Warwick and Surrounds Tourist Drives
The Settlers Route: Tourist Route 1 — 72km
The Settler’s Route will take you through stunning scenery with deep gullies, steep mountains and a myriad of river crossings. Head north from Warwick and turn right onto Yangan Road. Yangan is a pretty town with historic buildings, lovely parks and great counter meals. Follow the road until you reach Killarney, the scenic gem of the Southern Downs. Extend the drive by heading out of Killarney towards Dagg’s Falls, Brown’s Falls and Queen Mary Falls National Park and the breathtaking views of Carr’s Lookout. The mountain road takes you through sub-tropical rainforest and 4WD’s can detour along the popular and spectacular Condamine Gorge, also known as the ‘14 River Crossing’ 4WD track. Complete the drive along the Warwick-Killarney Road back to Warwick.
Sunflower Route: Tourist Route 11 — 50km
Summer is the best time to take in the wonder and splendour of the Sunflower Route (sunflowers are planted subject to weather conditions and market prices). You will see dazzling vistas of giant sunflowers, as well as the patchwork countryside of ploughed black soil, green lucerne and grazing crops, and brick-red sorghum. Leave Warwick via Victoria Street then turn right into Rosehill Road and follow the signs to Allora. Spend some time in Allora visiting its quiet parks and charming streetscape. Other attractions include heritage listed Glengallan Homestead. The drive will bring you back into Warwick via the New England Highway.
Sprint Route — Tourist Route 12 — 118km
To begin the drive, head west on the Cunningham Highway towards Goondiwindi, then take the Pratten turnoff. This trip includes the home of vintage motor sprints — Leyburn. Leyburn’s Historic Motor Sprints attracts thousands of people every August. Leyburn is a picturesque village, spend some time walking around the historic buildings. These include Queensland’s oldest continually licensed hotel and a shingle-roofed church dating back to 1860. Continue the route through the gold rush country of Thane and then onto the popular fishing and boating spot of Leslie Dam.
Cedar Route — Tourist Route 14 — 62km
The Cedar Route winds through the World Heritage area of the Goomburra Valley and shows nature in all its glory. Head north towards Toowoomba, past Glengallan Homestead and turn right at the Goomburra sign just before Allora. Follow the route to enjoy the many walking tracks in the Goomburra section of Main Range National Park. The Dalrymple Creek Bush Walk is disabled assisted and take time to visit the Sylvester Lookout. Learn all about the endangered frogs and other native species that call this park home. Continue your journey by following the signs through Freestone before you arrive back in Warwick. From fun four-wheel-driving, perfect picnic spots and spectacular scenery, the Cedar Route appeals to all.
Falls Drive
Four waterfalls are featured on this spectacular drive between Boonah and Killarney. The route leaves the Boonah-Rathdowney Road south of Boonah and through Teviot Gap near Killarney. 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 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 Cunninghams Gap, Warwick, Killarney and Boonah.