Category: Queensland

Buxton is a small fishing town situated on the banks of the Burrum River at the southern end of the Isis Shire about 20 kilometres off the Bruce Highway and upstream from Burrum Heads and Walkers Point. There is a general store, picnic facilities and boat ramp. Buxton offers a relaxed lifestyle with pleasant surroundings. Boat enthusiasts are able to explore four river systems from this village. Flanking the main road into Buxton are a number of rural homesites. Those on the southern side of the road have river frontage. The area is know as having some of the best fishing, prawning and crabbing waterways in the south east.

Springsure is located on the Gregory Highway section of the Great Inland Way, 66 kilometres south of Emerald. Sitting in a delightful valley with spectacular Mount Zamia and the famous Virgin Rock overlooking the town, Springsure is home to the Zamia Parklands that incorporates the Rich Park Historical Complex, the heritage listed 1868 hospital and Bauhinia Shire Art Gallery. Old Rainworth Fort, just south of town, was built in 1862 as protection against aboriginal attack. The fort was fireproof and very nearly impregnable, being constructed of basalt blocks and corrugated iron. Take time to walk through the Cairdbeign Homestead and School, which houses relics from the period. Day permits are available to fossick for opalesced wood and labradorite. Ask at Macs Cafe. 20 kilometres east of Springsure is the Staircase Range, named after a sandstone escarpment that has naturally formed in the shape of a staircase. See the old wagon road which was cut into the sandstone by pick and crowbar.

Located 15 minutes from Hervey Bay, River Heads is a major departure point for vehicles to Fraser Island and has magnificent views of Fraser Island, the Great Sandy Strait and the Mary River estuary. The boat ramp is suitable for launching a large range of craft and there is ample car & trailer parking available. Rock fishing at the point will give you a good opportunity to land yourself an impressive catch as well as giving you the chance to admire the dolphins, turtles and dugongs which frequently pass by.

The Cumberland Island Group lie protected inside the Great Barrier Reef off the coast from Mackay. Access to the less developed southern islands is from Mackay or Seaforth by private boat charter. The earliest visitors were probably the Ngaro Aboriginals. Captain Cook named the Cumberland islands, European settlements and grazing began around the turn of the century on Saint Bees. Much of the coastline is rocky and indented; hoop pines silhouetted against the skyline on rocky headlands typify these scenic continental islands. Pearl coloured beaches are strewn with limestone fragments from hard coral. The fauna on the island include the majestic white bellied sea eagle, and smaller osprey soars above the cliffs and rocky shores and reefs. A walk through the forest behind the beach may reveal orange footed scrub fowl nest mounds up to three metres high. These islands are also important rookies for flat back and green turtles which are protected. St Bees Island also has a colony of koala habitats. Within the Cumberland Island Brampton, Carlisle, Scawfell, Goldsmith, Cockermouth, Keswick, and St Bees are all national park islands. Camping is allowed by permit on Goldsmith, Carlisle, Cockermouth, Scawfell Island and St Bees. St Bees Island also has a basic share accommodation house and Keswick Island has a Bed and Breakfast Guesthouse, and two resorts under construction. Facilities are not provided on islands in the Cumberland Group except for Goldsmith which has a toilet, barbecue and tables. Campers must be self sufficient including water. Brampton Island is the only island that operates a regular boat service, the resort on Brampton will take campers to Carlisle by prior arrangement. An air service operates to Keswick Island twice daily, Sailing, snorkelling and Diving trips also regularly operate to Keswick, Scawfell and St Bees Island.

Killarney is the scenic gem of the Southern Downs. Killarney’s rolling foothills, deep secluded valleys and dramatic waterfalls provide picture postcard views that will stir your imagination. Killarney is an old timber and dairying town, named by nostalgic Irish settlers and now the centre of a thriving mixed-farming district, producing meat, potatoes, onions, grain and timber to name a few. You can visit the Killarney Heritage Centre (located at the RSL Hall in Acacia Street) on weekends which specialises in researching local family history. It has a grand collection of local historical photos, articles and small artefacts. Drive east into the mountains for Brown’s Falls, Dagg’s Falls and then the spectacular waterfall at Queen Mary Falls National Park, where Spring Creek tumbles dramatically over a 40 metre cliff.

Peranga lies on a country road between Quinalow and Kulpi in the Rosalie Shire. The community within a short drive of a number of surrounding tourist attractions, including Maclagan’s Rimfire Winery, the Acland Coal Mine, Moorlands Host Farm and the Muntapa Rail Tunnel. Peranga itself offers basic facilities, including a Post Office, banking facilities at the Post Office and a public telephone.

Moonie, the oil capital of Queensland is a tiny settlement on the intersection of the Leichhardt and Moonie Highways. This was Australia’s first commercial oil field, established in 1961, it still operates today and lufkins can be seen working nearby. Now the area is noted for its quality grain, cattle and prime lamb production. Legend says that Captain Starlight once passed through the area on one of his escapades. The Sports Club serves as the hub of the district’s social activities providing a range of sporting facilities.

Currumbin is a photographer’s paradise with spectacular views north and south. The gentle surf and small rock pools make the area’s beaches popular with young families. Try your hand at a spot of fishing along the picturesque Currumbin Creek. A multiple winner of Queensland’s cleanest beach award, Palm Beach lures agile locals looking to stretch their muscles along golden sands and cool off in sparkling warm waters. After a busy morning workout at the beach, sit back and quench your thirst at the Surf Life Saving Club.

The historic township of Redcliffe is one of Moreton Bay’s most cosmopolitan and interesting areas. Redcliffe has won two awards in the State and National Tidiest Towns Awards – ‘Queensland’s Tidiest Town’ in 2005-06 and Australia’s most ‘Environmentally Innovative’ in 2006-07. The site of Queensland’s first European settlement, Redcliffe boasts an impressive combination of experiences, taking full advantage of its location on Moreton Bay, with water based activities taking centre stage. Redcliffe Jetty is a day tripper’s delight with trips to Moreton Island, as well as whale watching tours from June to November. The jetty is also a top spot when it comes to fishing. Activities such as boating, windsurfing, and surf skiing are all popular pastimes, as is swimming at Sutton’s Beach – the closest patrolled beach to Brisbane’s Central Business District. You can learn to dive there too, with operators conducting courses for novices through to experienced divers. While cruising on the bay you are likely to see dolphins as well as turtles, dugongs and whales during their migration season. Redcliffe is also ideal for thrill-seekers with beach sky-diving, and joy flights providing views from Brisbane to the Glass House Mountains. If you prefer to stay dry, you can try your hand at beach volley ball at one of the courts set up on the beach. Redcliffe offers an array of historical and cultural activities including a museum, complete with interactive exhibitions, and art galleries. The beautiful parks and public spaces make it a favourite place for families to gather for picnics and barbecues. One of the most popular spots is Settlement Cove lagoon which features an artificial lagoon and plenty of playground equipment just perfect for children. And let’s not forget food! Lovers of seafood in particular know Redcliffe well for its many quality eateries featuring fresh local seafood.

Mulgildie is situated approximately 12 kilometers south of Monto on the Burnett Highway, and features a hotel and basic facilities,each year Mulgildie holds a Colourful Campdraft in March.