Peter Gordon email: petergo@netspace.net.au

Boonah - Rathdowney - Beaudesert Two Day Ride

Last Updated June 2001

(The pick a plank bridge, 11 km wesst of Beaudesert, was in the process of being replaced in June 2001 and has been deleted from the cuesheet.}

Getting There

Use the Ipswich to Boonah day ride cuesheet. The distance is about 60 km. Camping is permitted in the Boonah show grounds. Boonah is a mid sized town with hotels, motels, a good general store, a bakery, good cafes and take away food shops. There are no banks.

Description

The total distance is about 150 km. Most of the route is undulating, with one major climb at about 75 km. This ride can be done as a loaded touring ride with camping at the 82 km point, or as a lightly loaded ride, with overnight accommodation in Beaudesert. The camping option divides the distances reasonably. However, the climb at the 75 km point is steep and difficult when loaded. The camping area is located on the bank of the Albert River and is enjoyable. The water is pumped from the river and is untreated. It should be boiled or sterilised before drinking. If Beaudesert is used for accommodation, the distances are about 110/40 km which makes a hard and an easy day. Rathdowney has a hotel, caravan park, small general store and take away shop and butcher. There is a park with water and toilets beside the main street. If camping, purchasing food in Boonah is advisable as there is not much variety in Rathdowney. Beaudesert is a large town with banks, motels, hotels etc. The Returned Services Club (RSL) serves good meals and the Copper Kettle is a good take away store.

Scenery

Between Boonah and Rathdowney, beef cattle grazing is the main industry. There are good views of Mt Maroon and a pleasant run down a granite creek valley close to Rathdowney. After Rathdowney, there is agriculture on the creek and river flats and dairy farms. The ride along the Albert River valley is enjoyable.

Route Details

The road between Boonah and Rathdowney is a quiet back road. The gravel section is usually in good condition and suitable for most bikes. From Rathdowney to Beaudesert, the route winds along roads which are not through roads and are usually quiet. Beaudesert to Boonah is a main road and can be busy. Also, trucks are often encountered, however it is reasonably bike friendly.

Map and Cue Sheet

Cue Sheet
Map