Rathdowney

This one starts in Beaudesert, in Brisbane Street, which turns into Kerry Road.

The ride is predominantly bitumen but mainly very quiet back roads. Riding south out of Beaudesert through farmland on a reasonably narrow bitumen road, the first stop is a quick one at Darlington Park camping area.  As we continue south on Kerry Road, it’s worth peering to the right at the sandstone rock formations.  Countless caves can be seen from the road and it’s rumoured there are many examples of ancient art up there.

Turning right into Darlington Connection Road, you immediately start a climb over a fairly high ridge which offers briefly wonderful views of the valley you are about to enter.  At the bottom of the western side of that ridge, turn right into Widgee Creek Road. Continue north through Hillview and along Christmas Creek Road, through farmland until Rudd Lane and turn west. This small road changes names a couple of times and eventually meets Innesplain Road.  Here we turn south until we come to the Rathdowney Connection Road, and turn right to Rathdowney.

Both Rathdowney General Store, who do great coffees and takeaway meals, and the pub are a great stopover.

After your break, continue south on Mount Lindsay Hwy to Barney View Road and turn right. This is where the mountain views get spectacular.  Side of the road parking is at a premium along here as the road’s shoulder is very narrow, so be very careful if you are pulling up to take pictures … and you will.

At the intersection of Mount Barney and Barney View Roads, I prefer to turn right as Barney View runs high along a ridge. A quick Google Maps search will show that either way will suffice.

Eventually connecting with Upper Logan Road, turn right and head down to the Logan River Valley and Boonah-Rathdowney Road. Turn left (west) and continue to Cannon Creek Road. I am going to take a right here and head over Cannon Creek Road to Boonah, then back to Beaudesert, via Beaudesert-Boonah Road and maybe a stop at the very relaxing Overflow Estate Cellar Door.

However, you may want to refer back to the Boonah Loop I posted earlier and join the two loops together at Maroon and continue on.  REMEMBER!!! Although these are mostly bitumen roads, STAY AWARE. Oncoming traffic can catch you by surprise and backroad corners often have patches of loose gravel. 

Ride safe and enjoy.

Click here for Route Map.