Tourist Drive Number 2

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NOTE: March 2022; LIONS ROAD TEMPORARILY CLOSED

With the current road conditions after heavy rainfall and floods in northern NSW, the Border Crossing, from NSW into Qld, just past the Lookout had been barricaded off with large concrete blocks and fences, so no access into Qld via this road. Only access is via the Mt Lindesay Highway. There have been various land slips which are currently being repaired by Kyogle Council staff.

 

This full day drive takes you through scenic and culturally significant areas, offering segments of the Border Ranges NP along the Lions Road, and cultural icons such as the Border Loop Railway and magnificent Mt Lindesay.

The Border Loop Railway Lookout, which has amenities and picnic facilities, is an ideal area for a break and is a must for train buffs. View a series of tunnels forming a ‘Spiral Loop’, also known as ‘The Border Loop’ which allows trains to rise 20m on their climb through the McPherson Range. Upon completion in 1930 it was possible to travel an unbroken journey from Brisbane to Adelaide for the first time.  Experience breathtaking views, sparkling creeks, wildlife and hear the song of the Bell Birds.

Mt Lindesay dominates the skyline as you continue west from Rathdowney towards Woodenbong where you can re-fuel, find food or have a picnic. Return to Kyogle via the Summerland Way passing through scenic countryside and historical villages.

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Tooloom Falls -Urbenville

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UPDATE January 2022

Closed parks: Bandahngan Aboriginal Area at Tooloom Falls  is currently closed till further notice for camping. Day visitors are welcome, but must leave their car near the closed/locked gates into the reserve, but can walk in for a picnic, enjoy a walk or view the falls.

Bandahngan Aboriginal Area known as  Tooloom Falls is currently closed to all camping visitors. The closure follows concerns raised by the Githabul Aboriginal Community about the site. The impacts of camping, along with previous weather events forced the closure to allow NPWS to deal with the hazardous trees and work with the Githabul Community on planning for future development and uses of the area. Ongoing Planning is continuing with the many Govt Depts involved, and hopefully will be able to reopen about mid 2022. But there will be vast reduced camping sites, and bookings will have to be made on line, for fee payment. We will try and keep things  updated as we hear.

Apologies for any inconvenience.

Other campground areas are available in nearby Urbenville and Woodenbong villages, and at Koreelah and Richmond Range National Park.

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Contact national parks on 0266320000 for further info.

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A great place to visit or go camping (free) is Tooloom Falls which is a bushland picnic area and only a short drive Urbenville. If it is peace and quiet that you want then this is the place to go. This is a basic bush camping spot with no facilities except for a composting toilet, which is well maintained, along with some basic BBQ facilities. You must bring your own drinking water. Travel about 3kms SW from Urbenville, turn onto Tooloom Creek Road and continue down the 1km dirt access road. This is a very significant place for the Githabul people. Swimming is possible on the high side of the falls, although some go down on the low side of the falls to swim. The river can be muddy after rain and caution is advised. There are various fireplaces on site and the grounds are clean and tidy. Though this particular area is outside of the National park, it is still under the care of the National Parks and therefore dogs are not allowed.

The beautiful Tooloom Falls (10 m high, 60 m wide) have water flowing over them at most times of the year. The word Tooloom is corrupted from the Gidabal word Doolloomi, which means headlice, and it is said that these are found around the deep, potentially dangerous pool beneath the falls (but don’t let that put you off!). In the gentle way that Aboriginals have with their children this was told to them to deter them from swimming there. It is also believed spirits live in the pool making Tooloom Falls one of the most significant sites in Gidibal country. It was declared an aboriginal place in 1977 under the National Park’s and Wildlife Act.

 

Price Range

FREE

Woodenbong Golf Club

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The course (which has operated since 1936) is open 365 days. The Club is open seven days a week, with meals only on friday nights (unless pre-booked).

Woodenbong District Golf Club is nine-hole golf course in the Kyogle Shire, 10km from the NSW/QLD border. The golf course has a challenging and interesting layout, with separate tees to extend it to 18 holes.

