Marlborough is situated 102 kilometres north of Rockhampton in the Livingston Shire along the Capricorn Coast, it can be reached along the Bruce Highway, and is the site of the chrysoprase mine. There is Motel and caravan park style accommodation and the Marlborough Historical Museum to visit.
Masthead Island, part of the Capricornia Cays National Park, is a magnificent 45 hectare coral cay preserving the Great Barrier Reef eco system. It is situated approximately 60 kilometres north-east of Gladstone and named in 1802 by explorer Matthew Flinders.
Except for surrounding cattle stations, Betoota stands alone on a vast gibber plain. The town is located 170 kilometres east of Birdsville and 227 kilometres west of Windorah. Betoota started as a Cobb and Co changing station and border town with its main income being derived from tolls and taxes. This source of revenue dried up on the establishment of the Federation. Twice a year this ghost town comes alive with activity as locals and visitors alike arrive by plane, coach and motor vehicle to enjoy local events. On the first weekend after Easter it’s a fun-packed weekend at the Gymkhana. On the third Saturday in September horse racing at the Betoota Track is the go. This is where you’ll meet ‘down to earth’ Australians with a wry sense of humour! Brown’s Creek is a popular local camping area near the now deserted Betoota Hotel. Be sure to visit Deon’s Lookout – a memorial to one of this country’s sons with peaceful views of the land he loved.
Meringandan sits amongst the valleys just off the New England Highway, between Toowoomba and Crows Nest, nestled at the gateway to Cooby Dam. Meringandan and its neighbouring community, Meringandan West, are a quiet detour from the busy highway. The community has general supplies at the Meringandan News and General Store and its only a short drive to Highfields for most other needs. Water-based activities, picnic grounds and bush walking tracks make for a great day of family fun at Cooby Dam. Those who are adventurous will enjoy sailing, canoeing and windsurfing. Find a spot on the banks or launch a boat (electric motors only) for some great fishing. Barbecue facilities, bush walking and the children’s playground will certainly keep the rest of the family busy.
Hodgsonvale is a small community just south of Toowoomba. This developing community is located close to Toowoomba and offers a rural setting to visitors. It’s an area which offers the mountain biker, motorcyclist, quad biker or trail bike rider an area to enjoy the landscape and the capabilities of their bikes. Make sure to include a stop at the Rural Centre where you can find fantastic coffee and scrumptious cakes and slices. Lions Park offers a rest stop for a barbecue or a game of tennis nearby.
Hebel was established in 1889 under the name Kelly’s Point. It has been claimed Dan Kelly and Steve Hart, members of the infamous Kelly gang resided in the Hebel area under assumed names. The name was changed to Hebel in the early 1890’s. There has been a suggestion that when the name was changed, there was a family of German people residing in the town whose surname, or the Christian name of the father was Hebel. They were responsible apparently, for the title the town has carried over a century. The Hebel Store established in 1897 today stands as two buildings, the original store and the Hebel Dance Hall built around the same date. Visitors to the store need to watch their step as the old dance floor moves, telling a tale of the bygone era. The Hebel Store sells local arts, crafts and history books. The distinctive Hebel Hotel was originally a Cobb & Co stopover, which opened in 1894. This wonderful hotel has a colourful history and cannot be missed on a visit to Hebel. Another place that must be visited is The Crafty Yum Yum Cottage. This is a surprising gourmet delight in this isolated community.
The Sunshine Coast is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most scenically beautiful regions. Trek through the pristine rainforest dotted around the coast and visit wetland sanctuaries teeming with wildlife. Always beckoning are the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean, where it’s not uncommon to see dolphins join the surfers off the rocky points. Experience the stunning views guaranteed to take your breath away in the Blackall Ranges. Visit charming mountain villages, secluded sandy beaches, national parks, state forests, rainforests or marvel at the magnificent Coloured Sands enroute to the worlds largest sand island – World Heritage Listed Fraser Island. Some national parks in the region include: Cooloola National Park, Conondale National Park, Mooloolah River National Park, Glass House Mountains National Park, Kondalilla National Park and don’t miss the opportunity to go koala spotting in Australia’s most visited national park- Noosa National Park. There is also a vast array of tours available on the Sunshine Coast ranging from rainforest safaris to ecotourism tours and cruises, four wheel drive tours and tours to Fraser Island. Not to be missed is a trip up the Noosa River through the Everglades. The riverbanks are home to all manner of birdlife including cormorants, osprey eagles, ibises and cockatoos. You’ll be amazed at the diversity and beauty of the Sunshine Coast and with such an array of things to do and see you won’t want to leave.
Tully is a small town about 140 kilometres south of Cairns and has the reputation of being the wettest town in Australia. With all that rain, the nearby Tully River is one of the best places in Australia to go white water rafting. The Tully River has excellent rapids that range from easy Grade One to the more challenging Grade Six. Tully is also one of Queensland’s largest sugar cane and banana producers and is quite popular with the backpacker market who work seasonally on the farms. And don’t forget to stop by for a photo of the 7.9 metre tall ‘Golden Gumboot’!
The Burnett River flows out to sea at Burnett Heads, just upstream is the Port of Bundaberg with its wharves and imposing sugar terminal. Here, the broad reaches of the Burnett are home to the Bundaberg Sailing Club, and as expected, there are boat ramps and car and trailer parking at the river mouth. Recognised by the National Trust as an important part of Australia’s maritime history, the old Burnett Heads Lighthouse (c.1873) stands testament to a bygone era. When the lighthouse was taken out of service in 1972, it was moved to its present site next to the Burnett Heads Hall.
Bluff Is located in the Central Highlands, 94 kilometres east of Emerald on the Capricorn Highway. A must see for rail enthusiasts, Bluff is the major interchange station for coal trains. Many trains are over two kilometres long.