Relax and Play the North Burnett Way
The North Burnett Region is the perfect playground for the family to recharge and reconnect.
Whether you are entering our region via the Rural Getaway or Australians Country Way there is so much to see and do from pristine waterways, trekking through our national parks, enjoying spectacular cultural entertainment or exploring our regions rich heritage.
Located inland from Bundaberg (an easy one to two-hour drive west), Brisbane (approximately four hours’ drive north/west) Rockhampton (two and a half hours South) and Toowoomba (three – four hours North), the North Burnett is the perfect place to relax and play as you hike, bike, swim or walk the North Burnett Way.
The North Burnett encompasses six main townships – Biggenden, Eidsvold, Gayndah, Monto, Mount Perry and Mundubbera, which service around twenty-five villages and farming catchments.
Begin your adventures relaxing and playing along our regions abundant waterways.
Water Trail loop
Mingo Crossing Caravan Park & Recreational Area – Follow the Australian Country Way South from Gayndah and continue straight ahead onto the Gayndah – Mt Perry Road, toward Mt Perry, until you reach Mingo Crossing Caravan Park & Recreational Area (an alternative sealed route is available via the quaint village of Gooroolba).
Mingo is situated at the top end of Paradise Dam where the Burnett River enters. It is located between Biggenden and Mount Perry. Facilities include on-site managers, newly constructed camping ground, caravan sites, barbecues and picnic areas, amenities block, boat ramp and fish cleaning station. Glamping sites will be made available in mid 2019.
Head towards Mt Perry and turn toward Monto to return to the Australian Country Way.
Auburn Falls National Park
Located approximately 36km south-west of Mundubbera, along the Rural Getaway is Auburn River National Park.
Travel 13km south along the Mundubbera-Durong Road to the Hawkwood Road intersection. Turn west along the Hawkwood Road for about 20km until you reach the Auburn River National Park turn-off. Drive a further 7km to the park along an unsealed road. Conventional vehicle access is possible. Wet weather – Four-wheel-drive recommended. Stay on the road, as soils are treacherous when wet.
The 405 hectare park features caves, rock pools and superb scenery and provides recreational activities including bush walking, swimming and rock climbing. When the river runs, it cascades over huge salmon coloured boulders and winds through the park. Enjoy the wildflowers in spring and keep an eye out for Dinosaur Eggs (large rocks in the shape of eggs).
Facilities
A basic camping area, picnic tables, gas barbecue and toilet facilities are provided on the northern bank of the Auburn River in a picturesque bush setting. Camping permits are required and fees apply. The closest fuel, supplies and a variety of accommodations are available in Mundubbera.
Walking
There are no graded walking tracks in Auburn River National Park, only rough footpads. Walks begin from the picnic and camping area.
Gorge Lookout — 600m return (Allow about 15 minutes) Class 3
This short stroll boasts impressive views across the river bed. Leave from the end of the carpark and walk the short distance to the unexpected Auburn River gorge. Look for the “Giant’s Chair” from the lookout or for a peregrine falcon’s nest — easily detected because of the telltale signs of “white-wash” marks on the cliff face below a collection of sticks and debris which make up the nest. This is a naturally occurring lookout — there are no handrails. Please supervise children at all times, especially near cliff tops.
Drive the scenic route – Mundubbera to Gayndah
Take the hidden local drive route that follows the winding Burnett River and connects the Australia Country Way to the Rural Getaway. Follow the Gayndah – Mundubbera Rd and tempt your tastebuds as you travel along the Burnett River driving alongside a selection of our finest orchards. Gayndah and Mundubbera are the citrus capitals of Queensland, one third of the state’s citrus crop is produced here. Boutique orchards also grow mangoes, avocadoes, lychees, peaches, grapes, watermelons, rockmelons, olives, pecans and blueberries. Make sure you stop and pick up some local farm fresh produce!
