Blackall Range road network

Blackall Range road network is a group of roads that provide access to the mountain localities and towns from various lowland places, and enable travel between the mountain communities. The network ensures continuity of access in times of flooding or other natural disasters, and during planned maintenance activities. The area serviced by the network includes the localities and towns, from south to north, of Maleny, Montville and Mapleton. It also includes the rural localities of Bald Knob, Balmoral Ridge, Flaxton, Gheerulla, North Maleny, Obi Obi and Witta. ^[1] The area hosts a substantial residential community plus many tourism accommodation venues. ^[2] At the 2021 census, the locality of Maleny had a population of 3,959 people. ^[3]

Located to the west of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, the Blackall Range is also a popular day-trip destination. ^[4]

Roads in the network

The network ^[5] consists of the following state-controlled roads:

• Landsborough–Maleny Road
• Maleny–Kenilworth Road
• Maleny–Montville Road
• Maleny–Stanley River Road
• Montville–Mapleton Road
• Nambour–Mapleton Road
• Obi Obi Road
• Woombye–Montville Road

A number of local roads that also access the range are not included in this article.

Landsborough–Maleny Road

Landsborough–Maleny Road
Location	Glass House Mountains Road, Landsborough to Maleny–Kenilworth Road, Maleny
Length	15.2 km (9.4 mi)
Route number	23

Landsborough–Maleny Road is a state-controlled district road (number 494). ^{[6] [7]} It carries traffic from Landsborough on the Glass House Mountains Road, via Bald Knob, to Maleny, a distance of 15.2 kilometres (9.4 mi). Almost all of this road is part of Tourist Drive 23. ^[8]

The road runs generally north-west from Landsborough, ascending the south-eastern slope of the Blackall Range. It climbs from a lowest point of 37 metres (121 ft) to a highest point of 446 metres (1,463 ft). About 2.8 kilometres (1.7 mi) is steeper than 5%, of which 860 metres (2,820 ft) is between 10% and 15%, and 330 metres (1,080 ft) is greater than 15%. ^[9]

Major intersections (Landsborough-Maleny Road)

All distances are from Google Maps. ^[8] The entire road is within the Sunshine Coast local government area.

Location	km	mi	Destinations	Notes
Landsborough	0	0.0	Glass House Mountains Road – north – Glenview – south – Beerwah	South-eastern end of Landsborough–Maleny Road (Tourist Drive 23). The road starts as Railway Street, and becomes Maleny Street as it crosses the railway line.
	1.1	0.68	Old Gympie Road – north (as Gympie Street North) - Mooloolah Valley - south (as Gympie Street South) – Beerwah	Road continues north-west as Maleny Street.
	1.4	0.87	Maleny Street – north – Landsborough	Road continues north-west as Landsborough–Maleny Road.
Landsborough / Mount Mellum midpoint	4.2	2.6	Mount Mellum Road – south – Mount Mellum	Road continues west.
Bald Knob	5.7	3.5	Bald Knob Road – south-west – Peachester	Road continues north-west.
Bald Knob / Maleny / midpoint	9.5	5.9	Mountain View Road – south-west – Maleny	Road continues north-west with no route number.
Balmoral Ridge / Maleny midpoint	10.8	6.7	Maleny–Montville Road – north – Montville	Road continues west as Landsborough–Maleny Road (Tourist Drive 23).
Maleny	14.4	8.9	Bunya Street – south – Maleny	Road continues north-west as Bunya Street.
	14.8	9.2	Coral Street – south-west – Maleny	Road continues north-west as Maple Street.
	15.2	9.4	Maleny–Stanley River Road (Myrtle Street) – south-west – Peachester	North-western end of Landsborough–Maleny Road (Tourist Drive 23) Road continues north-west as Maleny–Kenilworth Road (Beech Street) (Tourist Drive 22)
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi        Route transition