A magnificent scenic outlook of mountain ranges frames the Woodenbong course.

The course is open to golfers every day and has the cheapest fees on the North Coast. As the only licensed club in Woodenbong, the club provides a focal point for the local community with all the usual club facilities, and usually open 7 days a week, but worth ringing and checking, to save disappointment. Woodenbong can be reached from the east via Kyogle, the south via Bonalbo and the west via Tenterfield and Warwick and Beaudesert in the north.

 

Caters for Functions – 120 Guests

The dining room of ‘The best little golf club on the North Coast’, provides excellent cuisine only on friday night. Friday nights are great nights to meet some of the local characters, dine, socialise and have a go at the raffles. there are different specials available each week.  The staff are also very happy to provide meals, including breakfasts for visiting groups. Just let them know that you are coming.
The veranda provides a relaxing atmosphere to sit and view the picturesque golf course and the spectacular scenery that surrounds it. The club also has on offer other recreational facilities, including darts, pool and pinball machines. Coach tours most welcome. Call the club for more information or let them know you’re on your way. contact 0266351278.

CAMPING & CARAVANING; The club members can arrange a booking for you at the local campground-only 5 mins from the gold course and only $10 per night for a powered site or Campervans most welcome to stay the night in the Club’s carpark.

Markets Held around the Kyogle LGA

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There is nothing more satisfying that going along to a local market,  and support the locals and help with the local economy.

Kyogle LGA has an assortment of markets held throughout the months or seasons.

** Kyogle Farmers markets.  Held Every Saturday morning, Stratheden St, Kyogle 8am-12noon. Local produce;  Fruit & veg stalls; plus an assortment of other stalls throughout the month which may include crafts, plants, books, cake/biscuit stall. So come along and be surprised.

** Kyogle Bazaar Market. Held the 4th Saturday of each month, at the Amphitheatre Park, behind and around the Visitor Info Centre from 9am-2pm. A huge variety of stalls and live entertainment.

** Bonalbo Markets. Held on the 1st Sunday of each month, at the Bonalbo Hall, adjoining the park from 10am-1pm. Worth the drive to one of our lovely little villages. Lots of other things to see in and around Bonalbo whilst you are there.

** Tabulam Community Markets. Held the 2nd Sunday of each month, in the Hall and surrounding grounds in Barnes st, Tabulam, (behind the Tabulam Co-op) from 9am-2pm.

** Woodenbong Seasonal “Yowie” Markets. As the name suggests Woodenbongs market celebrates our changes of seasons ( hence only 4 a year). Held on the last Saturday of the month at the end of each season in February, May, August, and November. Held at the Woodenbong Public Hall grounds 8am-2pm.

WOODENBONG SKATE PARK

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Near the camping grounds, and adjacent to the Memorial baths on Unumgar St (also known as Mt Lindesay Highway) you will find a Skate park, great for the kids, with covered table area. Also a 1/2 Basketball Court, and outdoor gym equipment. All close by with easy parking off the road, a place for all family members to have some fun free outdoor exercise and activity.

Koreelah National Park

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Koreelah National Park, in the north of NSW near the Queensland border, protects one of the state’s western-most rainforest areas. Pockets of World Heritage rainforest hug steep slopes below Acacia Plateau and Mount Wilson. There is a camping facility located on a small grassy area beside the Koreela Creek.

How to get there—This park is near… Kyogle (90 km) .
Best car routes—drive from Kyogle to Woodenbong. From Woodenbong, the park is located approx 30 kms west. Drive west along the Mt Lindesay Road to Old Koreelah and follow White Swamp Road (unsealed) to the park. Road quality: paved to Old Koreelah.
Park use fees apply.

Woodenbong

Woodenbong Camping Ground

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Campground (adjacent to swimming pool, outdoor gym and skate park) with powered sites on offer, undercover seating and food preparation area, free electric barbecues and an amenities block with hot showers. Pet friendly- but must be supervised. There is also a Free Grey Water Dump Point. Even if you have not stayed, you are welcome to use the Dump Point.

