Backyard Tourist: Drive out to Queen Mary Falls for rainbows, wildlife and spectacular views.

SPECTACULAR falls, an abundance of wildlife and a leisurely drive through the country side. Sure, it’s not just down the road, but this is why you must visit Queen Mary Falls.

The 40m high Queen Mary Falls in the Main Range National Park. Pic Peter Lik, Tourism Queensland.

QUEEN MARY FALLS

The 40m-high waterfall at Queen Mary Falls is so spectacular you will find yourself wondering what took you so long to visit.

I know, I know. It’s a 2.5-hour drive to the falls near Killarney, but it’s worth it for more reasons than one.

The drive out to the falls takes you through our Hinterland — Nerang, Clagiraba, Cunungra, Benobble and Wonglepong — before getting into the fringes of the Scenic Rim.

BACKYARD TOURIST: GO TO HINTERLAND REGIONAL PARK

Queen Mary Falls, Condamine River gorge, Killarney, Queensland

A kookaburra at Queen Mary Falls. Picture: Sandra Weedon

This leisurely drive is perfect for a Sunday something-to-do with the family. Road trip!

Once you hit Beaudesert, you’re well and truly in the country and it’s time to spot the livestock. There are horses and cows galore.

And if kids keep a keen eye out, you’re bound to spot a few kangaroos too.

Once you arrive at the waterfall, you can stretch your legs in the most leisurely way — via a 2km roundtrip to see the top and bottom of the waterfall.

The amazing waterfalls. Photo supplied by Tourism & Events Queensland

Start in the Queen Mary Falls Picnic area and follow the trail in a clockwise direction as it’s easier on the knees.

There’s a lookout which offers a great view over the waterfall and the surrounding mountains.

The pathway also winds past the base of the waterfall, so get your camera out. Often there’s a rainbow hanging about as well.

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You could even spot bearded dragon lizards sunning themselves, or cockatoos screeching in the overhead branches.

Surely you don’t need any more reasons than that to visit this awesome spot.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE … SEE

At the lookout. PicBrian/Williams

Carr’s Lookout is a great little spot to view luscious green paddocks and deep-green ravines.

With the view 1km high and 180 degrees wide, you will definitely need your camera handy.

The lookout is easily accessible with a car park close by and connected by a wooden boardwalk.

Even better, it’s right next to a cute cafe and lodgings. So lunch is sorted too.

EAT AND DRINK

Food with a view!

Spring Creek Mountain Cafe and Cottages is a bit more of a luxurious eatery on Spring Creek Road. It’s something a bit different with an international flavour from food sourced locally.

The menu changes seasonally, but currently there’s Devonshire tea, home-baked bread and dips, carrot and butternut fritters, a pork tonkatsu burger and a Killarney steak burger available. That’s just the entrees. The rest of their food is just as mouth-watering. Open Wednesday to Sunday.

DISCOVER

A king parrot. Picture Shirley Moore

Rosellas and king parrots are just waiting for you at the Queen Mary Falls Caravan Park and Cabins — right across from the falls.

You can hand feed the parrots, located right outside their cafe, delighting in their bright colours of red, green and blue.

If that’s not enough animals for you, there’s a twilight native walk on offer as well.

Expect to see bandicoots, kangaroos, and elusive sugar gliders. You could even hand feed a cheeky possum.