Tag Archives: Australia

Motorcycle News, News

Riders Urged To Fill Out Safety Survey

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West Australian riders are being asked to complete a survey on road safety prepared by the Motorcycle Riders Association of W.A.

The survey is being organised to coincide with their Motorcycle Safety Week in October 2020.

MRA WA safety officer Dave Wright says they need as many riders as possible to complete the survey, so they have a better understanding of the issues that are important to riders.

“We need as many riders to complete this survey as this will form the focus of the Motorcycle Safety Forum on 10 October 2020.

Click here to complete the survey.

The anonymous survey will take only 5 to 10 minutes to complete.

It starts with a few questions about your age, licence level, type of bike your ride and how often before diving deeper into why you ride.

The survey also asks riders whether they have heard of the internationally awarded Australian motorcycle safety initiative MotoCAP. which tests and rates motorcycle jackets, pants and gloves on safety and comfort.

Riders are also asked for their ideas about the hazards of the the road and how to fix them.

They provide some examples in multiple choice questions, but also leave plenty of room for your own comments and ideas.

Ewan McGregor tonight show

That’s a welcome change from many other motorcycle safety surveys which seem to push an agenda by asking leading questions.

Dave says they encourage participants to make their own comments and suggestions.

“We want riders’ thoughts on these important issues,” he says.

“These can be new initiatives that have never been used in Western Australia, or an action that has been used in the past that you believe deserves to be reinvigorated.”

If you are trouble accessing the survey, please contact David Wright on 0418 954 424 or email: [email protected]

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Riders Urged To ‘Ride This Thing Out’

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The fourth annual Australian Ride your Motorcycle to Work Week next month has been changed to simply “Ride your Motorcycle” due to the pandemic.

Obviously that refers to the fact that many riders may not have wrk to ride to or may be working from home.

The initiative was developed and organised by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries with the backing of the industry.

In June, the FCAI urged inactive motorcyclists who haven’t ridden for some time to ride again, especially for commuting, as the pandemic travel restrictions begin to ease across the country.

Now, the focus has shifted again.

Running from September 21 to 27, the 2020 edition of Ride Your Motorcycle To Work Week will see ‘To Work’ temporarily crossed out of the event logo.

Ride Your Bike Week

Instead, the initiative will encourage two-wheeled enthusiasts to ‘Ride This Thing Out’, dust-off their bikes and scooters for good mental health and socially distanced recreation.

FCAI Motorcycle Manager Rhys Griffiths says the week is an opportunity to have some fun, whether commuting or recreating.

“There’s no doubt 2020 has been challenging, but together we can ride this thing out,” he says.

“The pandemic has hit everyone hard and the mental health benefits of riding are well documented. Riding makes you happy and right now, Australians need a break. The biggest smiles are always hidden behind a helmet.”

The event also aims to draw attention to two-wheeled transport as a potential solution in COVID-19 recovery.

“Riding has a real role to play in helping Australia get back to work, offering socially distanced transportation and alleviating congestion and parking issues.”

“Our aim this year is primarily about reminding Aussies how much fun they can have on a bike, but our secondary goal is to capture the attention of policy makers who too often overlook riding in developing transportation infrastructure.”

The Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Week team is monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation in Victoria and other states closely and will provide any updates via the event Facebook page.

All riders should adhere to any and all Government regulations at all times.

The industry initiative also offers an online DIY guide to ensuring your motorcycle is ready for the road.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Ride with historic tunnel vision

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We don’t usually recommend riders have tunnel vision, unless it’s an unused historic tunnel of which there are many throughout the nation.

If you’re a bit of a history buff, or you just enjoy something unusual on your bike trip, check them out.

You may be surprised to find that there are some close to you and some that you can even ride through like the Boolboonda Tunnel, about 35km west of Gin Gin, Queensland.

There is a short 2km of smooth gravel leading up to the tunnel on the eastern side that is easy to ride no matter what bike you have.

If you are coming through the farm gate on the western side, make sure you close it behind you.

The track is rough and should really only be tackled on an adventure or dirt bike. Try not to scare the cattle.

Once you get to the tunnel, it’s probably best to walk it first to check the condition of the surface.

Use a torch or your phone’s torch. It can be wet and potholed.

Look up and you will see it is also home to a colony of bats, although you will smell them long before you see them.

Put your lights on high beam, take off your sunnies and ride through slowly as it’s one way and there can be vehicles coming from the other end.

There can also be pedestrians in the tunnel.

