The Sprint Route

Travelling west from Warwick along the Cunningham Highway, the Sprint Route begins at Sandy Creek Road, eight kilometres on the right from Warwick Central Business District. This was once the main road to Goondiwindi and used by the bullock drivers. The route passes through the districts of Allan, Leslie and Cunningham (named after the explorers) and then through the once thriving gold rush townships of Pratten and Leyburn and finally onto Karara.

The Drive passes the iconic Sandy Creek Raceway which holds one of the most significant motoring events in Queensland. Next door is The Darling Downs Hotel – known to locals as the Sandy Creek Pub – and is the oldest continually licensed premises in Queensland.

With rich historical stories, the route offers an interesting passage in time should you wish to stop at the sites – Memorial Park in Cunningham, the town of Pratten where Gold was first discovered in the area (and fossicking can be done with permits), Old Leyburn Station, Liberator Park and other points of interest for history lovers.

The Sprint Route is an easy, leafy drive and travels past some quiet places for picnics, or even for a spot of fishing in Leslie Reserve – on the banks of the Sandy Creek in particular. You will witness quintessential Australian views and stopping at the Darling Downs Hotel is highly recommended for a great country meal experience.

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