QLD - NSW Hilly Border Loop
Epic Hill Ride
Type: Road
Difficulty: Medium – Advance
Distance: 197km
Elevation Gained: 3,675m
Estimated Moving Time: 7-9 hours
Summary
This route is a dream for climbers, featuring numerous hills to conquer while offering an endless scenic ride from Queensland to the New South Wales border and back.
The Gold Coast is renowned for its stunning variety of hills in the hinterland. Highlights include the Springbrook climb, the breathtaking Natural Bridge/Border climb, Tomewin, O’Reillys, and many more.
On this ride, we’ll tackle three main climbs: the Main Springbrook Climb, the Natural Bridge to NSW Border Climb, and Tomewin. Additionally, we’ve added some challenging climbs for extra excitement.
Ride Overview
Starting Point: Nerang Velodrome (free parking available on weekends)
We begin by heading towards Robina via Nerang-Broadbeach Rd. This flat road is perfect for warming up your legs before the first climb, featuring a wide bike lane and relatively quiet morning traffic.
First Climb: Mt. Nimmel Road
As we pass Mudgeeraba and approach the main Springbrook climb, we take a left onto Mt. Nimmel Road for our first segment. This climb is famous for its steepness, making it a must-try for those seeking a challenge. However, if you’re looking for an easier option, you can bypass this segment and head straight to the main Springbrook climb.
Mt. Nimmel Road Climb:
This is a 4 km climb with three steep sections that can feel daunting. The gradient ranges from 10-15% at the start, dipping down before ramping up to over 20% at various points. Thankfully, there are flat sections (around 6%) between the steep bits that allow for recovery. Overall, this challenging climb offers breathtaking views of the Gold Coast skyline.
Second Climb: Main Springbrook Climb
This climb is one of our top three favorites on the Gold Coast. It covers 18.5 km, including Lyrebird Ridge Road and Repeater Station Rd, leading to the stunning Best of All Lookout. If you haven’t done it before, remember to pace yourself— the toughest sections are near the end.
Third Climb: Tomewin (from the NSW side)
If you’re familiar with our Audax Route—Frank’s Ride—this is the same hill. It’s a 7 km climb with sections hitting about 12%, mostly hovering between 6-8%. It’s manageable with fresh legs but can be challenging if you’re fatigued.
Note: If you missed earlier refueling stops, there’s a cafe at the top of Tomewin that offers free bananas for cyclists!
Warm Down and Final Stretch
After the last main climb, enjoy a gentle cool-down ride towards the end of Currumbin Creek. This scenic, flat road is perfect for unwinding.
However, we’ve added a surprise short climb before heading back to Nerang:
Baines Road:
This 1.2 km climb starts with a steep section that can be mentally intimidating. The good news is that it’s short, and once you conquer it, you’ll be back on the road you descended after the Tomewin climb.
The remainder of the ride features flat roads with options to tackle the Old Coach Road climb or take the Gold Coast Highway back to Nerang.
Conclusion
Overall, this is a beautiful route showcasing some of the best climbs Queensland and New South Wales have to offer. If you love hills, don’t miss the challenge of Mt. Nimmel Road and Baines Road!
Tips:
-. Avoid doing the steep hills when wet
-. Plan your stop properly
-. Pine Creek rd Descend can be quite steep for some
Cafe Option:
-. Spring Brook Cafe
-. Crystal Creek Estate & Cafe
-. Freeman Cafe
-. Currumbin Creek Rock Pool Cafe