Maleny–Kenilworth Road

Maleny–Kenilworth Road
Location	Landsborough–Maleny Road, Maleny to Eumundi–Kenilworth Road, Kenilworth
Length	40.7 km (25.3 mi)
Route number	22

Maleny–Kenilworth Road is a state-controlled district road (number 495). ^{[6] [7]} It runs from Maleny, via Witta, Elaman Creek , Conondale and Cambroon, to Kenilworth, a distance of 40.7 kilometres (25.3 mi). This road is part of Tourist Drive 22. ^[10]

The road descends the south-western slope of the Blackall Range and then follows the Mary River valley north to Kenilworth. It descends from a highest point of 480 metres (1,570 ft) to a lowest point of 99 metres (325 ft). About 4.6 kilometres (2.9 mi) is steeper than 5%, of which 620 metres (2,030 ft) is between 10% and 15%, and 220 metres (720 ft) is greater than 15%. ^[11]

A project to widen sections of the road in Conondale and Cambroon, at a cost of $4.9 million, was expected to complete late in 2022. ^[12]

Major intersections (Maleny–Kenilworth Road)

All distances are from Google Maps. ^[10] The entire road is within the Sunshine Coast local government area.

Location	km	mi	Destinations	Notes
Maleny	0	0.0	Maleny–Stanley River Road – south – Wootha Landsborough–Maleny Road – east – Landsborough	South-eastern end of Maleny–Kenilworth Road (Tourist Drive 22). The road starts as Beech Street, then Cedar Street, and then becomes Macadamia Drive.
Maleny / Reesville midpoint	2.6	1.6	Reesville Road – south-west – Reesville	Road continues west, then north as Maleny–Kenilworth Road.
Kenilworth	40.7	25.3	Eumundi–Kenilworth Road – north-east – Eumundi	North-western end of Maleny–Kenilworth Road. Road continues north-west as Kenilworth–Brooloo Road (State Route 51).
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi        Route transition

Maleny–Montville Road

Maleny–Montville Road
Location	Landsborough–Maleny Road, Maleny to Montville–Mapleton Road, Montville
Length	9.9 km (6.2 mi)
Route number	23

Maleny–Montville Road is a state-controlled district road (number 497), rated as a local road of regional significance (LRRS) It runs from Maleny, via Balmoral Ridge, to Montville, a distance of 9.9 kilometres (6.2 mi). Within the locality of Montville this road is known as Balmoral Road. It is part of Tourist Drive 23. There are no major intersections on this road. ^[13]

The road runs from south to north along the eastern edge of the Blackall Range. Its elevation varies from a highest point of 444 metres (1,457 ft) to a lowest point of 285 metres (935 ft). About 2.1 kilometres (1.3 mi) is steeper than 5%, of which 800 metres (2,600 ft) is between 10% and 15%, and 970 metres (3,180 ft) is greater than 15%. ^[14]

Maleny–Stanley River Road

Maleny–Stanley River Road
Location	Maleny–Kenilworth Road, Maleny to Kilcoy–Beerwah Road, Peachester
Length	20.3 km (12.6 mi)
Route number	23

Maleny–Stanley River Road is a state-controlled district road (number 493) rated as a local road of regional significance (LRRS). ^{[6] [7]} It runs from the Maleny–Kenilworth Road in Maleny, via Wootha and Booroobin, to the Kilcoy–Beerwah Road in Peachester, a distance of 20.3 kilometres (12.6 mi). The first section of this road, within the locality of Maleny, is part of Tourist Drive 23. ^[15]

The roads runs down a ridge to the south-west of Maleny, crosses the headwaters of the Stanley River, then turns south-east and ascends a ridge of the Conondale Range to Peachester. Its elevation varies from a highest point of 564 metres (1,850 ft) to a lowest point of 290 metres (950 ft). About 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) is steeper than 5%, of which 1.3 kilometres (0.81 mi) is between 10% and 15%, and 390 metres (1,280 ft) is greater than 15%. ^[16]

Major intersections (Maleny–Stanley River Road)

All distances are from Google Maps. ^[15] The entire road is within the Sunshine Coast local government area.

