A 'create your own adventure' run along the Kowai River bed, heading from State Highway 1 out to the river mouth and the beach. It's a relaxed, scenic braided-river drive, well worth doing on a fine day.

Flows change through the year, so expect several river crossings along the way that get trickier in poor weather. Some of the accesses look easy enough but have a silty base that can catch you out, so pick your lines carefully.

Once you reach the coast there are plenty of spots to pull up for a stop or a BBQ, with the option to head away from the beach and explore further. From here you can carry on toward Leithfield for a cold drink, and up to the Balcairn overbridge.