‘’It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey’’ – well in the Bundaberg Region, you get the best of both worlds. Welcome to the land of the wacky and wonderful from Queensland’s oldest town Gayndah to the sandstone wonder that is Cania Gorge - join us as we guide you through what we can only describe as a road trip of randomness.
Day One - Bundaberg to Cania Gorge
It's time to hit the road, and where better for your first stop than Australia’s most baffling phenomenon, Mystery Craters! Since their discovery in 1971, these 35 craters are believed to be over 25 million years old and have remained the subject of controversy amongst international geologists and travellers alike. Are they dinosaur footprints? Markings from an alien invasion? Or the remnants of where a meteorite hit many moons ago? Head to this quirky little attraction, just 100m from the main road to discover for yourself.
Make a pitstop in Gin Gin and tuck into one of the Travellers Rest Café’s award-winning pies or seasonal fresh crab sangas before driving onto your next stop – Boolboonda Tunnel. Just 30 minutes outside of Gin Gin you’ll discover this abandoned, heritage-listed railway tunnel. Stretching 192 metres in length making it the longest unsupported man-made tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere. Now home to hundreds of bent wing bats, drive, cycle or walk through the tunnel and look for the pick axe marks left by those who built it.
Now it’s time for you to let your creative juices flow as you wind your way through the mighty murals and sculptures of the Monto Art Trail. From the decorative fibreglass cows that are dotted around the streets, to the paintings that represent the town and its people, there is so much to see in this charming little town. A sight to truly take your breath away is the Three Moon Silo’s, located just on the outskirts of the town, created by Queensland artists The Zookeeper & DRAPL. ‘’Three Moon Creek was named according to legend where a swagman was boiling his billy on the banks of the creek and noticed three moons – one in the sky, one reflecting on the creek and one reflecting in his billy’’. You can check out the North Burnett Art Trail here.
Just a short 20min drive down the road from Monto will have you stumbling upon the striking Mulgildie Bunyip. This spectacular artwork was hand crafted out of steel by local artists Brett Benecke and Paul Irvine, paying tribute to the towns mysterious Mulgilgie Bunyip Hole where tales of strange creatures lurking beneath the surface have been told throughout the town for centuries. Legend has it that that both livestock and people have disappeared in its waters never to be seen again with many locals also claiming the hole to have never been seen dry of water. For those needing to quench their thirst after this spine tingling encounter, we recommend popping into the local pub for a cold bevvy or two and enjoy the vibrant artwork that adorns the walls surround you.
All tuckered out after a big day on the road? Take it easy, sit back and relax at BIG 4 Breeze Holiday Park – Cania Gorge. Nestled in the middle of the National Park, this little slice of splendour is the ideal escape and perfect base to explore the national park walking trails and surrounding quaint townships. Offering powered and unpowered sites, as well as range of cabins and villas, there is something to suit everyone. If the kids are in tow, then they will be stoked splashing in the onsite water park and reaching for the skies on the jumping pillow. Why let the little ones have all the fun? Perks for the adults include wine tastings, golf course and the added bonus of peaceful surrounds.
Day Two - Cania Gorge to Mundubbera
Rise, shine and stretch as you wake to the sounds of the serenity of the bush. After your morning coffee, head out on a hike to get your endorphins pumping for the day. Discover Aboriginal freehand art along the sandstone wonders of Cania Gorge, stroll along the creek, or make your way to the Giants Chair Lookout to see views for miles.
Cania Gorge National Park is abundant with stunning scenery of sandstone monoliths and weathered caves with yellow and red ochres, dry rainforests with some very interesting king orchids and silver elkhorns for the flora and fauna buffs.
After your mornings exploring, pack up and hop in the car to Eidsvold, the self proclaimed ‘Beef Capital of the North Burnett’. Cool fact - en route you’ll find yourself driving through the little spot of Ceratodus, named after our living dinosaur only found in this region – the Lungfish! Eidsvold is home to the RM Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre which is a tribute to the pioneering spirit of the bush and rural Australia, highlighting RM Williams and his time spent in the Eidsvold community. Discover the tales of time gone by, bush skills, Indigenous artifacts, bush poetry, and the skills of leathercraft. The Son et Lumiere is the story of RM Williams, shared by local story tellers, bush poetry from local poets and captivating stories of life out bush told by the drovers themselves. This stunning outdoor light and sound show is held every evening at the centre, projected onto a one-of-a-kind steel sculpture.
Bringing to a close your second day of iconic sites, and welcoming small towns, make your way towards Mundubbera, one of Queensland’s largest producing areas for table grapes and citrusy goodness. Growing mangoes, lychees, peaches, watermelon and more, pop into a local grocer or farm-gate to tantalise your tastebuds with fresh juicy flavours before wandering the pathways of Bicentennial Park and admiring the stainless-steel sculptures, detailing the area’s rich heritage and people. A country town full of charm, hearty feeds and plenty of character, kick back with a craft beer in hand at the family run Mundubbera Motel before bunkering down at one of the comfy motels or tourist parks for the night.
Day Three – Mundubbera to Childers
Good Morning Mundubbera! What better way to start the day then with a feed at the local bakery. The Mundubbera Bakery & Cafe opens early for your breakfast needs so grab some nosh and take a relaxing stroll along the river to the weir, before hopping back into the car for your next destination.
A right of passage for all Aussie road trips is snapping a quick pic in front of The Big… right? Well as the beating heart of citrus country, Gayndah is home to the Big Orange! Gayndah holds the prestigious title of Australia’s Oldest Town and is perched on the banks of the mighty Burnett River, with a unique offering of shops (the historic drapery with the old fashioned money flying fox is worth a look) and pubs for lunch and a cold bevvy. Whilst your in town, have a stroll through the Botanic Gardens or check out the Iderway Bridge (affectionately know as the upside down bridge, for obvious reasons).
Just 20 minutes down the road is your next stop to stretch your legs! Ban Ban Springs was a source of water for the Wakka Wakka mob and lays in the shadow of the seven sisters mountain range. This sacred site has a Dreamtime association with the Rainbow Serpent, that spoke to the elders of the tribe telling them the secrets of sacred waters and how to use it.
On the home stretch now, so if you fancy a dip and a splash to refresh, then here’s your chance. Utopia Falls is a stunning little sport after a recent spell of rain, and not too strenuous of a walk from the car park. Located in Mount Walsh National Park, be sure to check out the other hiking tracks on offer if something more hardcore tickles your pickle.
Last stop on your exploration of the wacky and wonderful snippets of the North Burnett, is the storybook town of Childers. Catch a vintage flick at The Paragon Theatre, make some slithery mates at Snakes Down Under, or take your love of feathered friends to new heights at Flying High Bird Park just down the road in Apple Tree Creek. If you find yourself wandering the tree lined main street, then be sure to pop into Clockwork Curiosities or the Old Pharmacy and Military Museum for a throwback to times gone by. For the over 18’s of the group, the rich red dirt and rolling hills play the perfect host for award winning tipples of grapey goodness at Hill of Promise Winery and Vintners Secret Vineyard.
With around 7 hours of driving in total, this super random road trip can be done in a day or two, or stretched out over a long weekend if you’d like to fit in some heart pumping hikes along the way. Prepare to fall in love with the beauty of the North Burnett, the warmness of it’s people and the quirky things to do in the hinterland.