Exploring North Burnett

A day of Exploring our Backyard

Accommodation:     
Our Rating:             
Cost:                                        
Campfires:              
Image Gallery:        A day of Exploring
Travelling with       Steve and Mel

A Day out in our own Backyard

Hervey Bay to Gin Gin 123Km

I pause and visit the charming little haven known as Gin Gin Bakery whenever I travel through the area. As soon as I step in, I am greeted by the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked treats, which immediately sets my taste buds tingling with anticipation. The bakery's scrumptious baked goods are irresistible, and I cannot resist indulging in their delightful delights. It truly is a must-visit destination for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Gin Gin Bakery	The Pie Rack
Gin to Boolboonda Tunnel 34km The Boolboonda Tunnel 🚂 is an abandoned railway tunnel 🚇 that still holds the title of Queensland's longest unsupported artificial tunnel, measuring 630ft long. It was built by O'Rourke & McSharry between 1881 and 1884 and has been designated a heritage site since 1999. Despite being abandoned, the tunnel still boasts an impressive length and is a remarkable example of engineering from the late 19th century. 🏗️

Boolboonda Tunnel	Info Sign	Kat
Boolboonda Tunnel to Mount Perry Lookout 20km The Mount Perry Community Development Board is proud of its top attraction - a 740m peak with a 6.9km round trip hike. It's a challenging hike, but with over 200 different plant species to check out, you won't even notice the burn in your legs. The vegetation ranges from dry rainforest to ferny hillsides, making it like a botanical garden on steroids. So, if you're looking for a good workout that rewards you with amazing views of nature, this hike is the way to go. If you don't have much time or don't feel like hiking, you can always drive to the peak 🚗. Remember to bring a water bottle and a sense of humour, as this adventure is not for the faint-hearted!

The Gang	View from Mount Perry Lookout
Mount Perry Lookout to Chowey Bridge 63 Km The Deep Creek Railway Bridge 🌉, also known as Chowey Bridge, is an iconic structure on the Mungar-Monto railway line in the peaceful town of Didcot, North Burnett Region, Queensland, Australia 🇦🇺. This historic railway bridge was built in 1905 with the help of day labour and has been listed as a heritage site since October 21, 1992, 📅. It is a remarkable example of early 20th-century railway engineering and an essential part of Australia's railway heritage 🚂. The bridge spans the beautiful Deep Creek and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape 🌳. It is a popular tourist attraction that draws visitors from all over the world 🌎. If you're ever in the area, visit this magnificent bridge and enjoy its breathtaking beauty 😍.

Chowey Bridge	Tracks to Nowhere	Info Sign
Chowey Bridge to Biggenden 18km 👋 Hey there! Biggenden is a charming rural town in the North Burnett Region of Queensland, Australia. As of the 2021 census, it has a population of about 788 👥 friendly folks. The city has been around since 1889, serving as a hub for the nearby gold rush towns of Paradise and Shamrock and as a stop for coach travellers heading west from Maryborough. Interestingly, the township, including the intriguingly named Live And Let Live Inn, relocated to a new site adjacent to the railway station after the rail line arrived in 1891. And let's not forget the 🏤 Biggenden Post Office, which started operations on May 16, 1891.

Lunch Break	Street Art	Street Art
Biggenden to Brooween 36km Brooweena 🏘️ is a small rural town located in the Fraser Coast Region of Queensland, Australia 🇦🇺. According to the 2021 census, the city is home to just 91 people 👥. The name "Brooweena" is believed to have originated from the local Aboriginal language and is said to mean "crab" 🦀. Despite its small size, Brooweena is known for its picturesque surroundings and friendly community, making it a popular destination for tourists and visitors looking to experience the beauty and warmth of rural Australia 🌅.

Brooweena	Logging Cart	Museum
Brooween to Hervey Bay 78km Our journey of 372km was a delightful experience as we explored the breathtaking beauty of our local area. We were fortunate enough to be welcomed with warm hospitality by the locals, who shared their unique culture and traditions with us. Our taste buds were tantalized by the delicious local cuisine 🍽️, a sensory treat. Overall, it was an unforgettable trip that left us with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the treasures in our Backyard. 🌳🌺🍁

Lake Redbrook Childers

Australia Day Weekend 2024

Hervey Bay to Lake Redbrook 67km

Accommodation:     Lake Redbrook Holiday Retreat
Our Rating:             10/10
Cost:                       $44 pn Power & Water                    
Campfires:              Yes 
Image Gallery:         Lake Redbrook    
Travelling with:        Lilo and Stitch

Lake Redbrrok Retreat - Childers

Welcome to the delightful town of Childers on the Fraser Coast, where you can discover a little slice of paradise called Lake Redbrook! This holiday retreat sprawls across 165 acres of stunning farmland and offers a wide range of accommodations, including cozy cabins, charming cottages, and spacious caravan sites. The cabins feature patios that offer breathtaking views of the lake and the beautiful countryside that surrounds it.

If you're looking for a place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature, Lake Redbrook is the perfect destination for you. With a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and more, it offers something for everyone. Whether you're a family, a couple, an artist seeking inspiration, or someone who simply wants to relax and recharge, Lake Redbrook is the ideal vacation spot. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable experience at Lake Redbrook!