They also ask you to not disturb the bats.

Search now for unused historic railway tunnels near and get out there and ride them. They’re “cool fun”.

Short history

The tunnel is 192m long which makes it the longest unsupported man-made tunnel in Queensland.

This engineering marvel was built from 1881 to 1884 to service the Mt Perry copper mines.

The line was deviated in 1960 and tracks removed the following year.

It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 24 September 1999.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Motorcycle Road Trip Through Australia: 4 Top Destinations

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(Article by Mike Ray*)

Few countries promise such fantastic motorbiking opportunities as Australia. With endless kilometres of the open road and some spectacular vistas, it’s little wonder that many people come to the nation to enjoy the ultimate motorcycle road trip.

Recently we’ve seen an explosion in the popularity of motorbiking. Motorcyclists and their clubs have been frequently portrayed in movies and the media generally, giving rise to a “biker culture”. This has gone out to influence anything from the looks of other sub-cultures such as punk and heavy-metal to tv shows like Sons of Anarchy and legendary games like GTA. Its influences have even been felt in the iGaming industry too, where a great deal of online pokies in Australia feature slot games that are trying to embrace this feeling of liberty and give players a taste of adventure. So it’s no wonder that more and more people are answering the call of the open road to feel the wind on their faces and observe different sceneries zoom past their eyes.

But what are the must-see destinations in your Australian motorcycle road trip?

Western Australia – Walpole To Albany

We have already revealed that there’s no shortage of great rides in Western Australia. This vast state is packed full of beautiful destinations for a good bike trip. But there’s little denying the fact that the route from Walpole to Albany offers perhaps the best ride.

This trip takes you all the way down the South Coast Highway, and you’ll get to check out numerous quaint small towns on your way. Keep your eye out for oddities like the Denmark Dinosaur World, but ultimately this bike trip is all about the beach.

By the time you get to the coastal city of Albany, you’ll be ready for the perfect picnic on excellent beaches such as Middleton Beach or the quieter Little Beach. After all, you’ll have travelled well over 100 kilometres from Walpole, so you’ll need a break.

Queensland – The Lions Road

Lions Rd Summerland WayLions Rd

The Lions Road is one of the most famous motorbike rides in Australia, so there was no way that we were going to miss this road from our shortlist.

After all, it’s an endlessly enjoyable ride through nearly about 50km of the stunning scenery that takes you across the Queensland/NSW border. The Lions Road was initially built to help farmers move produce but now also serves travellers exploring the lush forests of the Scenic Rim.

There’s plenty of fun to be had in navigating the twists and turns as you pass through the Border Ranges National Park. Just don’t forget to stop off at top cafes like the Shed Cafe at Rathlogan Olive Grove or the Bean To Cafe in Beaudesert. 

New South Wales – Kangaroo Valley

If you are willing to take your motorbiking up a level, then you should definitely consider heading out to Kangaroo Valley. This twisty route will take you between the imposing Cambewarra and Barrengarry mountains, and the stunning rainforests and surrounding countryside will make the trip a ride to remember.

Some of the highlights include the Hampden Bridge that crosses the Kangaroo River but don’t forget to check out the 822-metre Fitzroy Falls. You can only get here by navigating through the single-lane Illawarra Highway, but it’s all part of Australia’s most beautiful valley and is perfect for a good bike trip.

Tasmania – The West Coast

Tasmania is one of Australia’s overlooked gems when it comes to motorbikes. But there are many reasons to head to the island, as everything from the agreeable weather conditions to the well-kept roads and relative lack of traffic make Tasmania a biker’s paradise.

There are many places to enjoy on this island state, but we’d recommend taking a trip down the wild and astonishing West Coast. As soon as you leave Hobart via the Derwent Bridge, you’ll be treated to magnificent waterfalls, old mining towns, and some seriously unique landscapes.

We’d recommend taking a slight detour through the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. This is home to endless mountains, gorges and tranquil rivers, and would make for the perfect stopping off point for yet another relaxed picnic on the road.

About the author

(*Author Mike Ray is a motorbike enthusiast and adventure lover who grew up watching motorbike races and now is on a mission to travel the world and discover awesome places.)

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Nothing dead about this ‘dead end’

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There is nothing dead about the amazing ‘dead-end” ride to O’Reilly’s and back on the Lamington National Park Rd in South East Queensland.

Despite the Gold Coast hinterland being ravaged by bushfires in September 2019, the scenery along this road is as spectacular and pristine as ever. You wouldn’t even know a bushfire had been through the region!

