Boonah - Stanthorpe
Gravel Bike Packing
Type: Mixed Road & Gravel
Difficulty: Advance
Distance: 162km
Elevation Gained: 3,730m
Estimated Moving Time: 12-14 hour
Summary
Segment 1: Boonah to Lake Maroon (0–25 km)
Surface: Gravel starts almost immediately (within 5 km).
Terrain: A relentless introduction with rolling hills and multiple sharp pinches, many exceeding double digit gradient.
This section was ridden entirely in darkness. Without clear visibility, climbs felt even tougher, and pacing became crucial. The trade-off of the early start was missing some of the best views around Boonah—rolling farmland framed by the Scenic Rim mountains. Once the sun rose around the 25 km mark, it revealed just how spectacular the opening stretch had been.
Challenge Level: Moderate to hard — steep early climbing combined with pre-dawn riding.
Segment 2: Lake Maroon to Koreelah National Park
via White Swamp (25–70 km)
Surface: Rough gravel roads, with sections turning muddy and loose in wet conditions.
Terrain: The real climbing begins here. Long double-digit gradients stack up back-to-back, testing both strength and endurance.
This is where the adventure comes alive. Vast open fields eventually give way to denser forest as the road snakes into Koreelah National Park. Riders are rewarded with a shifting landscape: expansive farmland bordered by rugged peaks, followed by tight forest tracks that feel remote and untamed. On a wet day, the gravel softens, traction becomes a battle, and every climb feels twice as long.
Challenge Level: High — the combination of gradient, technical surface, and length makes this one of the hardest stretches of the ride.
Segment 3: Koreelah National Park to Killarney (70–100 km)
Surface: Transition from gravel to smoother tarmac roads.
Terrain: Gradual rolling terrain, offering a relief after Koreelah’s punishing climbs.
Exiting the forest feels like a weight lifted. The shift onto sealed roads allows the pace to lift, and tired legs get a brief reprieve. Killarney, a charming country town, makes the perfect midway stop for lunch. After 70+ km of effort, the chance to refuel, stretch, and reset is essential.
Challenge Level: Moderate — less technical, more about recovery and refuelling for the next push.
Segment 4: Killarney to Maryland National Park (100–140 km)
Surface: A mixed bag — farmland tracks (muddy after rain), smooth sealed sections along Cullendore Road, and chunky gravel within Maryland National Park.
Terrain: Varied — farmland crossings with sticky mud, steady rolling sealed roads, and punchy gravel climbs once inside the park.
This segment highlights the diversity of the route. Cutting through private farmland feels unique, with herds of cows often grazing right alongside the track. The tarmac sections bring welcome speed, but the return to gravel in Maryland NP is a stark reminder that the climbing isn’t over. Riding alongside the famous Rabbit Fence for roughly 20 km is a surreal touch, offering sweeping rural views.
Challenge Level: Moderate to hard — the mud and gravel pinches keep riders working.
Segment 5: Maryland National Park to Stanthorpe (140–161 km)
Surface: Gravel gradually gives way to sealed road for the final run-in.
Terrain: Mostly rolling, with manageable gradients, though fatigue makes it feel harder.
By now, energy reserves are low, and every kilometre feels longer than it is. Still, the sealed surface and the promise of Stanthorpe ahead keep morale high. The final descent into town is a relief, bringing the first day’s monumental effort to a close.
Challenge Level: Moderate — easier terrain, but fatigue amplifies the difficulty.
Final Thoughts
The Scenic Southern Down isn’t just another gravel route—it’s a full-blown adventure that captures the very best (and toughest) of South East Queensland riding. Day one from Boonah to Stanthorpe delivers a brutal mix of long climbs, technical gravel, and endless scenery that rewards every ounce of effort. It’s a ride that tests your endurance, patience, and mindset, but also leaves you with unforgettable views and stories etched into your legs.
This is not a route to take lightly—weather, refuelling, and preparation matter. But with the right planning and a spirit for adventure, it offers a unique bikepacking experience unlike anywhere else in the region. Scenic, rugged, and relentless, the Scenic Southern Down is proof that the toughest rides often deliver the greatest memories.
Tips:
Refuelling: Killarney is the only reliable mid-point stop. Carry extra food/water.
Weather Dependency: Wet conditions significantly increase the technicality of Koreelah NP and farmland tracks.
Difficulty: Very high — long distance, brutal climbing, technical gravel, and minimal refuel points make this a true test of endurance.
Alternative Strategy: Splitting the route into two days (Boonah → Killarney → Stanthorpe) creates a more achievable and scenic adventure, especially for those less experienced with long gravel epics.
Cafe Option:
-. Killarney