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Scenic Southern Down - SEQ Gravel Bike Packing
sponsored campaign by: TREK ANZ
The Scenic Southern Down: Pedal Brisbane’s First Gravel Bikepacking Adventure
When we dreamed up the idea of launching Pedal Brisbane’s first gravel bikepacking series, we knew we had to start somewhere special. South East Queensland offers endless routes, but the pull of the Scenic Rim and Granite Belt was too strong to ignore. So the Scenic Southern Down was born—a two-day, soul-testing, leg-burning, scenery-soaked adventure from Boonah to Stanthorpe and back.
This route isn’t for the faint-hearted. Stretching across 300km with 5,744m of elevation gain on two days, and with nearly two-thirds of it on gravel, it’s a ride that demands early mornings, steady pacing, and a healthy respect for the terrain. But for those willing to take it on, the rewards are unforgettable.
Day 1: Boonah to Stanthorpe
Our group clipped in at 4am sharp in Boonah, rolling out under the cloak of darkness. Within just 5km, the gravel began, and so did the climbing. The first 25km were a blur of gradients in the double digits, legs already working hard while the world around us remained hidden. Riding in the dark meant missing some of Boonah’s most beautiful scenery, but by the time the sun finally broke through, the reward was worth it. Rolling hills gave way to breathtaking views, and we realised just how spectacular the morning ride had been—even if we couldn’t see it at the time.
From Lake Maroon, the adventure truly kicked into gear. The road narrowed as we pushed towards Koreelah National Park via White Swamp, and the climbs became relentless. Long, steep pinches stacked one after another, each demanding grit and patience. To add to the challenge, the day was wet. Muddy surfaces and loose gravel turned already tough climbs into grinding battles. But what we lost in speed, we gained in scenery: vast open fields framed by mountains, shifting into quiet forest singletracks that seemed to swallow us whole. It was rugged, raw, and stunning.
Exiting Koreelah, the relief of tarmac felt almost surreal. The pace lifted, and spirits followed as we rolled into Killarney—our much-needed lunch stop after hours of climbing. Refuelled and recharged, we set off again with just over 60km left, assuming the worst of the day was behind us.
But gravel has a way of surprising you. After weaving through some farmland—muddy, scenic, and dotted with curious cows—the route threw us back into challenge mode. A long stretch of sealed road along Cullendore Road offered a brief reprieve before we tackled the final test: Maryland National Park.
Here, the gravel was smoother than Koreelah’s, but the pinches kept us honest. We wound our way along the infamous Rabbit Fence for more than 20km, a surreal experience in itself, before finally spilling back onto the tarmac. The last stretch into Stanthorpe was mercifully smoother, but after such a day, every kilometre carried its weight.
Day 2: Stanthorpe to Boonah – Creek Crossings & Scenic Descents
If day one was all about endless gravel climbs and brutal elevation, day two brought a completely different kind of adventure. With almost 2,000 metres less climbing and far fewer dirt sections, you might think the ride back from Stanthorpe to Boonah would be easy. But the Scenic Southern Down doesn’t hand out free kilometres—this return leg still had plenty of challenges, surprises, and unforgettable moments.
We rolled out of Stanthorpe under cool morning skies, legs a little weary but spirits high. The first 55km was pure joy: smooth, scenic roads that felt mostly downhill, flowing gently through the countryside toward Killarney. After the punishment of day one, this section felt like a gift. We found a steady rhythm, ticking off the kilometres with a smile, and before long we were spinning into our first gravel stretch of the day.
At first, the surface was perfect—firm, fast, and framed by beautiful views. But soon the rain from the day before showed its hand. Muddy patches turned the gravel sticky and heavy, demanding more effort than expected. Thankfully, the slog was short-lived, and soon we were rolling into Killarney for a well-earned late breakfast. A quick refuel, a few laughs, and we were ready for what everyone had been talking about: Condamine River Road.
This section is where the real adventure began. The road itself was quiet and spectacular, winding deeper into the mountains with views that stopped us in our tracks. Then came the first creek crossing—ankle-deep, shallow enough to walk across while pushing the bike. No big deal. But soon came the second, third… and before long, we had crossed more than a dozen. Each one was a little different: some shallow and playful, others deeper and wide enough to demand extra care. By the time we’d counted around 17 crossings, our shoes were soaked, but our smiles were wide. Luckily, the current was gentle that day, making it safe (and fun) to wade across, though it reminded us just how important timing and weather can be on this route.
The reward at the end of Condamine River Road was immense. Climbing out of the valley, the landscape suddenly opened up, revealing sweeping mountain views that seemed to go on forever. This marked the true “top” of the Southern Down—and from there, gravity gave us a wild send-off. An 8km descent dropped us sharply, a technical ride filled with blind corners and steep pitches that kept us on our toes the whole way down. It was equal parts exhilarating and nerve-wracking, the kind of descent you never forget.
From there, the tone of the ride shifted again. The gravel was behind us, and the final leg unfolded on smooth pavement. Through Carneys Creek and along the rolling Boonah–Rathdowney Road, we cruised toward our starting point, legs tired but hearts full. The scenery remained stunning right to the end—lush farmland, quiet roads, and a sense of accomplishment that built with every pedal stroke.