Lamington Park National Rd is no dead endSpectaqcular views

That is not the case with the nearby Binna Burra Lodge which was sadly decimated in the bushfires and has closed the dead-end Binna Burra Rd south of Timbarra Drive.

However, Lamington National Park Rd is still open and is as challenging, varied and spectacular as any of the Alpine roads in NSW and Victoria.

In fact, massive roadworks over the past couple of years have made it even better.

Lamington Park National Rd is no dead endRoadworks and retaining walls make the road safer

However, the last few kilometres to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat are fairly bumpy.

It’s a virtual paradise for riders, yet it is relatively unknown by riders outside SEQ and little used compared with some of the other “motorcycle routes” in the region.

Lamington Park National Rd is no dead endPlenty of hairpins and twisties!

Maybe that’s because it’s a dead-end as some riders don’t like riding back and forth over the same stretch.

However, it feels substantially different going up to going down and you take different corner lines each way.

You also don’t look back over your shoulder when you ride, so the scenery is different each way.

And it’s such a great ride, that you will probably want to do it again and again!

Mountain road not dead

dead endLamington National Park Rd on the Gold Coast hinterland (Image: Google Maps)

The 35km dead-end road starts in Canungra which is a popular cafe stop for riders. Click here for the Google Map.

Riding south out of town into the beautiful valley you will notice O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard which is a great place to stop for lunch and wine tasting (pillions only!).

About 2km down the road, it crosses one of several metal cattle grids before ascending the mountain.

The cattle grids are often on blind corners and need to be taken at right angles to avoid slipping, especially in the wet.

They are among many other hazards such as narrow one-lane sections, blind corners, rock falls, dangling vines, foreign tourists in clapped-out vans, bumps, potholes, leaf litter, oblivious bushwalkers, occasional cyclists, and moss on the road edge and even in the centre!

Lamington Park National Rd is no dead endWatch out for slippery hazards

Despite all those hazards, it is a great road for motorcyclists of all types, so long as you take it easy and/or do an exploratory run.

The speed limit is posted at 40km/h with some 10km/h advisory corner speeds.

Lamington Park National Rd is no dead endPlenty of hairpins

We have yet to see police on the road, but being caught for speeding is not the only reason to take care.

Weekdays are a lot less busy than weekends.

The old alpaca farm with its jaw-dropping valley views has now moved to the O’Reilly’s vineyard.

Lamington Park National Rd is no dead endOld alpaca farm is now closed

However, just down the road is a short detour to the postcard-perfect Kamarun Lookout. It’s well worth a photo stop!

Lamington Park National Rd is no dead endKamarun Lookout

Adventure riders

It’s not a complete dead end for adventure riders as they can turn right just before O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and descend into the next valley via the very rough and challenging Duck Creek Rd.

However, that road has been closed for several years due to flooding and is still closed, awaiting funding from the Scenic Rim Council. Let’s hope it opens again soon.

Lamington Park National Rd is no dead endDuck Creek Rd

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat at the end of the road has a coffee shop, restaurant, clean toilets, paved parking, a bird feeding show and gift shop.

Lamington Park National Rd is no dead endFeed the birds at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

Once you’ve rested up and refilled your tank (with food, not fuel), it’s time to head back down and enjoy the view from the other direction.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Reasons for motorbike trippin’ to Nimbin

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Nimbin in northern NSW was the site of the famous Aquarius Festival 27 years ago and remains a unique tourist drawcard for its alternative hippie lifestyle.

It’s also a popular attraction for riders — and not because they can stock up on illegal weed!

In fact, riders are warned that police frequently patrol the area and sometimes conduct NSW/Queensland joint border operations to search vehicles.

On one “trip” to Nimbin our riding group was warned from as far as Uki that the “filth” were everywhere!

Indeed, there was a host of police road and off-road motorcycles, cars and even helicopters as we approached Nimbin.

Hippie culture

The town is a throwback to a time when hippie culture was popular. That’s perhaps one reason I and many of my age like it.

I started riding in the early ‘70s when hippies and motorcycles were both freedom lovers, law breakers and anti-establishment.

It’s kind of kitsch now with many tourist shops selling smoking paraphernalia, joss sticks, greenie-slogan t-shirts, hemp clothing, etc.

There are also a lot of great cafes and restaurants with a wide mix of healthy foods and refreshments for the weary rider.

But these are not the main reasons riders should visit Nimbin.

