Border Mountains
HIGHLIGHTS | SEE & DO | EAT & DRINK | EVENTS | STAY
Where Wilderness Meets Village Life
Tucked along the northern edge of Tenterfield Shire and hugging the Queensland border, the Border Mountains region offers a breathtaking mix of rugged landscapes, winding drives, and charming village life.
Whether you are chasing waterfalls, escaping to peaceful bush retreats, or exploring the backroads between Legume, Liston, and Urbenville, you’ll find this part of the world quietly captivating.
Each village has its own unique story…
Legume
A scenic gateway with strong ties to rural heritage and forested beauty.
Nestled near the Acacia Plateau, Legume is a rural gem known for its prime beef cattle production and fertile red soils that grow some of Australia’s finest potatoes and kiwifruit. Visitors are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views from the plateau, making Legume a perfect spot to experience the rich agricultural heritage and stunning natural beauty of the Border Mountains region.
Liston
Situated high in the Great Dividing Range, Liston is a quiet rural village surrounded by lush, rolling farmland.
The region has a rich agricultural history, with cattle grazing, lavender farming and market gardening still prominent today. In the late 1800s, the discovery of tin, silver and lead sparked a mining boom that drew a diverse community, including a significant Chinese population. Once home to bustling townships like Wilson’s Downfall and Amosfield, the area holds fascinating traces of its vibrant past.
Urbenville
Nestled in the northern reaches of the Tenterfield Shire, is a gateway to a region rich in natural beauty and gold rush history.
Surrounded by national parks, rainforests, and rivers, the town traces its origins to the mid-1800s Tooloom goldfields, where remnants of the old diggings can still be seen. Today, it draws outdoor adventurers and 4WD enthusiasts, with highlights including Crown Mountain, the scenic Tooloom Falls and Lookout, rainforest walks, and the nearby Bean Creek Falls in Yabbra State Forest.
Highlights
Tooloom Falls, Urbenville
Just outside of Urbenville, Tooloom Falls is a culturally significant site for the Githabul people and a stunning natural attraction.
The falls cascade into a serene swimming hole, surrounded by bushland perfect for picnics and peaceful walks.
Birdwatching at Boonoo Boonoo & Along the Range
Close to Boonoo Boonoo National Park, Liston is a great base for birdwatchers—with regular sightings of wedge-tailed eagles, lyrebirds, king parrots and the endangered glossy black cockatoo.
Horse Riding & Trail Adventures, Legume
Legume is a launch point for horse riders and trail bikers heading into rugged state forests.
Local properties and tour operators offer trail access and accommodation for those seeking a wilderness escape on horseback or two wheels.
See & Do
Explore Koreelah National Park
Legume is a gateway to natural wonders — offering the best access to Koreelah National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests.
Just over the Queensland border, the spectacular Queen Mary Falls is also a must-see.
Border Mountains Tourist Drive
Follow the winding route of the Border Mountains Tourist Drive, starting at the historic Border Gate and travelling through the charming villages of Woodenbong, Urbenville, Legume, and Liston. This breathtaking journey passes through Tooloom National Park and offers a front-row seat to some of the region’s most captivating sights.
Relive Pioneer Days
Don’t miss the Pioneer Cottage Museum on Urben Street. Built in 1892, this charming museum offers a glimpse into the lives of early settlers, with rooms preserved just as they were during the pioneering days of the region’s rich farming and timber history.
Open Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm–3pm
Eat & Drink
The Crown Hotel, Urbenville
Drink, Dine & Unwind at this classic country pub that offers hearty meals, cold beer, and genuine hospitality.
It’s a welcoming pit stop for road trippers, bikers, and bushwalkers alike. With a shady beer garden and friendly locals, it’s the perfect place to refuel after exploring the surrounding national parks.
Festivals and Events
Tenterfield’s vibrant events calendar has something for everyone.
From markets and music to heritage festivals and seasonal celebrations—there’s always something happening.
Discover what’s on and join the locals in celebrating everything that makes Tenterfield special.
Stay
Aloomba Lavender – Liston
Stay on a working cattle and lavender farm! Aloomba offers farm-stay-style accommodation surrounded by rolling hills and fragrant lavender fields. Great for a peaceful, immersive country escape.