Eidsvold

Eidsvold

Eidsvold is a neat and tidy town situated on the A3 Australia’s Country Way (Burnett Highway) just two hours west of Bundaberg and boasts beautiful parks and gardens. Stay a while and visit some of the highlights that make this corner of their ‘lucky country’ a memorable stopover.

Take a visit to the recently extended (March 2018) RM Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre. Stop overnight at the Centre and watch the first Australian light and sound production onto sculpture. Help yourself to the bush camp kitchen area’s facilities whilst you prepare to watch the light and sound production. The production is a mixture of local folk; sharing their stories of the area and of their relationship with RM Williams through yarns, recitals of bush poetry and song, whilst moving pictures of the area is streamed onto the unique ‘one off’ sculptures. The centre has added a ‘bush’ adventure playground for children and those young at heart. A craft area has been created so that classes can be held to teach those interested in various crafts and arts, such as leatherwork, jewellery making, and visual arts. Visit the Archer Homestead which has remained as is for over 100 years and take a further trip down memory lane by visiting the Eidsvold Historical Museum.

Join in on the fun when the biannual Eidsvold Charity Cattle Drive comes to town (April Bi-Annual – Even years).

If you love fishing and watersports then the popular Wuruma Dam is only 48 kilometres away and the Tolderodden Conservation Park is a must for a rustic camping getaway.

Tolderodden camping area features shady, grassy camp sites in open eucalypt forest on the banks of the Burnett River. Enjoy a bush Picnic or enjoy a peaceful camp under the magnificient Moreton Bay ash trees on the banks of the Burnett River. The area caters for a variety of camping experiences, from tent camping to large motor homes. The camping area can be reached by conventional vehicle and is accessible for trailers, caravans and buses. This is an open area without separately defined sites. The park has toilet, picnic tables, b-y-0 (wood) barbecues and rubbish bin facilities. Try your hand at fossicking (Gold was discovered in the region in the 1850’s, find ‘that’ spot and fish in the serene peaceful setting or take that hike up the short minute ridge bushwalk that overlooks the park. Camping permits ae required and fees are minimal.

If you are visiting the area within a week day; visit North Burnett Regional Council Library and Customer Service Centre in the main street; where you can hire kayaks for free!

‘MUST DO’

RM Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre erected to honour one of this country’s true icons who settled at “Rockybar” a cattle property west of Eidsvold, provides a window into a history full of inspirational stories of real people and their contribution to our remarkable past.

Eidsvold Historical Complex The Eidsvold Historical Complex is home to a fine collection of historic buildings including Knockbreak Homestead and the original Clonave Homestead. Riverleigh Cottage houses memorabilia including the Eidsvold Soldiers’ corner, traditional owner’s artifacts and a manual telephone exchange. View the George Schafer geological collection and the Schultz and Duncan bottle collection.

Archer Homestead situated on Eidsvold Station resting on the banks of the Burnett River just as it was over 100 years ago as home to the pioneering settlers from Norway, the Archer Brothers. Viewing can be arranged by appointment through the Eidsvold Historical Complex.

Alice Maslen’s Hitching Rail (Main Street) – A quirky tourist attraction, this rail was put aside as a place for Alice to tie her horse when she was in town – Alice never gave up her horse and buggy for modern transport. The Rail was erected by the local council around 1980. At the time Alice was an old woman who, in the age of the motor car, still brought her horse and sulky into town. She was a real remnant of the 19th century.

Siltstone Processing Plant – This colourful marble like stone is currently being fashioned into tiles, pavers, bricks, aggregate and landscaping pebbles – the second of its kind in Australia, the other quarry being in Western Australia.

Stone Pitched Bridges Marvel at the hard work and effort put into the historic stone pitched bridges located approximately 40km west of Eidsvold on Camboon and Eidsvold Cracow Roads. The bridges are no longer suitable to take traffic however, they still stand, honouring the people who toiled to make them the memorable feature they are today.

Ceratodus Rest Area The attractive Ceratodus rest area just north of Eidsvold on the A3 Country Way Burnett Highway houses memorabilia from the old Ceratodus railway siding days. Ceratodus is the name given to the unique lungfish found in the Burnett and Mary Rivers. A cairn to commemorate the Traylan Native Police barracks takes pride of place in the grounds.

Wuruma Dam Noted for its beautiful bush setting and is an ideal venue for fishing and water sports, this relaxing recreation facility is situated on the Nogo River between Monto and Eidsvold. With sealed road access from the Burnett Highway via Abercorn, Wuruma Dam has been one of the most popular attractions of this area for many years. Water sports are popular. These include water skiing, power boating, canoeing, sailing, swimming and fishing. Fish species including golden and silver perch, Australian bass, barramundi and saratoga are regularly stocked.  There are breeding populations of eel-tailed catfish, spangled perch and eels. Permit required. Facilities include boat ramp, sheltered picnic tables, wood barbecues and toilet amenities. Camping is permitted only in the designated camping area.

Tolderodden Environmental Conservation Park This park is perfect for close encounters of the natural kind.  Watch birds playing in the treetops or spot a shy echidna rustling through fallen leaves. The park has picnic and camping facilities (permit required) wood barbecues, walking tracks and toilets.

Kirar Weir Kirar Weir is located on the Burnett River 8km West of Eidsvold. The name ‘Kirar’ was given to the weir by local aboriginal group Wakka Wakka.  Fish from the shore or just relax by the river in the peaceful surrounds. The abundance of birdlife here makes bird watching (particularly swans) an ideal pastime. Picnic shelters and public toilets are provided.