Nimbin roads

Typical of roads around Nimbin Typical of roads around Nimbin

The major rider attraction is the roads and the spectacular scenery.

Ok, the roads can be broken and potholed like you’ve rarely seen before.

In fact, it is so bad the locals sometimes paint rainbow colours around the most dangerous potholes to warn traffic.

Lismore City Council is almost negligent in its official warning signs of potential hazards and its backlog of roadworks, probably because of a lack of ratepayer funds from the local citizenry.

But if you take things cautiously, the roads can have wonderful sections of twisting tarmac through some spectacular forest and rock formations. There are also some great dirt roads in the area.

Most riders whiz past the Nimbin signs on the Kyogle Rd, but they shouldn’t.

Take the Nimbin Rd, Stony Chute Rd, Blue Knob Rd or Turntable Falls Rd and enjoy.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Visit Blacktop Motorcycles Works museum

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If you’re riding around South East Queensland, chances are you will call in to Esk where we recommend dropping into the Blacktop Motorcycle Works museum.

The free museum and British bike workshop is right next door to the Red Deer Cafe in the main street where many riders stop off for a coffee.Blacktop Motorcycle Works and Red Deer Cafe

It’s important riders visit and spend their tourism dollars in these areas that were cut off and affected by the recent bushfire emergency.

Blacktop museumBlacktop Motorcycle Works museum

After your coffee and cake, pay a visit to see the old British bikes at Blacktop and chat with owners Jim and Naomi McKenzie and their business partner Brian Holzigal.

What they don’t know about old British bikes you could print on a postage stamp —remember them?

Jim and Naomi moved their business from Clifton about 18 months ago because they like the Esk area with its great motorcycle roads and quick access to Brisbane and the coast.

“We’re on a great bike route over the mountain (Mt Glorious) and around the dams,” Jim says.

The Blacktop museum features about 25 old British bikes.Blacktop Motorcycle Works museum

Naomi says they get visitors to the museum all day (except Sunday when they are closed), and not just riders.

“There is a lot of interest from old blokes who’ve had one or their dad had one,” she says.

Most of the museum bikes are owned by Brian and they are not for sale.

“I have about three times that many at home but the bulk of the clean ones are here on display,” says Brian whose work you can see on his BMC website.

“We rotate the display as we finish restoring bikes.”

British bike specialists

Blacktop Motorcycle Works museumBrian (left) and Jim in their workshop

Blacktop also sell merchandise, parts and have a workshop where they do restorations and repairs on classic British bikes.

“We mainly do Triumphs, Nortons and BSAs because that’s what we like and are good at,” Jim says.

“We have customers send us their bikes from all over Australia.”Blacktop Motorcycle Works museum

Jim started many years ago as a service station mechanic in Brisbane.

Several years ago he met up with Brian who had owned British and American motorcycle shop centre in Brisbane in the 1980s before moving to the USA for about 17 years.

“We met when we were racing classic sidecars,” Jim says.

Brian says Norton is his favourite, especially the Commando because it’s “easy to play with”.

Blacktop Motorcycle Works museumBrian with his Norton collection

“My favourite every day rider would be the Commando Fastback,” Brian says.

“Then it would be unit-construction Triumphs.”

Jim’s favourite bikes are pre-unit Triumphs, so between them they have a pretty good knowledge of the venerable British brand.

Please call Jim on 0414 477 823, Naomi on 0408 312 341, or email Naomi to arrange group or club rides.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Celebrating your anniversary on the road

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(Contributed post)

Riders love being on the road, feeling the rush of air around them, and staring at the path ahead. It gives you a view like never before and allows you time to bond with your loved one and share the thrill of the ride. So, if you are stuck on anniversary ideas and cannot seem to see what works best for your spouse, how about riding across the country? You can fall in love with each other again and enjoy sunsets by the road. How magnificent would that be?

Here are some fantastic road trips you can embark on in Australia, and what makes them stand out from the rest:

Queensland- Brisbane to Mount Mee

If you are looking for a scenic ride which you can look back on for years to come, this is it. You get to make your way through mountainous regions and take pictures against picturesque backdrops. The corners are smooth, and they sweep through the hilly areas, taking you through straight stretches that seem to have no end. For more than 100km, there is little else but you and the mountains. Plus, you will come across many other bikers plying the same route, as is common during the weekends. It takes about three hours to get to cover this route. So, you can start early and take a picnic on the road while creating enough bonding moments before arriving at your destination.

