If you haven’t had a trip to the outdoors in a few months or got your 4WD vehicle down onto the mud, you should consider going to Condamine River. Not only are you going to be treated with scenic views, but you can also explore various 4WD tracks following the river and around the nearby town of Killarney.
So, why should you go off-roading on Condamine River? Aside from the high ratings on a lot of websites, the 14 river crossings, Condamine Gorge, and the scenic views make the trip worth it! Also, the Condamine River Track is only 20 km long so you can explore it one day. You can also head to Lake Moogerah and stop anywhere to have a picnic to wrap up your adventure.
But before you head to Killarney, here are some things that you should know about Condamine River…
How Do I Get to Condamine River?
If you are coming from Brisbane, get on M3 from Edward St and Alice St. From there, you can follow this route:
- Merge onto M3 by taking the ramp on Alice St
- After 1.4 km, keep right to stay on M3.
- Take the Little Cribb St exit that leads to State Rte 32/Milton Rd
- After 2.9 km, take the 2nd exit on the roundabout which leads to Metroad 5
- Use any lane to turn left and merge onto M5
- After 11.4 km, use the right lanes to get to M7/Ipswich Mwy exit that leads to Ipswich/Toowoomba
- After 1.5 km, merge onto M7
- Continue onto M2 and National Highway 15
- After 1.8 km, use the left lanes to take the exit that leads to M2/Warrego Hwy towards Esk/Toowoomba
- Continue onto Warrego Hwy/M2 and A2
- Keep right to continue on the same road leading to Toowoomba Bypass/Warrego Hwy/Warrego Hwy (East) Interchange/A2
- Continue onto Gore Hwy/A39/State Rte 85
- After 18.5 km, turn left onto Pittsworth Felton Rd
- Continue onto Helens St
- Head straight onto Cliffton Rd
- After 10.9 km, turn right onto Leslie Bridge Rd
- Turn left onto Hogarths Rd after 5.3 km
- After 1.1 km turn right onto Condamine River
What Should I Know About Condamine River?
The Condamine River Road in the Cambanoora Gorge is suited for respectful four-wheel drivers, horse riders, hikers, and mountain bikers. The ’14 River Crossings’ is appropriate because of the 14 river crossings you have to make traversing this scenic part of the gorge.
The Cambanoora Gorge runs between “The Head” (hemmed by Wilsons Peak and Mt Superbus) and Killarney. To start the trip from Boonah, start across the Police Station, head out from Boonah along Rathdowney Road and turn right when you Carney’s Creek Road.
Drive for approximately 12 kilometres to cross Teviot Brook floodway. After passing through it, turn right onto The Head. From here, the low road is Condamine Gorge.
During typical weather, the crossings of the Condamine River are very shallow. But, during wetter seasons, the river will flood rapidly, making it practically impassable. Also, it is advisable to check conditions with the Warwick Visitor Information Centre before heading to the track.
Please note, the Gorge is not a four-wheel drive track or park. Instead, it is a public road cutting across private property, so you should be respectful of the environment and follow the speed limits.
How Are The 4WD Tracks in Condamine River?
Main Range is comprised of many specific areas – of which the common ones are Cunninghams and Spicers Gaps and the areas around the Condamine River, The Head, Carneys Creek, and Queen Mary Falls.
Although there are a lot of areas where you can do off-road driving, the main focus is the scenic region comprising the Condamine River. From the highway, the bitumen road meanders through the foothills of the surrounding ranges until you start ascending towards the lookout of Teviot Falls.
However, you should be careful when driving through this scenic area because the road is very narrow and the drop-off is very steep. While climbing, you will see the valley surround the Condamine River, which is very stunning. Also, you should be careful of cows while descending to the lush valley as there are several farmhouses in the area.
The road then turns into the earth and continues until you reach a turnoff to The Head. From this point, continue driving down the valley where the famed 14 river crossings awaits!
The Condamine Gorge can flood from time to time, so you should check local knowledge and information before heading into this area. Also, the track can become muddy, so caution is needed during your journey.
Typical four-wheel driving etiquette is necessary through this section where oncoming cars may cause hazards during river crossings, underwater obstacles (notably large rocks). It can also damage your vehicle, and water can enter your vehicle’s water intake.
The track will take you across the valley and river crossing, and you will eventually reach the town of Killarney where you can decide to explore the other parts of the Main Range National Park.
From here, you can choose from several routes to return to Brisbane. You can take the Cunning Highway where you can explore the other areas of the park. Also, some dirt roads lead to Spicers Gap.
We recommend that you visit Emu Creek and Steamers Valley, which can only be accessed by 4WD vehicles. Aside from that, you can also explore Mt Maroon, Mt Barney, and Mt May and the almost countless tracks that connect each of these fantastic areas.
What Activities Can I Do in Condamine River?
One of the lesser-known parks, but is popular within hiking and bushwalking groups; Main Range National Park extends from Wilsons Peak in northern NSW up to Cunninghams Gap in south-east Queensland.
Near the Condamine River, keep an eye out to your left where you may spot the old rabbit fence that was meant as a barrier to separate QLD and NSW. If you are a hiker, wear your hiking boots and head up the rabbit fence to the fantastic views at the top of Wilsons Peak.
After completing your trip, you should take the turn towards Queen Mary Falls, where some beautiful walks can be found.
Lake Moogerah
Approximately an hour’s drive from the main track, you can stop by Lake Moogerah and have a picnic. This a great for families as there are a small café and several toilets, tables and chairs that offer an overlooking view of the lake.
Also, you can access the dam wall from here, which you can walk across if you want to take some great photographs of the lake. On the other side of the dam’s wall, you will have a view of Mount Edwards and a walking track that leads to a lookout. This path will then go downhill to another picnic area.
What Are Other 4WD Enthusiasts Saying About Condamine River?
“Hi mate, I used to live up that way, just be careful if the water is up it flows super-fast through there, I almost had my cruiser swept away a few years ago, it flows fast enough to move huge boulders and wash away the track in an instant if it’s flooded do a u-turn.
You should be able to drive up, and around the gorge where you can check out Queen Mary falls, and Daggs falls, both spectacular after a bit of rain.” -ian.c (via 4x4earth.com)
Where Should I Stay in Condamine River?
Whether you have an off-road van, camper, tent or swag, there are plenty of campsites available at Cullendore for groups. There are secluded sites in several different areas. Flushing toilets, fire bins and hot showers are supplied. Firewood is available from the office.
You can also stay at the following campgrounds:
- Boonah Show Society Caravan Park
- Killarney View Cabins & Caravan Park
- Queen Mary Falls Caravan Park & Cafe
Related Questions
Where Does the Condamine River Flow?
The Condamine River rises on the Darling Downs in the Queensland. The river flows north-west past Dalby and onward to Chinchilla. It then flows south-west to the plains, where it meets the Dogwood Creek and becomes the Balonne River, near Surat.
What Fish Are in The Condamine River?
They caught yellowbelly, jewfish (catfish) and cod. The people here used to fish in Dalrymple and the Condamine.
Can You Take Dogs to Queen Mary Falls?
Three answers. As the falls are within the Main arrange National Park, dogs are not allowed in the area. But when I was there in December, there was someone with a dog in the picnic area. Also, It is a National Park, so no dogs are allowed.
Are There Bull Sharks in The Murray River?
Bull sharks are not unusual in local rivers. The Department of Primary Industries says they venture far into river systems for extended periods where they sometimes breed. Females usually give birth in estuaries, and river mouths and the young can remain in the river for up to five years.
