Lions Road, Kyogle: The Ultimate Guide To This Stunning Scenic Drive
Lions Road is a small drive north of Kyogle, crossing the Border Ranges National Park and connecting New South Wales with Queensland.
It’s not some regular drive, though – it’s a whole experience!
The landscape along the road is absolutely incredible, but the drive is a bit intense. There are some narrow spots and curves, so stay alert.
There’s no need for a 4WD, but the nature of the Lions Road means there are some vehicle restrictions. We talk about that further down.
Thankfully, there are a few campgrounds you can stay at if you want to escape the hustle and bustle! Some are very basic while others have all amenities, so there’s something for every camper.
We recommend a few campgrounds and give you some insider tips to help you drive this epic road, as well as some things to do while you’re there. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
How to get there?
From Kyogle, drive along the Summerland Way. The turnoff for Lions Road will be around 5km north of Wiangaree.
If you’re driving from the north, get to Beaudesert and turn left at Rathdowney onto Running Creek Road, then follow the signs.
Things to know before driving the Lions Road
We recognise the traditional owners of this land, the Bundjalung, Yugambeh.
Be careful on the road
The road is incredibly stunning, but you’ll be winding through some tight spots. Stay alert, especially on weekends and holidays – vehicles can show up unexpectedly on the road.
Keep your eyes peeled, not only for the views but for other drivers!
Also, check the road conditions before going, here.
Vehicle needed
You don’t need a 4WD for this trip because the roads are sealed, but you can’t bring a towed trailer due to the narrow spots.
The last time we went, there was a weight AND height limit too, so double-check that before going. We recommend calling the council for accurate info (here).
Regular cars will do just fine. Just make sure your vehicle is in good shape and you’re comfortable handling some tight turns and steep climbs.
Check your rig for runaway rabbits
When crossing the NSW/QLD border, thoroughly check your rig for runaway rabbits.
We know everyone wants to smuggle a rabbit across the border, but that can attract a fine of up to $44,000!
Can you camp in or around Lions Road?
Yes, absolutely! There are a few epic campgrounds along the way, here are some of them:
Andrew Drynan Park. 80 vehicle/tent sites available. It’s a popular campground next to the creek. It has toilets, BBQ, and picnic tables. No water or showers, though. Pets (on a leash) and campfires allowed.
Hidden Valley Tea Gardens Camping. 21 tent sites, 1 vehicle/tent site. Lots of amenities included – toilets, hot showers, potable water, even a café! Pets and campfires allowed.
Camp Creek Retreat. 5 vehicle/tent sites available. It’s a small but stunning area, best for self-contained campers. No toilets, showers, or portable water. Pets and campfires allowed.
4 Things to do in the Lions Road Kyogle
Apart from enjoying the views and connecting with nature, there are some cool things to do along Lions Road:
1) The Spiral Loop
This is an engineering marvel where the rail line spirals through the mountain!
This reduces the length of the Main Range tunnel a few kilometres north, so trains gain (or lose) 20 metres of altitude by passing through the mountain below the lookout twice, completing a loop.
Stop by the Border Loop Lookout and watch the trains navigate this twisty section! There’s also plenty of birds and wildlife to watch, so bring binoculars.
2) Nature Walk at The Border Loop
This is a 1.2 km easy stroll through a stand of wet eucalypt forest before entering the dense rainforest of the Border Ranges.
The track is well-marked and suitable for all fitness levels. Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and keep an eye out for local wildlife!
It starts near the Border Loop Lookout.
3) Check out The Viaduct
This impressive structure spans the landscape and is a testament to the engineering feats of the past.
It towers above Gradys Creek, at the junction of the High and Low roads. You’ll find it along the route, it’s really hard to miss!
4) Make a donation
The Lions Road is free to visit and is maintained by the Kyogle Lions Club and the Beaudesert Lions Club. They rely on donations to keep it in top shape.
There are donation boxes along the route – throw in a few bucks to show your support!
It will help with maintenance and improvements, ensuring the road remains a great experience for future travellers.
Add on: Rathdowney and the Scenic Rim
Rathdowney is the gateway to the Scenic Rim! It’s a great base for exploring the eastern reaches of the Rim, including Mount Lindesay and Mount Barney.
If you have an extra day or two, consider staying overnight to explore before heading to Lions Road, or on your way back from it.
Top Tips
Phone signal can be spotty and petrol stations are rare – the nearest one is in Kyogle. So pack up, fuel up, and get everything ready before heading there.
If you want to camp, remember that most campgrounds are for self-contained guests. Bring everything, including plenty of food and water, and leave the place better than you found it.
Did you know?
This road is not named after the nearby Mount Lion but after the Lions Clubs of Kyogle and Beaudesert.
Back in the late 60s, the NSW government rejected the plan of building a more direct road that connected Kyogle to QLD. At that time, there only was the Summerland Way.
So, the Kyogle Lions Club decided to take matters into their own hands and, after 2 years, started to build the road. The Beaudesert Lions Club joined the project as well.
The Lions Road is a testament to the hard work of a community united to achieve a common goal.
So, next time you drive down Lions Road, remember the effort that went into it. It’s more than just a road – it’s a symbol of what a community can achieve when they pull together.
FAQs
Is the Lions Road to Kyogle open?
Yes, it’s open after some repairs done in 2022. But double-check for any closures before you go, on the website of Live Traffic NSW.
Does Kyogle have a caravan park?
Yes, Kyogle has two caravan parks.
The bottom line
Lions Road is a wild ride through some of the most stunning landscapes you’ll ever see.
From the spiralling railway loop to the epic viaducts, this drive is like nothing else. And don’t even get me started on the campgrounds – perfect spots to kick back and soak in the natural beauty.
Just remember, check your rig for runaway rabbits and stay alert on those tight turns. Fuel up in Kyogle, pack all your essentials, and if you can, make a donation to maintain the road!
Enjoy the ride, and make sure you’ve got your camera ready. There’s a photo op around every bend.
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