Settlers’ Route
72km via Swan Creek, Yangan, Swanfels Valley, Tannymorel and Killarney
Travelling north from Warwick on the Cunningham Highway, this historic route takes you through a number of small villages via stunning scenery and the mountainous backdrop of Main Range National Park.
Route Highlights
- The route travels through beautiful farmland and historical villages in the foothills of the Main Range. This area was part of Canning Downs Station (est. 1840). The route criss-crosses the old Warwick to Killarney Railway, which was established from 1884 and decommissioned in 1964.
- The Hermitage, located 6km after turning on to Yangan Road, was founded in 1897 to assist inexperienced settlers who took up land subdivided from the large grazing runs. The Hermitage is now a research station for plant breeding.
- The settlement of Swan Creek, located 6km from the Hermitage, was established in the 1870s. Swan Creek was named after the swans, which were plentiful during early settlement.
- Yangan lies in the Swanfels Valley, 12km from the Hermitage. The Yangan area was first documented by explorer Allan Cunningham in 1827, who commented on the sandstone still quarried here today. The area opened its first school in 1874. The beautifully restored buildings reflect the glory of a bygone era, and its threetiered main street invites visitors to explore.
- Before you leave Yangan village, turn left into Swanfels Road (signed Alternative Drive Settlers’ Route) to journey through the ploughed fields, a patchwork of lucerne, sorghum and even sunflowers in summer. Photographers will find the perfect shot at every angle on this detour, and even the unique with the ‘rock in the middle of the road’ just a little further down the track. Turn right at the rock into Top Swanfels Road before turning left onto the Yangan- Killarney Road to continue your journey on the Settlers Route.
- Emu Vale, a further 6km, was the site of the ‘Old Sheep Station’, an outstation of Canning Downs. Emu Vale is the gateway to Mt Superbus for experienced bushwalkers.
- Tannymorel township grew around a sawmill which milled cedar, hoop pine, silky oak, and mahogany in the early 1870s. The first school was erected in 1877. The Tannymorel Coal Mine was established at Mt Colliery in the 1890s and continued until 1967. Large Plane trees lining Tannymorel’s streets are particularly beautiful in autumn.
- Picturesque Killarney located 9km from Tannymorel, was originally the most southeasterly portion of Canning Downs. Stop for a drink at the historic pub, drop into Willow Gallery to see local art and learn about the town’s past at the Killarney District Historical Society. Check out more information on Killarney.
- Extend the drive by taking The Falls Drive, or return to Warwick via the Warwick-Killarney Road.
