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Western Escarpment forest drive
Enjoy a short, scenic drive through eucalypt forest along the western escarpment, with stunning views at Somerset lookout.
- Journey type
- Scenic drive, 4WD, trail bike
- Distance
- 14km circuit The same start and finish point, but the traveller doesn’t return along the same path
- Time suggested
- Allow 1hr driving time.
- Grade
Accessible by
- Conventional vehicle
Journey facilities
- Lookout (constructed)
- Scenic drive
- Trail bike riding
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You'll share the forest drive with trail bike riders and walkers. Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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For a scenic 4WD adventure with sensational views, explore the Western Escarpment forest drive. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Queensland Government
Starting from The Gantry in the northern section of D'Aguilar National Park, this forest drive is perfect for a short trail bike or 4WD adventure. Motor along a scenic 14km loop, past twisted scribbly gums and along the beautiful, forested western escarpment.
Stretch your legs at Somerset lookout, roughly halfway along the drive, where spectacular views west over Lake Somerset and Lake Wivenhoe will take your breath away. Access to Somerset is recommended for four-wheel-drive vehicles only.
Read on for more information about the park's 4WD and trail bike road network.
Getting there and getting around
The Western escarpment forest drive is in the North D'Aguilar section of D'Aguilar National Park, about 70km from Brisbane city.
- The drive starts from The Gantry.
- You will need a 4WD or trail bike to access this forest drive. The maximum speed limit on forest roads is 50km/hr and all road rules apply.
- Read 4WD with care for important information on 4WD safety and minimal impact driving.
- Read trail bike ride with care for tips on riding safely and riding with care.
From the south
- From the south, drive 24km from Dayboro via Mount Mee Road (tourist route number 29) and Sellin Road to the park's southern entrance.
- Continue 150m to The Gantry. The road to The Gantry is suitable for 2WDs, however to continue on the forest drive you will need a 4WD or trail bike.
From the north
- You will need a 4WD or trail bike to access the park from the north.
- From the north, drive 17km from Woodford via the D'Aguilar Highway, Neurum, Stanton and Rassmussen roads to the park's northern entrance
- Continue south along the Mount Mee forest drive to The Gantry, near the southern entrance to the park.
Wheelchair access
There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Before you visit
Opening hours
Western Escarpment forest drive is open 24 hours a day.
Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.
Visiting safely
For more safety information see:
- Camp Mountain day-use area closed for repairs 1–3 February 2021
- Jollys Lookout closed for repairs 4–5 February 2021
- Camp Mountain day-use area closed for repairs 8–10 February 2021
- Mill rainforest walking track closed due to storm damage 5 January to 31 December 2021
- AK Break closed pending maintenance 5 January to 31 December 2021
- Westside track partial closure 15 December 2020 to 30 June 2021
- Boombana toilet facility closed 15 December 2020 to 31 March 2021