For those who want to explore a place out of time, the Old Glen Innes Road, between Grafton and the tablelands, offers tourists a rare view.

This is the land of flowing waters and steep escarpments, dry ridges and lush, dark valleys. The Orara, Nymboida, Boyd, Guy Fawkes, Henry and Mann rivers all cross this historic route before they feed into the mighty Clarence.

The Old Glen Innes Road was constructed using civilian labour during the 1800s. One highlight is the short tunnel carved out of the rock a few kilometres west of Dalmorton. Scrawled upon its ceiling is graffiti dating from the 1880s, written in black paint, each figure finished with a curl so typical of the era.

Heading west out of South Grafton puts you onto the Gwydir Highway. Travel about seven kilometres along until you reach the top of the hill and take the left-hand turn onto the Old Glen Innes Road.

Follow this road for 40 kilometres until it turns to gravel at the locality of Buccurumbi. Cross the low-level bridge that sits beside the remains of its flood-stricken predecessor at the picturesque junction of Nymboida and Boyd Rivers. It is recommended for four-wheel drives.