Mt Mee police operation mountains residents downhill
Mt Mee

There are many stops along the route, where you can stop for lunch or snacks. Thus, you do not have to carry a thing. The base of Mount Mee will be your destination. On getting here, you can go back the same way you came. Or you could use a shorter route following the Dayboro route. The alternative will not be as scenic as this stretch, but it will only take you an hour to get back to the start point.

Northern Territory – Darwin to Litchfield Park

This route is also quite scenic, and it stretches over 167km. You can, therefore, make the trip to and from within a day. Or you could make some stops along the way and prolong the ride and your time together. The route follows the Stuart Highway, for the most part, affording you a smooth ride as you take in the expanse of the territory. From here, you can veer off the main road and head towards Rum Jungle. Alternatively, you could follow other routes that locals do and bathe in the raw beauty that surrounds this road.

As you get to Litchfield Park, the road stops being a straight stretch, and it gives way to some sweeping curves. Not only do they add to the thrill of the ride, but they also enable you to take in the beauty of the Wangi Falls towards the end. Plus, there is a café at the national park where you could stop for some photos and a bite.

New South Wales – Kangaroo Valley Ride

Kangaroo Valley features in ride video
Kangaroo Valley

For pictures that speak a thousand words, follow this route which starts at the Princess Highway. It then follows the national park before veering towards the coast and entering the peripheries of Wollongong. In this way, you will experience the thrill of different settings along a 116km ride. 

These routes are ideal for both day trips and prolonged journeys. And they will provide you with memories to make your anniversary all the more enjoyable. Have fun!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Mary River Valley a motorcyclist’s haven

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The Mary River Valley was almost deleted from our favourite list of places to ride when politicians threatened to flood it for a dam!

It’s a long and stupid political story, but thankfully sanity prevailed and the massive Traveston Dam was never built.

So a pretty little valley north of Brisbane remains a haven for riders.Mary River Valley a motorcyclist’s haven Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special

Many Brisbane riders visit the area, but turn around after a lunch stop at Kenilworth.

I’ve been guilty of the same offence.

On the few occasions I’ve strayed further north, it’s been on the way to somewhere else for an overnight trip.

So I’ve often ridden through the valley on the Mary Valley Rd and haven’t explored some of the interesting offshoots.

On this occasion I took a Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special to visit the new location for the Bellbird Creek Cafe which is no longer at Bellbird Creek.

Mary River Valley a motorcyclist’s haven Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special
Bellbird Creek Cafe is now Ridgey Didge!

The cafe had been ideal situated on the twisting hot mix just south of Kenilworth, but the property owner wouldn’t extend the lease.

So leasee and bike fan Peter Cusack moved to Carters Ridge, just off Skyring Rd.Mary River Valley a motorcyclist’s haven Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special

His cafe sells great coffee, wholesome food, fruit and veg and has a stack of bike magazines for the patrons.

On the Mary Valley Country tourist map, it’s almost dead centre in the region, so it’s an even better spot to base yourself to explore.

And there’s plenty of great roads to ride, no matter whether you like fast, open bends, tight hairpins, hot mix, scenic back roads, formed gravel or Conondale National Park forestry trails. The area simply has everything to suit every rider’s taste and bike style.

Peter shoved the tourist map in front of me and began introducing me to roads I’d passed, but never ventured down.Mary River Valley a motorcyclist’s haven Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special

On the Harley, they were a barrel of fun, challenging, bumpy, twisting and scenic.

Two great roads I’d never tried before are Moy Pocket Rd and Cooroy Belli Rd. I’ll certainly be back to do them again, although Peter warns that Moy Pocket Rd is busy with cement trucks on weekdays.

He recently did a big trip with his wife on their Triumph Tiger 1050 which suits 99% of the region’s roads.

Today, I’m on the Street Glide Special, which looks commanding and handles the winding roads surprisingly well, but would be a handful on the gravel.Mary River Valley a motorcyclist’s haven Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special

Here is a list of some of the lesser-known, but superb tarmac roads in the region which the Harley handled well so they should suit just about any motorcycle: Moy Pocket Rd, Skyring Rd, Blad Knob Rd, Hovard Rd, Obi Obi Rd (up only, down section is still gravel), Reesville Rd, Postmans Track/Aherns Rd, Bellthorpe Range Rd, Eastern Mary River Rd and Lawnville Rd.

