Killarney Kapers Ride

An early start was required for this ride which starts at the base of Spring Creek Mountain on the Killarney side of the range. From there it was a short push along the bitumen over the QLD/NSW border then a left turn at Woodenbong onto the Mt Lindsay Highway briefly before starting the long climb on the dirt along Acacia Scrub Road and over the Acacia Plateau.

The climb over and along the Acacia Plateau eventually led me to the entrance of Koreelah National Park. From there I followed the rabbit proof fence along the QLD/NSW border with expansive views down onto the Queensland side of the border. Leaving the border fence I cut through Koreelah National Park and exited onto White Swamp Road briefly before I joined the rollercoster ride that is the Head Gate Road.

A long hard ride/push along Head Gate Road with clear views to Wilsons Peak deposited me briefly onto the tarmac of Spring Creek Road. After a few kilometres on the tarmac I took the dirt track right onto the Condamine River Road and its 14 river crossings. Under the cover of darkness and 14 river crossings later I hit the bitumen again for 4-5km ride back to the car.

Mt Maroon Summit Climb

The Cotswold track to the summit of Mt Maroon begins at the end of the Cotswold unsealed road, crosses private property through a gate that leads up a small hill. After passing a few dams you continue up the ridge as it gradually becomes steeper. A track follows the steep eastern ridge-line so that you are continually gaining elevation. Eventually you come across Egg Rock that juts out over the valley below offering unhindered views to the North and East. The track then begins to flatten out and descends briefly as the imposing 200 meter North East face comes into view well know for its climbing routes in particular the Ruby of India.

As you pass the impressive North East cliff face the track ascends very steeply up a prominent gully that requires some scrambling. As you up the gully it tapers off into thick scrub. You then follow the winding track for 100 meters until a small seasonal creek is reached, which is a traditional camp site.

From this point there is a worthwhile lookout point to venture up to before crossing some rocky slabs that require a short scramble up to the summit of the South Peak and 360 degree unhindered views of the scenic rim and beyond.