The Woodenbong Progress Association Volunteers look after this facility, located in Unumgar St, Woodenbong. (northern end of town). Very reasonable pricing on offer; unpowered site $5 per night per vehicle and $10 per night for a powered site, per vehicle (regardless of number of people). There is a $20 deposit for keys for the use of facilities in amenities block, which is refunded upon departure. Hot showers are available, with the use of a $1 coin operated machine, you can have a leisurely LONG hot shower. There is also a Donation box on site for further on going maintenance and upgrades. A coin operated laundry with $5 per load-machines & dryer is also available with a clothesline  availabe for shared use.  The adjacent Recreation Ground now also has new public unisex, disabled toilets and hot shower.

Please book in at:
Camping Grounds Caretaker.
Woodenbong Driveway Ph: 02 66351300
or Fay’s Takeaway, after hours Unungar St, Woodenbong.
or Woodenbong Hotel, corner Unumgar St & MacPherson St, Woodenbong.

A great spot for an overnight stay, or a longer stay would give you time to explore the surrounding area and all the natural wonders which include waterfalls, scenic countryside and National Parks & Forestry areas.

Grocery supplies are obtainable at the general store in Woodenbong. Set in the heart of the village handy to shops, cafe, 9/18 hole Golf Club or enjoy a scrumptious meal at the Woodenbong Hotel.

Situated in the beautiful McPherson Ranges shadowed by Mt Lindesay. Kyogle 59km, Beaudesert 70km, Killarney 50km.

This camping ground area is maintained by the residents of Woodenbong on a voluntary basis and overseen by the Woodenbong Progress Association and your understanding and patience is appreciated.

Woodenbong B&B

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A 90 year old farm building has been converted into a perfect self-contained couples retreat which has a queen sized bed, bathroom, colour TV, sofa, microwave, toaster and tea/coffee making facilities. Continental breakfast is available at an extra cost. A wood heater will keep you cosy in winter, a lovely fan will cool you in summer and there is a car port to protect your car. Sit on the covered deck overlooking the beautiful McPherson Ranges or get up close and personal with the cows and calves and draught horses (these are fenced off from the cabin). Perhaps you would like to walk around the 20 acre block, along the creek or on the Woodenbong Common, or watch draught horse collars and harness being made amongst a collection of horse drawn farm machinery.

Price Range

$100.00 per night, per couple

Wallaby Creek Cottage

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A completely private and secluded, self-contained cottage set high in the hills, overlooking a lush grazing valley and forested National Park. Wallaby Creek is a cattle and forestry property of 500 acres, managed for production, conservation and self-sufficiency. The valley is well-known for its wildlife, especially birdlife and the families of kangaroos and wallabies that graze to the cottage doorstep. The cottage is comfortably appointed for one or two couples, with two queen size bedrooms.

It has a fully equipped kitchen, solar and gas power, a bathroom and a verandah with stunning views. Wood for the glassed-in fireplace and linen are provided. Wallaby Creek is close to waterfalls, rainforest walks and small towns of Urbenville, Woodenbong and Killarney. We’ve made the tariff so reasonable that you’ll be able to stay a while (eg $400 for 6 or 7 nights), $200 for two nights, and $60 for each additional night. Longer stays are welcome. Because we love living here, and we’d be happy to share it with you, we keep the tariffs low. Wallaby Creek Cottage is ideal for romantic weekends or weeks, family time, walking in the bush, exploring the creeks and bird species, relaxing on the verandah, cooking up a storm for special company and complete peace and quiet.

We are located in northern NSW, an easy two and a half hours drive from Brisbane or Byron Bay and two hours drive from Toowoomba. It is a place to be nourished, relaxed & inspired.

ph 02 6634 6166 You need to book direct either by phone or email. When contact is made, address directions will be given.

Urbenville Recreational Reserve

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Close to the Village centre with the Urbenville Bowling Club on site the Recreation Reserve makes a great gathering place for exploring the Upper Clarence Valley. Self contained motor homes will find this a great location to base themselves and there are powered sites and basic ammenities for campers.

Price Range

$10 per night per vehicle