This full day drive takes you through scenic countryside with beautiful vast tracks of forest and farmland, west of the Richmond Range along the Clarence Way. The drive can be accessed from the Gold Coast, Lismore, Byron Bay, Ballina or Evans Head.
Duration: Full day from Kyogle
Highlights include:
- Moore Park Nature Reserve
- Woodenbong Hotel
- Edinburgh Castle and Coutts Crown
- Pioneer Cottage and Bicentennial Museum
- Bean Creek Falls
From Kyogle: Journey north following the Summerland Way towards Wiangaree. At The General Store, view relics of the past and enjoy refreshments among the staghorns and hundreds of orchids in the green house. Continue through the village following the signs to Woodenbong. The route takes you through some of the best rural land in northern NSW. At Old Grevillia, Moore Park Nature Reserve, home to a number of colonies of bats, is worth a visit. Retrace your route to the Summerland Way and continue on through the old timber town of Grevillia. Mount Lindesay dominates the skyline as you climb into the mountains. The road meets the Mount Lindesay Highway where you turn left to Woodenbong. Here you can get fuel, or relax for a meal at the Woodenbong Hotel. In the centre of town look for a signpost pointing to Bonalbo and Tabulam. This road, the Clarence Way, will take you to Urbenville.
The skyline is dominated by mountains, Edinburgh Castle to your left, and Coutts Crown which overshadows Urbenville. This delightful town has a number of features not to be missed. Gold was found in this district in the early days. Take the Tenterfield Road for the Pioneer Cottage and Bicentennial Museum, which are open on weekends or phone 6634 1254 for an appointment. 5km from Urbenville are Tooloom Falls, an area which was designated as an Aboriginal Place in 1977 because of its historical significance to the people of the Githabal tribe and the Dreamtime.
It has picnic and camping areas and toilets. These falls are spectacular, particularly in the rainy season. Retrace your route to Urbenville, noting Ford Timbers on your left as you enter town. On leaving town head towards Bonalbo. The road takes you through Yabbra State Forest, a special feature of this drive. The stately tall flooded gum trees and the beautiful song of the bellbirds will make you want to stop at the rest area.
The road winds downwards from the forest towards more open country. Here you will cross Bean Creek several times. It is part of the many creeks that make up the headwaters of the Clarence River. Watch for Bean Creek Falls, which are well signposted on your right-hand side. Like Tooloom Falls, these are worth a visit in the rainy season. Entering Old Bonalbo, you will see the Pioneer Park on your right adjacent to Bean Creek. Set in cattle country, this village is central to the outlying farms. The road takes you through open country with the Richmond Range dominating the skyline to your left as you enter Bonalbo.
This village has a good shopping district, a hospital, swimming pool, caravan park, and golf and bowling club. B&B is available for those who wish to stay longer, while camping facilities are also available on the banks of Peacock Creek. Further down the road, see the Sandilands Wood Carvings depicting the peace and unity of the community of the local region, which is on your right at the Bruxner Highway junction. Turn left for Casino and stop at Mallanganee, another old-time village dating back to the timber cutters’ days. Above Mallanganee and on the right-hand side of the highway, the lookout gives you magnificent views of the surrounding.