Location	km	mi	Destinations	Notes
Maleny	0	0.0	Landsborough–Maleny Road – east – Landsborough Maleny–Kenilworth Road – north-west – Kenilworth	North-eastern end of Maleny–Stanley River Road (Tourist Drive 23). The road starts as Myrtle Street, then Coral Street, and then becomes Maleny–Stanley River Road.
Maleny / Wootha midpoint	2.9	1.8	Mountain View Road – south-east – Maleny, Bald Knob	Road continues south-west, with no route number.
Wootha	7.2	4.5	Burnett Lane (to Reesville Road) – north-west – Reesville	Road continues south-west.
Cedarton / Peachester midpoint	20.3	12.6	Kilcoy–Beerwah Road – north-east – Beerwah – south-west – Woodford	South-western end of Maleny–Stanley River Road.
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi        Route transition

Montville–Mapleton Road

Montville–Mapleton Road
Location	Maleny–Montville Road, Montville to Nambour–Mapleton Road, Mapleton
Length	9.5 km (5.9 mi)
Route number	23

Montville–Mapleton Road is a state-controlled district road (number 499) rated as a local road of regional significance (LRRS). ^{[6] [7]} It runs from Maleny–Montville Road in Montville, via Flaxton, to Nambour–Mapleton Road in Mapleton, a distance of 9.5 kilometres (5.9 mi). This road is also known as Flaxton Drive. It is part of Tourist Drive 23. ^[17]

The road runs from south to north along the eastern edge of the Blackall Range. Its elevation varies from a highest point of 419 metres (1,375 ft) to a lowest point of 299 metres (981 ft). About 3.9 kilometres (2.4 mi) is steeper than 5%, of which 970 metres (3,180 ft) is between 10% and 15%, and 1.1 kilometres (0.68 mi) is greater than 15%. ^[18]

Major intersections (Montville–Mapleton Road)

All distances are from Google Maps. ^[17] The entire road is within the Sunshine Coast local government area.

Location	km	mi	Destinations	Notes
Montville	0	0.0	Maleny–Montville Road – south – Maleny Woombye–Montville Road – south-east – Palmwoods, Woombye	Southern end of Montville–Mapleton Road (Tourist Drive 23). The road starts as Main Street.
	0.7	0.43	Razorback Road – north-east – Hunchy	Road continues north-west as Main Street, changing to Flaxton Drive when it leaves Montville.
Flaxton	6.0	3.7	Philipps Road – north-east – Dulong	Road continues north-west.
Mapleton	9.5	5.9	Nambour–Mapleton Road – north, then east – Nambour Obi Obi Road – south-west – Obi Obi	North-western end of Montville–Mapleton Road (Tourist Drive 23).
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi        Route transition

Nambour–Mapleton Road

Nambour–Mapleton Road
Location	Nambour Connection Road, Nambour to Montville–Mapleton Road, Mapleton
Length	12.2 km (7.6 mi)
Route number	23

Nambour–Mapleton Road is a state-controlled district road (number 496) rated as a local road of regional significance (LRRS). ^{[6] [7]} It runs from Nambour Connection Road to Montville–Mapleton Road in Mapleton, a distance of 12.2 kilometres (7.6 mi). ^[19]

The road runs generally west from Nambour, ascending the north-eastern slope of the Blackall Range. It climbs from a lowest point of 21 metres (69 ft) to a highest point of 370 metres (1,210 ft). About 2.2 kilometres (1.4 mi) is steeper than 5%, of which 900 metres (3,000 ft) is between 10% and 15%, and 490 metres (1,610 ft) is greater than 15%. ^[20]

Major intersections (Nambour–Mapleton Road)

All distances are from Google Maps. ^[19] The entire road is within the Sunshine Coast local government area.

