Allora QLD Area
The first stop on my trip was the Historic Glengallan Station in the pouring rain. Only partially restored so still has a lot of character and stories to be told.
COCKATOO CORNER My first Flooded road detour for my trip through NSW floods 2022…. And I had not even made it to NSW. Travelling from the historic Mary Poppins town of Allora, I found the Wheatvale Plains Rd was closed, so I took the Connells Bridge Rd. A quiet narrow little road travelling through the farming countryside. I was just after the Canola crop harvest, so the corner took me by surprise.
The water from the Condamine River spilled over to the water catchment in the corner, and surrounding the area was residual Canola Flowers. The bright yellow flowers joyously screamed out at you against the rich green grasses.
Stepping out of the car, I was greeted by a sound just as imposing as the colours. The most ear-piercing cockatoo warning calls. The area was almost vibrating with the cockatoo screeches; there were that many. I feel that if I had had the time to look, I am sure there would have been some nests in those beautiful old gum trees.
MAIN RANGE NATIONAL PARK: The 2 walks mentioned are accessed off the Cunningham Hwy at the Crest Carpark. Both are stunning, well-kept walks that are best done in winter. I took my young teen up Mt Mitchell, and we sat at the top with our legs hanging over the rocks…. Then the clouds parted, and I caught my breath. We thought we were a long way up and were cautious…. But still, that is a long way straight down and what a surreal experience.
CREATIVE INSPIRATION
At Allora there are numerous character-filled old buildings and quiet streets, for En Plein Air possibilities or photographs to take home. If you like colour the Canola fields bloom from late August to early October at the Connells Bridge rd and Wheatvale Planes Rd. For sunflowers Allora Disused Racecourse off New England Hwy, along Browns Rd at Willowvale
PHOTOGRAPHY
At Allora there are numerous character-filled old buildings. If you like colour the Canola fields bloom from late August to early October. The Connells Bridge rd and Wheatvale Planes Rd. For sunflowers Allora Disused Racecourse off New England Hwy, along Browns Rd at Willowvale
ART TRAIL
The CONDAMINE COUNTRY art & Open Studio Trail is usually the first weekend in November and covers a large portion of this area. (Click on the icon above to go to their website for more details)
WALKS
Main Range National Park is at the Cunningham gap only 48km from Allora. There are a whopping 22 tracks with my 2 favourites(no I have not walked them all...yet) for photography and beauty being Mount Mitchell 10km into the sky(walked up through fog and when the clouds parted looking down the road was a slither) and Bare Rock 12.4km(yes the 2 longest walks) but both with stunning views and found at the Cunningham end of the park, off the Cunningham Hwy. A reasonable amount of fitness required. NOTE: we took out drone up but it was too windy. NOTE parking is off the busy Cunningham HWY so be careful when turning in (Click on the icon above to go to the NP website for more details)
*FREE
Dalrymple Creek Park. Close to town. Entry at the Forde st/Allora Dr intersection DOG. TABLES . CREEK . LRG RIG . RECEPTION . SHADE. TOILETS
***BUDGET
Washpool Camping Reserve at 724 Washpool Rd, Leslie Dam . Self Egistration system POWER . TENT . LRG RIG . TOILETS . SWIM . SHOWERS . WHEELCHAIR ACCESS . RECEPTION . DUMP SPOT . TABLES . BBQ (Tap icon to visit website)
****UNIQUE
Heritage Winery Shortbreaks. Gorgeouse c1864 Winery Cottage. 30 acres of gardens, lawns, vineyard and winery. 747 Granite Belt Dr, Cottonvale QLD 4375 (Tap icon to visit website)
****OMG
Spicers Peak Lodge. Everything is wow at this place1 Wilkinson Rd, Maryvale QLD 4370. Remote lodge offering posh suites and private lodges, plus a gourmet restaurant and a spa. (Tap icon to visit website)
