You could be forgiven for not being familiar with the town of
Killarney; with a population of 831 and only one pub, it is not exactly a tourist hotspot. However, this small town is a gateway to a truly unspoilt part of Queensland.
Tucked close to the border of Queensland and New South Wales, in the McPherson Range, Killarney gives access to five spectacular waterfalls and equally spectacular views. And the best thing about the area is that it seems relatively untouched by tourists and, thus, the natural beauty of the surrounds has been maintained.
The section of the McPherson Range that Killarney inhabits also hosts five stunning waterfalls: Teviot Falls, Queen Mary Falls, Daggs Falls, Browns Falls and Upper Browns Falls. The great thing about these falls is that most can be viewed from lookouts on the side of the road, thus making it possible to see them all in one day. Perhaps the most impressive of the falls is Queen Mary Falls, cascading 40 m down a sheer cliff-face. These can be accessed by a short walk, which takes you to the very bottom of the falls and to the top as well. And, if you are really lucky, you may be able to spot a satin bower bird collecting all things shiny for his nest.
The easiest way to get to Killarney and the McPherson Range from Brisbane is through Warwick and onto Warwick-Killarney Road. However, if you have a little bit of time on your hands, you fancy a bit of an adventure and it's not raining too heavily, you should drive to Boonah and from there take what is known as the Falls Drive. This route takes you on Spring Creek Road, and passes alongside the waterfalls and the spectacular Carr's Lookout and leads you right to Killarney.
If you need further convincing on why you should visit this area, there is scientific evidence to suggest that being in close proximity to waterfalls can increase oxygen flow to your brain and improve your mood. And if it doesn't, well, you can always stop in for a refreshing ale at the historic
Killarney Hotel.