Mary River Valley a motorcyclist’s haven Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special
Obi Obi Rd is bitumen uphill and gravel downhill

Road conditions: phone 131940 or visit traffic and travel information website.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Granite Belt ride reveals wonders (Pt 2)

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The wonders of the Granite Belt in southern Queensland attracted Gold Coast rider and MBW contributor Todd Parkes. He organised a two-day trip with the help of Monique Krause, marketing coordinator of Granite Belt Wine Country. Click here for the first part of his trip.

Granite Belt wonders
Click here for the Google Maps route 

More wonders

Day two of my new frontier exploration of the Granite Belt region led me to more wonders.

The Jamworks Gourmet Cafe and Larder was the place to go for breakfast where they make all their jams on site. One of the owners, Stef, was on duty and shared how they often get machinery clubs and car clubs among others journeying through or frequently meeting up there.

In fact as I enjoyed some apple juice and an omelette, the local classics group turned up for their monthly gathering.  A smattering of classic vehicles surrounded the parking lot and the conversation rose enthusiastically within the cafe to fever pitch.

Wineries

You aren’t visiting Stanthorpe properly if you haven’t experienced several wineries across the area. In fact there are more than 45 different vineyards in the region and to explore all of them in one hit is an impossibility which is why many people just keep returning.Granite Belt wonders

Jester Hill Wines was my mid-morning stop. Ann and Mick Bourke own and run Jester Hill Wines.  They are keen motorcyclists and they visited the Granite Belt on a bike trip together nearly a decade ago. They visited Jester Hill Wines when under its previous owner and decided to buy it out of the blue! 

They have a wine called “Two Fools” and they say they named it after themselves and their story of the bike trip that ended in buying a winery. I had a great chat with them both as well as a lovely coffee. Wine tasting is available and a must as well as taking away some produce with you. If only I could have fitted a case on the bike!

They do courier your purchases (like the other wineries do too) though and often they arrive home to your doorstep before you do.

Rock wondersGranite Belt wonders

More spectacular scenery can be explored in the region including Girraween National Park with rock formations, caves and outcrops. On the way I saw a man-made pyramid in the Ballandean area on Jacobsen’s Rd. It is a stone pyramid, built from blocks of local granite, standing about 17.5m, 30m square at the base and containing 7500 tonnes of rock. It was built using an excavator and dump truck and it took eight months to complete.

Leaving Stanthorpe and heading south to the border I arrived at Wallangarra Railway Cafe in the old border station. In its prime, it received trains from NSW on their unique gauge and shifted the freight to waiting trains on Queensland’s different gauge railway line.

Granite Belt wonders
Wallangarra Train Station

That doesn’t occur anymore but if you are in the region at the right time, a steam train comes from Warwick monthly to this destination (the next is February 9, 2019), stops for lunch and heads home. There is a museum with well-laid-out models, displays and a theatre room. Kim and the other helpful staff are always warm and welcoming as they serve you snacks, meals and drinks while sharing the site’s history.

At the end of my two-day ride through the Granite Belt, I resolved to return with my clan to explore the law dog training shows, see some glass blowing, visit the saddlery, taste some cheeses and see more of the region’s natural beauty.

I headed south to Tenterfield and then east through the ranges to Casino, Lismore, Bangalow and home to the Gold Coast. For more scenic non-motorway oriented riding you can ride through Kyogle, Nimbin and Murwillumbah. However you manage that trip, the roads are delightful.

Top 10 reasons to ride the Granite Belt:

  • The roads to get there are great.
  • The wines taste completely different to coastal areas or lower valley regions.
  • The farm industry (apples, strawberries, grapes, etc) offers tasting, picking and tours as well as products such as juices, jams, snacks, etc
  • The craft industry includes glass blowing, chocolate making, cheese making, beer brewing, fish hatcheries, leather goods and more.
  • Natural sites to delight geology buffs include Girraween National Park, Donnelly’s Castle, many random sites with interesting granite formations and Mt Marlay Lookout.
  • Local hospitality is friendly and inviting and the businesses seem to work together for the good of the region not in competition for tourist dollars.
  • Cafes, restaurants and accommodation all offer unique experiences.
  • Many think of it as a winter destination, the chance to maybe see snow in Qld and feel the warm fireplaces and drink hot chocolate at night, but in summer you can explore the roads without the heat and humidity of the coast.
  • Unique experiences include the Law Dog Training school to see how dogs used in all branches of security work are trained; the Granite Belt Maze and Mini Golf, Christmas Tree Farm, Wine and Hospitality College.
  • History buffs will enjoy the various museums, military memorials and the historic villages named after French and Belgium World War I Battles.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com