Outdoor Adventure in the South Burnett
Spring has sprung – the days are getting longer, temperatures are rising and the flowers are out in blossom. High time to swap the winter boots for hiking shoes and dust the cobwebs off your bike. It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy the great outdoors and discover the South Burnett. Located inland from the Sunshine Coast and an easy two-hour drive from Bundaberg, Brisbane and Toowoomba, the South Burnett is the perfect place to get your daily dose of activity as you hike, bike or walk off the beaten track on your own adventure.
Our adventure begins at the most northern point of the South Burnett; Murgon situated 70km east of Gympie, nestled at the foot of the Boat Mountain Conservation Park, home of the Bjelke-Petersen Dam and the starting point for the South Burnett Rail Trail.
South Burnett Rail Trail
Located behind the local services club the journey begins along the longest sealed Rail Trail in Queensland travelling 44 kms from Murgon to Kingaroy; passing through Wondai, Tingoora, Wooroolin, Memerambi and Crawford. The trail is easily accessible, and provides a close proximity to towns through the South Burnett. Each town has their own unique experience and places to explore, including historic landmarks and buildings, art galleries, museums, food and wine, shopping and markets. Drop into one of the five South Burnett Visitor Information Centres at Blackbutt, Nanango, Kingaroy Wondai or Murgon for more information.
Ficks Crossing
Travelling 5km south from Murgon is Ficks Crossing situated on the banks of the Barambah Creek, it is a perfect secluded spot to stop for the day. If you fancy a bit of bird watching a small tower is located on site or simply throw a snag on the barbecue by the creek. Don’t forget to take your togs for a spot of swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding with easy access to the water’s edge. Kayaks are available for hire from Barambah Kayak Hire.
Bunya Mountains National Park
Travelling through Kingaroy heading south up the steep and windy road to the beautiful Bunya Mountains. The temperate drops and the light dims as you reach the tangled vine scrub and dense forest of the National Park. Your senses are awakened by the crisp cool air as you step out of the car only to be surrounded by the beautiful sounds of birds and the wind passing through the trees. The Bunya Mountain boasts over 40km of walking tracks coupled with the most amazing view. Stay for a day or a week and get lost in the peacefulness of the small village with accommodation and eateries to suit all budgets.
Coomba Falls
After a couple days hiking in the Bunya Mountains a diversion to the local swimming hole is definitely a worthy trip. 30km east of the Bunya Mountains is Coomba Falls at Maidenwell. It’s worth a stop just to look around the parking area with its dramatic landscape of large boulders and grass trees. There is a short walk down a couple of flights of stairs to the water’s edge. Once you have made the trek, the view is well worth it. Cascading over ancient volcanic boulders, the falls make a wonderful backdrop for an afternoon of relaxing, or picnicking. The deep natural water hole surrounded by impressive granite rock makes for the perfect place to cool down in the summer months.
Another great place to cool off in Maidenwell is the local country pub. Stop in for a nice cold beer at the Maidenwell Hotel or maybe a pie and sauce at the Maidenwell Trading Post home to ‘The Sauce Man’.
Brisbane Valley Rail Trail
Travelling east from Maidenwell is Blackbutt, situated at the southern entrance to the South Burnett. Often referred to as the ‘Timber town’ Blackbutt is a popular access point to the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. The BVRT provides an easy climb up or down the valley for day trippers, overnight campers or long term travellers. A 162km in length the trail stretches from Yarraman to Wulkuraka.