Border Mountains

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..

Tucked away 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.

Legume

A scenic gateway with strong ties to rural heritage and forested beauty.

Liston

Spacious farmland preserves the spirit of frontier living

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.

Sitting in the northern reaches of the Tenterfield Shire, Urbenville 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.

Urbenville

Discover a gateway to rich natural beauty and gold rush history.

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.

Urbenville Pioneer Cottage, a historic timber cottage with corrugated iron roof

Urbenville Pioneer Cottage and Historical Museum

The Pioneer Cottage at Urbenville houses the village’s museum, paying tribute to the history of farming, mining and tall timber…

View over forested ranges to the distant valley on Tourist Drive 9, the Border Mountains Loop

Tourist Drive 9 — Border Mountains Loop

Tourist Drive 9, also known as the Border Mountains Drive, is one of the most rewarding scenic loops in the Northern Tablelands. This full-day drive takes you through some of […]

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.