This half day drive on mainly sealed roads takes you through stunning examples of our rural countryside with the Border Ranges National Park as a breathtaking backdrop. There are many opportunities to view the Border Ranges National Park from the left hand side of the road.
Duration: Half day from Kyogle
Highlights include:
- Ray Smith Lookout
- Border Ranges National Park
- Horseshoe Creek Valley
- Hanging Rocks Falls
As the road turns spectacular views into Horseshoe Creek Valley appear as do Wollumbin Mount Warning , Mount Nardi and Nimbin Rocks. The roadside verge of Homeleigh Road scenic loop provides a small and narrow window into the habitat of the koalas which are located by patient observation and good luck. The road becomes Sargents Road and continues, traversing a ridge and offering beautiful views of the countryside on both sides of the road. Turn left when you arrive at Kyogle Road and continue to Cawongla, a delightful village tucked away in the rainforest and hub of the local area. Cawongla General Store is a great place to stop for refreshments and explore the surprisingly well-stocked art gallery with works by many local artists.
From Kyogle: Your journey begins in the heart of Kyogle. Take the turn when you see the signpost indicating Murwillumbah and Nimbin. The road winds through the Kyogle Township before opening into Fawcetts Plain. Here you turn right following the signs to Murwillumbah. On top of the hill Ray Smith Lookout on your left offers good views of the Kyogle township, Fawcetts Creek plains and the Richmond Range in the west can be seen. Shortly afterwards turn left into Homeleigh Road and this drive takes you through the rural ambience as it climbs into the hills. Homeleigh Mountain on your right dominates this part of the drive. Leaving the farmlands and heading into natural forest note the majestic grass trees dotted along both sides of the road. Many species of birds including rosellas and even the odd wedgetail eagle may be seen in this area.
There are many opportunities to view the Border Ranges National Park from the left hand side of the road. Other features start to appear as the road turns east offering spectacular view into Horseshoe Creek Valley. Look for Mount Warning (Wollumbin), Mount Nardi, (easily identified with its television towers) and Nimbin Rocks, steeped in Aboriginal legend. The road becomes Sargents Road and continues, traversing a ridge and offering beautiful views of the countryside on both sides of the road. Turn left when you arrive at Kyogle Road and continue to Cawongla, a delightful village tucked away in the rainforest and hub of the local area.
Cawongla General Store is a great place to stop for refreshments, while exploring the surprisingly well-stocked art gallery with works by many local artists. Continuing on, turn left into Williams Road surrounded by undulating hills – this is lifestyle at its pristine best. On your left the beautiful natural swimming hole Hanging Rocks Falls will appear. Local volunteers look after this area; please respect their backyard. Further along you will pass the Eastern entry to the World Heritage Listed Border Ranges National Park. Continue past Wadeville General Store, the Border Ranges Centre and a great place for local info, until you meet Kyogle Road and begin your loop back to Kyogle.
Passing Homeleigh Mountain on your right, you may see kangaroos grazing in the lush pasture grass on route. Ancient grass trees dominate the hillsides in this section. Return to Kyogle and take the opportunity of exploring this bustling tropical northern NSW county town, where much of the business section boasts federation style buildings, and where accommodation and meals are available.
