14 Crossings is the off-road adventure through the Condamine River that any off-road explorer will enjoy. If your family is like ours and takes any opportunity to adventure off-road in your 4WD, then you will have an awesome time driving through 14 crossings. The picturesque landscape through the Main Range National Park, in Queensland’s Southern Downs region is truly breath taking. The fresh air of the scenic rim will replenish your soul and clear the lungs.
As the name suggests, the track boasts 14 water crossings as the Condamine River zig zags back and forth across the track, which can only be accessed by a 4-wheel drive.
You don’t have to be experienced for this one, it is a fairly easy track that can be tackled by a beginner, but I would highly recommend taking a buddy, as for all 4 x 4 adventures. A high clearance vehicle is preferable, but this is all dependant on the height of the river at the time and during wet weather periods the roads can be closed. It is best to contact the Warwick Visitor information centre before you go, to ensure the track is open.
Please remember to respect the environment and the neighbouring residents and take all your rubbish with you. There are no bins or toilets on this trip, so please be mindful of the natural habitat and abide by the speed limits.
The Condamine River Road is situated on the outskirts of Killarney, which is about an hour’s drive from Boonah. Head west from Beaudesert on the Ipswich Boonah Road, then take the Boonah Rathdowney Road. Follow the Boonah Rathdowney Road and then turn right onto Carneys Creek Road (the falls drive, Queen Mary Falls)and follow this road until you reach Head Road. Turn onto Head Road and take in the exquisite scenery until you reach a sharp right turn onto an ungraded road, which is Condamine River Road.
There is a sign on the corner of the road, which will advise if the road is open and accessible. Once you have started the drive on the Condamine River Road you will eventually reach the first of the 14 crossings and pass the Cambanoora Gorge.
There are a number of places to stop for a quick dip or a picnic lunch, it really does depend on what takes your fancy. Just be mindful that the tracks can be quite busy on weekends, so keep that in mind when choosing your location, as other vehicles will be crossing.
Once you have wandered your way through all 14 of the crossings you can head out to the Queen Mary Falls and enjoy the short circuit to view the falls. The end of Condamine Road merges into Brosnan Road and once you reach the T intersection turn left onto Border Road and left again onto Spring Creek Road. This road will take you past Daggs Falls lookout and onto the Queen Mary Falls, where you can park and get out for the walk.
To walk to the falls is only about 30 minutes, which we did with the kids, but I would suggest starting the walk on the track which takes you down the stairs. Otherwise, you will have to tackle these stairs on the way back. There are toilet facilities at the Queen Mary Falls, a picnic area and the Caravan Park across the road serves food and drinks. There are also local birds that visit the caravan park, that you can feed.
There are a variety of places to buy fresh produce along your travels, but on this occasion, I would suggest taking your own supplies. Once you reach the Queen Mary Falls the Caravan park across the road does have a café that serves hot food and drink and is open 7 days a week. Download the buy and eat local food map here.
If you are not local to the area or would like to make your trip longer than a day you can visit the link here to find some of the places to stay.
The best time to visit would preferably be when there has been some rain received through the area. The weekend that we visited the water level was not particularly deep, but it still made for an enjoyable 4WD adventure. Make sure you do check with the national park before you go to confirm that the track is open, to eliminate any disappointments on you trip.
Please ensure your 4WD is well equipped with the necessary gear for your journey, a high clearance 4WD with a snorkel is preferable.
Please respect the wildlife, take all your rubbish with you, as there are no bins provided and make sure you adhere to the speed limits.
Platypus do inhabit these waters; please ensure you respect their environment and keep it clean.
