Embarking on a scenic journey through the Queensland Darling Downs region, near Toowoomba, reveals a hidden tapestry of natural wonders and rural charm.
For those with a day or two to spare, the Hampton Visitor Centre offers a gateway to exploration with its self-drive tours. Armed with navigation sheets and a sense of adventure, we set out on an enjoyable, leisurely back roads trip from Hampton to Blackbutt.
Hampton, a quaint hamlet 30 kilometres from Toowoomba, may seem unassuming, but the bustling visitor centre is a treasure trove of information. The friendly staff eagerly shared insights into the Crows Nest – Highfields District’s Ravensbourne and Crows Nest National Parks – along with tips about the surrounding waterfalls, lakes, and attractions.
For those with a day or two to spare, the Hampton Visitor Centre offers a gateway to exploration with its self-drive tours.
Our day unfolded with options for side trips, the first leading us across the Perseverance Dam wall. The view across the water from the picnic tables was captivating, making us ponder a leisurely rest day in the area.
Another enticing option took us to the Koonin Lookout, a hidden gem that offers breathtaking panoramic views and a serene connection with nature.
The view across the water from the picnic tables was captivating.
Perseverance Dam is a pleasant well serviced spot with guaranteed water views.
Tucked away in the Ravensbourne National Park, reaching the lookout involves a journey along an uneven path that winds through the native bushland.
As you ascend, the air becomes crisp, and the surrounding forest comes alive with the sounds of birdlife. Upon arriving at the lookout, you are rewarded with a spectacular vista that unfolds over the valleys and treetops below.
The walk to Koonin lookout is steep and on uneven paths.
Crows Nest Falls Lookout.
Explore the captivating beauty of Crows Nest Falls along the Crows Nest Falls Lookout track, where cascading waters gracefully plunge 20 meters over steep granite cliffs. Travellers Tip: think on the weather, we could only imagine cascading waters’ soundtrack of Crows Nest Falls along Falls Lookout track. There had not been enough rain for a reward after the uneven paths and steep climbs.
The Crows Nest National Park picnic spot was perfect for a peaceful stretch before and after our waterfall wonder.
Back on the road, we navigated through Crows Nest township, grabbing a quick lunch for the journey ahead. The drive to Blackbutt, although devoid of promised water crossings due to recent dry conditions, unfolded a diverse landscape. Starting in Forrest Plantations, the scenery transitioned with undulating roadways, settler farmhouses, and glimpses of cattle roaming freely.
The roads are good, and on the optional side trips tarmac all the way.
Starting in Forrest Plantations, the scenery transitioned with undulating roadways, settler farmhouses, and glimpses of cattle roaming freely.
This route takes you through farmland, so watch out for cows on the road.
As we ascended through the hills, you pass through gates, a testament to the rural character and farm responsibilities accepted with a side trip through private land.
Fortunately, none required our attention, sparing us the usual gate open-and-close duties. Peering through the trees, the valleys below beckoned, tempting us to pause and immerse ourselves in the natural beauty surrounding us.
Blackbutt, renowned for its timber and railway history, welcomed us with a park and mural depicting its early settlement. The town radiated a rustic charm, weaving together the threads of its past and present.
The town is also known as a haven for bird enthusiasts. The region’s diverse countryside, including forests, hills, and waterways, attract a wide variety of bird species.
Blackbutt, renowned for its timber and railway history, welcomed us with a mural depicting its early settlement.
Bird watchers can spot native Australian birds such as lorikeets, kookaburras, and parrots, along with the opportunity to observe rarer species. The abundance of natural habitats makes Blackbutt a perfect destination for those seeking a birdwatching adventure in a tranquil and scenic setting.
The return journey to Crows Nest via a more urban back route, winding through Esk, provided a scenic contrast, allowing us to savour the landscape while avoiding the monotony of the highway.
Taking the long way round revealed the wonder of this pretty region. From the rural tranquillity of Hampton to the timber-rich history of Blackbutt, every turn offered a glimpse into the heart of Queensland’s Darling Downs.
The region around Crows Nest has been a treasure trove for fossil enthusiasts. Fossilized remains of prehistoric marine creatures, including ammonites and belemnites, have been found in the geological formations of the Crows Nest area.
If you take the time to pull over, look carefully – there is always something you could miss if you don’t!
These fossils offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient marine life that once inhabited the region, providing a unique perspective on the area’s geological history.
If you are lucky enough to be there overnight on a clear moonless sky, look up. Crows Nest’s rural location, away from major city lights, makes it an ideal spot for stargazing.
The night sky above Crows Nest can offer breathtaking views of stars, planets, and celestial phenomena. Some local initiatives focus on preserving the darkness of the night sky to enhance the stargazing experience, making Crows Nest a potential destination for astronomy enthusiasts.
This scenic road trip captured not just the destinations but the spirit of the journey itself—an unforgettable exploration of nature, history, and the winding roads that connect them.
Have you ever been to the Queensland Darling Downs region?
Based in Victoria’s High Country, Emma and her husband have been enjoying touring with an off-road camper for the past 15 years. An award-winning exhibiting photographer Emma is never far from her camera and is inspired by Australian landscape and fauna. Her images can be seen on Instagram @emcamproductions.