Category: Queensland

Once a prosperous gold mining town, Cracow is located 154 kilometres south east of Biloela. Gold was discovered in 1850, with the Golden Plateau N.L Company operating the mine from 1936 to 1976. Once promoted as a ‘ghost town’ Cracow has recently been given a new lease on life with the reopening of the gold mine. Much of Cracow can be enjoyed on foot, by taking a ‘walking tour’ of the deserted buildings in the main street, the cemetery and the abandoned grand hospital. Envisage how life was in this once vibrant and prosperous town. A visit to Cracow Hotel is an experience and tour in its own right. Enjoy country hospitality, a meal, a yarn and hotel’s display of memorabilia dedicated to the pioneering stockmen and country ‘larrikins’. Take a short drive to ‘Cracow Beach’ and marvel at the rare Livistonia Palms prevalent to the Dawson River area.

Marian is the gateway to the Pioneer Valley and is situated approximately 30 kilometres west of Mackay. This riverside town is home to the region’s largest sugar mill; all sugar cane grown in the Valley is now crushed at this mill. The crushing season extends from mid June to November each year. Melba House is the Pioneer Valley’s Visitor Information Centre and also the house in which famous Australian Opera Singer, Dame Nellie Melba, lived during her time in the area. It is an excellent spot to stop off for local & tourist information, learn more about Melba and her time there, check out craft by very talented locals and buy local produce like Langdon Coffee, Honey and Dried Mango. Marian is also serviced by Orange Grove Caravan Park, a hotel, Convenience and Takeaway stores, bowls club and a service station.

Daymar is a small rural community in the Waggamba Shire, located south east of St George. The community maintains a tennis court which is frequently used. Camping is the only option for accommodation in Thallon itself.

Brookstead is located between Pittsworth and Millmerran on the Gore Highway. Brookstead is a whistlestop, offering fuel, barbecue facilities and a post office. All Saints Anglican Church lies just down the road a little further on your way to Millmerran. This church is a must-see with it’s quaint architecture and lovely stained glass windows.

Southport was established in 1875 and is home to two of the city’s well known private schools, as well as the Gold Cost Hospital. Situated across the Nerang River from Surfers Paradise. Southport overlooks the Southport Broadwater and the Southport Spit. The township features one of the Gold Coast’s largest shopping complexes and is well located to access the Gold Coast’s world famous surf beaches and exciting attractions and theme parks. Distance from Brisbane (State Capital): 76 kilometres.

Mareeba, Shire of Diversity, is the second largest Shire in Queensland. It is rich in agriculture, mining, cattle as well as horticulture and offers visitors to the shire, friendly country hospitality and a wealth of options for exploring this beautiful rugged land. Expert tourist information can be found at the Mareeba Heritage Museum and Tourist Information Centre in Centenary Park, Mareeba, enhancing an opportunity to explore Mareeba’s history and heritage. Visitors’ experiences can range from the delight of a cableway ride over the top of the Kuranda Rainforest to the bustle of the famous Kuranda Markets. Hot Air Ballooning at sunrise to camping in the outback, watching a western sunset outline the horizon of this vast country. The Annual Rodeo in July draws cowboys from all over Australia, a truly unique experience. Distance From Brisbane (State Capital): 1,871 kilometres north.