The Falls Drive
80km via Queen Mary Falls, Carr’s Lookout, The Head, Teviot Falls, Boonah and Aratula
The Falls Drive is one of the region’s most popular drives. Leave Killarney along Border Road, travel 3.5km and turn left onto Spring Creek Road, following the signs to Queen Mary Falls. Take in the waterfalls along Spring Creek Road — Browns, Daggs, Queen Mary and Teviot Falls, as well as Carr’s Lookout. Spring Creek flows over Queen Mary Falls and into the nearby Condamine River where it begins at The Head and flows on to the Murray-Darling, Australia’s longest river system. This tourist route can form part of a wonderful circle drive taking in Cunningham’s Gap, Warwick, Killarney and Boonah. 4×4 vehicles may choose to return to Warwick via Cambanoora Gorge via the 14 River Crossings of the Condamine River (weather and water levels permitting).
Route Highlights
- Browns Falls is the first of a trio of waterfalls. The park has a play area, picnic tables, BBQs and amenities. Allow at least 20 minutes for the 600m adventure walk to the falls. Trek along the undeveloped track, scramble, rock-hop and cross the creek several times to reach the falls.
- Daggs Falls offers easier access and is 1km further along Spring Creek Road. The lookout is close to the road and provides a dramatic view of the 39m falls.
- Queen Mary Falls, located 10km from Killarney, is part of Main Range National Park. The picnic grounds have covered picnic tables, gas BBQ areas and amenities. Walk 400m along a well-defined track to the lookout to see the falls spill over the basalt cliff and plummet 40m. Return to the picnic grounds or continue on the 2km Queen Mary Falls circuit. Allow 45 minutes to complete the circuit from open forest to the rainforest-filled gorge at the waterfall’s base.
- Carr’s Lookout is 8km from Queen Mary Falls. The views over the Head Valley to Mt Superbus, the Scenic Rim and Tambourine Mountain are breathtaking. Information identifies the mountains and tells the story of a plane crash in 1955 on Mt Superbus. This area is the headwaters of the Condamine River and is part of the Murray- Darling system, the longest river in Australia. The famous Spring Creek Mountain Cafe is on the escarpment near here and boasts magnificent views of the Condamine Gorge. You can also enjoy a menu filled with local produce.
- After this point the road becomes narrow and winding for 6km. Heavy vehicles are not permitted. The Moss Gardens are 2km on the right from Carr’s Lookout. The cool temperate rainforest trees are covered in moss and lichen. Walk only 25m along the 100 year old rabbit proof fence to view Hoop Pine, Kurrajong and Silky Oak trees and rocks dripping with lichen. Extend your walk 50m along the undeveloped track for a pleasant view of Wilson’s Peak and White Swamp.
- Travel on through The Head and Teviot areas to explore historic Boonah.