Claude Wharton Weir – GAYNDAH
On the Northern side of Gayndah turn of the Australian Country Way to relax and play at the Claude Wharton Weir. Located on the beautiful Burnett River this facility provides excellent recreational fishing. The varying waterways provide areas for some quiet canoeing around a creek, a spot of fishing and plenty of room for water skiing. Facilities include boat ramp, picnic shelters, barbecues, public toilets and car parking.
RM Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre – EIDSVOLD
Situated on the Australian Country Way in the town of Eidsvold is the RM Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre. Stop overnight at the Centre and watch the first Australian light and sound production onto sculpture for FREE. Help yourself to the free bush camp kitchen facilities whilst you prepare to watch the light and sound production. The production is a well blended mix of local folk; sharing their stories of the area and of their relationship with the legendary 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 our local crafts people can demonstrate their skill to visitors. Classes are held to teach those interested in various crafts and arts, such as leatherwork, jewellery making, and visual arts. Eidsvold boosts a variety of Accommodation choices ranging from low cost RV stopovers, Caravan Park with Cabins, and motels. Worth Noting: A selection of sporting equipment can be collected from the Eidsvold Library; these include tennis, softball, basketballs, golf clubs and kayaks Monday through to Noon Saturday. To avoid disappointment Visitors are advised to book in advance.
The town of Eidsvold itself is centrally located to a variety of magnificent waterways which provide fun for ALL of the family. Whether that be dad trying a spot of fishing (bass, red claw and the area’s well renown lung fish occupy most), kids cooling off in the pristine water to mum trying her hand at kayaking (kayaks can be collected from the Eidsvold Library Monday to Saturday Noon) before preparing for a picnic lunch and a well deserved rest in a shady spot on the river bank. Nature Lovers take note: A short drive 7 km from the town centre is the peaceful Tolderodden Environmental Conservation Park which is perfect for close encounters of the natural kind. Watch birds playing in the treetops or spot a shy echidna rustling through fallen leaves. Picnic or Camp (permit required and fees apply). Basic facilities onsite, which suits mostly those who want to escape from it all and experience the tranquility and serenity of this region without being too far from Town.
Kirar Weir is on the Burnett River 8km West of Eidsvold. 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. Facilities: Picnic shelters, Public Toilets , Car park. Camping is prohibited at the Weir; however a two night maximum stopover is permitted at the Ceratodus Rest Area located 17km away on the A3 Burnett Highway between Eidsvold and Monto.
Waruma Dam is situated on the Nogo River between Eidsvold and Monto just off the A3 Highway, with sealed road via Abercorn. Waruma is noted for its beautiful bush setting and as a venue for fishing and water sports, A Permit for fishing is required. Facilities: boat ramp, sheltered picnic tables, wood barbecues and toilet amenities. Camping is permitted only in the designated camping area.
Cania Gorge National Park and Lake
Cania Gorge National Park and Lake is a ‘must see’ while visiting the North Burnett Region. Discover the natural wonder of one of Queensland’s best-kept secrets where dramatic ochre coloured sandstone rock formations overlook lush forest gullies.
Travel 12km north from Monto on the A3 Burnett Highway. Branch off onto the sealed Cania Road for 14km passing through the small settlement of Moonford to the Cania Gorge National Park where the family can choose from variety of walking tracks ranging in length from 300m to 22km.
Travel north another 11km from the Cania Gorge picnic area to the picturesque Lake Cania where you can explore the lookout, see the breathtaking panoramic views of the gorge’s coloured sandstone cliffs and witness the spectacular sunsets that will leave a lasting memories of Cania. You can fish from the shore or a boat, permit required. After fishing, sailing, water skiing, canoeing or wind surfing, relax under the shade trees and enjoy a picnic in the attractively landscaped grounds. Excellent facilities include picnic shelters, electric barbecues, boat ramp, toilets and a boat bait and tackle shop also supplying ice and cold drinks. Camping permitted at the caravan parks only.