Location	km	mi	Destinations	Notes
Nambour	0	0.0	Nambour Connection Road – south-west – Woombye – north-east – Yandina	Eastern end of Nambour–Mapleton Road (Tourist Drive 23). The road starts as National Park Road, becomes Netherton Street, then Blackall Terrace, and then Nambour–Mapleton Road.
	2.4	1.5	Image Flat Road – north-east – Image Flat	Road continues south-west.
Kureelpa	7.0	4.3	Dulong Road – south-east – Dulong	Road continues north-west.
Mapleton	12.2	7.6	Montville–Mapleton Road – south – Montville Obi Obi Road – south-west – Obi Obi	Western end of Nambour–Mapleton Road (Tourist Drive 23).
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi        Route transition

Obi Obi Road

Obi Obi Road
Location	Montville-Mapleton Road, Mapleton to Eumundi–Kenilworth Road, Kenilworth
Length	19.5 km (12.1 mi)

Obi Obi Road is a state-controlled district road (number 4962) rated as a local road of regional significance (LRRS). ^{[6] [7]} It runs from Montville–Mapleton Road in Mapleton, via Obi Obi and Kidaman Creek, to Eumundi–Kenilworth Road in Kenilworth, a distance of 19.5 kilometres (12.1 mi). There are no major intersections on this road. ^[21]

The road descends the north-western slope of the Blackall Range and then follows the valley of Obi Obi Creek north-west to Kenilworth. It descends from a highest point of 424 metres (1,391 ft) to a lowest point of 95 metres (312 ft). About 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) is steeper than 5%, of which 570 metres (1,870 ft) is between 10% and 15%, and 830 metres (2,720 ft) is greater than 15%. ^[22]

Part of this road is split between uphill and downhill sections. The downhill section is mostly unsealed. ^[23]

Woombye–Montville Road

Woombye–Montville Road
Location	Nambour Connection Road, Woombye to Maleny–Montville Road, Montville
Length	13.1 km (8.1 mi)

Woombye–Montville Road is a state-controlled district road (number 498) rated as a local road of regional significance (LRRS). ^{[6] [7]} It runs from the Nambour Connection Road in Woombye, via Palmwoods, to Maleny–Montville Road in Montville, a distance of 13.1 kilometres (8.1 mi). This road is also known as Woombye–Palmwoods Road and Palmwoods–Montville Road. ^[24]

The road runs generally south-west from Woombye, passing through Palmwwoods and following the valley of Paynter Creek to the foot of the eastern escarpment of the Blackall Range, which it ascends by a circuitous route. It climbs from a lowest point of 21 metres (69 ft) to a highest point of 380 metres (1,250 ft). About 2.4 kilometres (1.5 mi) is steeper than 5%, of which 590 metres (1,940 ft) is between 10% and 15%, and 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) is greater than 15%. ^[25]

Major intersections (Woombye–Montville Road)

All distances are from Google Maps. ^[24] The entire road is within the Sunshine Coast local government area.

Location	km	mi	Destinations	Notes
Woombye	0	0.0	Nambour Connection Road – south-east – Forest Glen – north-west – Nambour	Eastern end of Woombye–Montville Road. The road starts as Woombye–Palmwoods Road.
Palmwoods	3.2	2.0	Chevallum Road – south – Chevallum	Road passes under the railway line and turns south-west as Palmwoods-Montville Road.
	5.6	3.5	Hunchy Road – north, then west – Hunchy	Road continues south-west.
Montville	13.1	8.1	Montville–Mapleton Road – north – Mapleton Maleny–Montville Road – south – Maleny	Western end of Woombye–Montville Road.
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi        Route transition

Tourist Drive 23

Tourist Drive 23 follows Landsborough–Maleny Road until it reaches an intersection with Mountain View Road as it enters Maleny. Here it turns south-west and continues in a generally west direction until it reaches an intersection with Maleny–Stanley River Road, where it turns north. It continues north until it reaches an intersection with Landsborough–Maleny Road (to the east) and Maleny–Kenilworth Road (to the north-west). Here it turns east and continues through the Maleny CBD and on until it reaches an intersection with Maleny–Montville Road.

