sneak Peak
We’re out exploring the beautiful Border Ranges and Mount Barney for the next couple of days.
Here’s a sneak preview of some of the amazing scenery around here.
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The Border Ranges
I’ve cycled through the Border Ranges a couple of times with friends. Both times it was raining, so we didn’t really get to see it at its best. So today I thought I’d take advantage of the recent run of specatcularly clear days and drove there for the day with my son, Jonathan.
While not being able to ride a bike for a few months has its disadvantages, there was one advantage – we had a lot more time during the day to stop and enjoy the views.
“The further south you go, the better it gets”, I said to Jonno as we drove south from Beaudesert. Just near of the border, along the Lions Road, we arrived at Running Creek. The road here crosses this pretty creek several times. It’s difficult to enjoy the view while driving, so we decided to get out and have a quick look around.
The interstate railway line crosses the range here via an unusual arrangement of loops and tunnels that were constructed about a century ago. We were able to look down on the system from the “Border Loop” Lookout.
(Pictures – Jonathan Ennis)
Our route meandered over more creeks and under several railway bridges until we eventually turned off onto the Gravel at Simes Road.
One of the joys of revisiting a special place is bringing someone who’s never been there before. Jonathan was stunned by the beauty and kept wanting to stop and take pics. I was happy to oblige.
We eventually arrived at “The Pinnacle” lookout after a long slow drive up the mountain. The last time I was here it was so cloudy and wet you could see nothing.
Today the beauty was overwhelming.
(Photo – Jonathan Ennis)
(Photo – Jonathan Ennis)
To quote John Williamson…. “You know, some people never see such things…” (The Cootamundra Wattle)
After carefully making our way down the other side of the range, we slowly made our way into Mount Burrell, in the upper reaches Tweed Valley. Believe it or not, this little stream is the Tweed River.
(Photo – Jonathan Ennis)
We found thls lady by the side of the road. She kindly posed for a photo with me but didn’t say much.
If you want to see some of the best scenery in South-East Queensland and Northern NSW in one day, I’d thoroughly recommend this drive. We drove a total of about 420km in just over 7 hours. I used most of a full tank of fuel.
Thanks Jonathan, for sharing it with me.
Oh – and thanks to my neighbor, Mike, who let me take his Holden Ute so far from home!