Camp Set up	Hot Days

Chinchilla to Kilkivan

Day 15 – 2023 Adventure The final night.

Chinchilla to Kilkivan 227 km
Trip Total 2935 km

Accommodation:     Kilkivan RSL Memorial Park
Our Rating:             10/10
Cost:                       Free                            
Campfires:              Yes 
Image Gallery:        Kilkivan
Travelling with:        Just ourselves tonight

 Camp Description
This campground provides dog-friendly camping with toilets for RVs, caravans, and big rigs. Guests can stay for up to 72 hours with a 48-hour no-return policy. Self-contained camping is required.

Trip Notes

On the final night of our two-week adventure, we packed up and headed towards Kilkivan, passing through Wondai. During our journey, we made a quick stop to check out a couple of second-hand stores, grabbed a pie, and then visited the local butchers to buy some fresh local beef. Steve, Mel, and Sue continued on to Hervey Bay, while Kat and I stayed behind at Kilkivan.

We stayed overnight at the Kilkivan RSL Memorial Park, which was a free camping spot located just across the road from the Kilkivan Hotel. The hotel was only one week away from celebrating its 100th anniversary, and we enjoyed a delicious meal there at normal prices. If you're travelling through this region, I highly recommend the free camp at the park and a meal at the pub.

Memorial RSL Park	The final Night	Love this girl

 

Surat to Chinchilla Weir

Day 14 – 2023 Adventure

Surat to Chinchilla 197 km
Trip Total 2718 km

Accommodation:     Chinchilla Weir Campground
Our Rating:             10/10
Cost:                       Free                            
Campfires:              Yes 
Image Gallery:        Chinchilla
Travelling with:        Sue Murry, Steve & Mel Conlan

Camp Description
This campground allows camping in tents and is accessible to RVs, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs. It offers dog-friendly amenities like toilets, swimming, and power hookups and has a 48-hour stay limit.

Trip Notes

As we were travelling towards Chinchilla Weir for our next stopover, we spent a night at the Fisherman Park campground which cost us $5. Although I heard some road trains passing by and their air brakes going off, the place was well-maintained and clean. I found it to be a tidy and pleasant location, and I would definitely stay there again if we were travelling in that direction.

Upon reaching Miles, a town we had to pass through, we stopped for lunch at the bakery and then visited the Miles Historical Centre. The centre offered a fascinating glimpse into the region's past and how the land was utilized. It had plenty of information and exhibits, making it possible for us to spend an entire day exploring and reading all the signs.

After leaving Miles, we continued our journey towards the east until we reached Chinchilla. We had to call the visitor's information centre to pay for our camping permit for the Weir and then headed just south of the town to the campgrounds. Although it sounded like a nice place, I wouldn't return there again. We stayed on a Friday night, and it seemed like a place where the local troublemakers from Chinchilla go to party. However, since it was our final night as a group, we still had a campfire to commemorate the end of our journey.

Wanted	From the Past	The Driver

Charlotte Plains Station to Surat

Day 13 – 2023 Adventure

Charlotte Plains to Surat 357 km
Trip Total 2521 km

Accommodation:     Fishermans Park Surat
Our Rating:             10/10
Cost:                       Donation Camp $5 pn                   
Campfires:              Yes 
Image Gallery:        Surat
Travelling with:        Sue Murry, Steve & Mel Conlan

 

Camp Description
The donation campground provides amenities such as toilets, drinking water and a dump point. It is also open to dogs. Whether you're travellingling in an RV, camper trailer, caravan, or big rig, you'll find it accessible. Camping in tents is allowed as well. Moreover, you can access the nearby town, shops, and services through the new Riverwalk pathway extension and bridge.

Trip Notes

We had an amazing time at the campsite and the Artesian Baths were a great addition to our trip. We decided to stay here last-minute after being disappointed with Bourke, where we only stayed for one night. We're grateful we stopped at Bourke because otherwise we may have missed out on this incredible place.

On our way back home, we needed a place to stop and rest for the night, but we didn't want to go back to Roma. I remembered passing Fisherman Park in Surat while we were headed south, so we looked up the campground and found out that it was a donation-based campsite charging $5.00 per person per night. We decided to make Surat our overnight stop. Since it was our last night together in a town with a pub, we planned to have our final group dinner of the trip here.

We continued our journey north on the Carnarvon Highway until we arrived at Surat, which was our next stop. After setting up camp, we explored Surat and visited the town's visitor information centre, which was filled with informative displays about the town's history. Later, we booked a group dinner at the New Royal Hotel, which was our final meal together. After dinner, we returned to the campsite for another campfire before calling it a night.

On our way east from Charlotte's Plains, we passed through St. George. I had promised a friend that I would visit the winery in St. George, but I didn't expect to leave with three bottles of wine. Most of the Queensland wines I've tasted don't compare to the wines from the south, but these were exceptional. If you're passing through St. George and enjoy a glass of red or white, I highly recommend stopping by for a taste test. You won't be disappointed.

Riverside Winery	Cobb & Co. Museum	Cobb & Co. Museum
Fisherman Park	Surat Town Hall	Cobb & Co. Museum