Turning north it follows Maleny–Montville Road, Montville–Mapleton Road, and Nambour–Mapleton Road to its end in Nambour. Tourist Drive 23 continues across the Nambour Connection Road onto Nambour–Bli Bli Road, which it follows to the Bruce Highway. ^[26]

History

A track linking Landsborough to Maleny was cut in 1880. ^[27]

By 1922, "good" roads existed from Landsborough to Maleny and from Nambour to Mapleton and on to Montville. Plans were in hand to link Maleny to Montville and to build a new "first-class" road from Palmwoods to Montville. ^[28]

References

1. "Blackall Range Map". OnTheWorldMap. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
2. "Maleny Accommodation". malenyaccommodation.com.au. Retrieved 23 November 2022.
3. "2021 Maleny, Census All persons QuickStats | Australian Bureau of Statistics". abs.gov.au. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
4. "Things to do in Maleny - Day trip and weekend ideas" . Retrieved 23 November 2022.
5. "Road Network". Local Government and Municipal Knowledge Base. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
6. North Coast region map (PDF) (Map). Queensland Government ©State of Queensland [CC BY 4.0]. 2020. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
7. "North Coast district map" (PDF). Department of Transport and Main Roads ©State of Queensland [CC BY 4.0]. 2020. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
8. Google (28 November 2022). "Landsborough to Maleny" (Map). Google Maps . Google. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
9. "Landsborough-Maleny Road". Bonzle Digital Atlas. 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
10. Google (22 November 2022). "Maleny to Kenilworth" (Map). Google Maps . Google. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
11. "Maleny-Kenilworth Road". Bonzle Digital Atlas. 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
12. "Maleny-Kenilworth Road (Cambroon), various locations, widen pavement". Queensland Government. 19 August 2022. Retrieved 23 November 2022.
13. Google (22 November 2022). "Maleny to Montville" (Map). Google Maps . Google. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
14. "Maleny-Montville Road". Bonzle Digital Atlas. 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
15. Google (23 November 2022). "Maleny to Peachester" (Map). Google Maps . Google. Retrieved 23 November 2022.
16. "Maleny-Stanley River Road". Bonzle Digital Atlas. 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
17. Google (23 November 2022). "Montville to Mapleton" (Map). Google Maps . Google. Retrieved 23 November 2022.
18. "Montville-Mapleton Road". Bonzle Digital Atlas. 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
19. Google (23 November 2022). "Nambour to Mapleton" (Map). Google Maps . Google. Retrieved 23 November 2022.
20. "Nambour-Mapleton Road". Bonzle Digital Atlas. 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
21. Google (23 November 2022). "Mapleton to Kenilworth" (Map). Google Maps . Google. Retrieved 23 November 2022.
22. "Obi Obi Road". Bonzle Digital Atlas. 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
23. "Obi Obi Road split section". YouTube. 25 July 2019. Retrieved 29 November 2022.^{[ self-published source? ]}
24. Google (23 November 2022). "Woombye to Montville" (Map). Google Maps . Google. Retrieved 23 November 2022.
25. "Woombye-Montville Road". Bonzle Digital Atlas. 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
26. "How to do a scenic drive in the Blackall Ranges". Queensland & Beyond. 17 June 2019. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
27. Environmental Protection Agency (Queensland) (2002). Heritage Trails of the Queensland Outback. State of Queensland. pp. 130–131. ISBN   0-7345-1040-3.
28. "Glorious Montville". Montville Historical Group. 8 June 1922. Retrieved 30 November 2022.