MOUNT MORGAN: Steeped in history, there are lots of fascinating stories to be heard and friendly people to meet at Mt Morgan. Situated a short 38km drive from Rockhampton or 680km from Brisbane, historical mining town Mount Morgan lies across the Dee river from the old mine site; its grand buildings and museums a living testament to a magnificent pioneering past and civic spirit of early Australian communities. Amongst the things to see and do in the town are the “Running the Cutter” statue pertaining to the old mining tradition of drinking beer out of billy cans, the award winning bakery with its great selection of pies and sweets, the suspension bridge and the Dee Bowls Club to quench a hard day’s thirst. For more information, visit http://www.mountmorgan.org.au/
MOUNT MORGAN: HISTORICAL MUSEUM: Situated on Morgan Street, the museum houses a varied collection of interesting artefacts which tell the tale of Australian colonial life and extensive displays that depict the town’s great mining industry. The collection includes displays from the mining days as well as grinding stones, axe heads, spears and some early photographs of the early settlers that came to Mount Morgan. The museum houses a fine collection of horse-drawn buggies, wagons and saddles. Also featured is a section totally dedicated to beautiful old musical instruments. But there’s much more, with a dentist, hospital and pub with no beer; you could spend a whole day at the museum.
Hours: Open 10am – 4pm, 7 days
Price: $6.00 Adults, $4.00 Students/Pensioners, $2.00 Children (5 to 15 years old)
Find us: 87 Morgan Street, Mount Morgan QLD 4714
Phone: 07/ 4938 2122
Web: http://www.mountmorgan.org.au/
MOUNT MORGAN: THE NO.7 DAM A great place to relax in Mount Morgan is The No.7 Dam. The Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company built seven dams on the Dee River with The No. 7 being the last and largest built. Officially known as The No.7 Dam it is a mile upstream from the mine and is locally known as the “Big Dam”. If you’re into boating or fishing, it’s the perfect location to kick back and take in the natural surroundings.
Phone: Mt Morgan Promotions 07/ 4938 2333
Web: http://www.mountmorgan.org.au/
MOUNT MORGAN: TMC TOURS stands for town, mine and caves and the company offers the best experience for touring Mount Morgan, viewing its present and discovering its past. The tour explores the Heritage buildings of the town, visits the open cut mine which is exclusive to the tour and gives you the opportunity to search for the 150 million year old pre-historic dinosaur footprints in the Mount Morgan clay caves.
Hours: Departs 10:30 am and 1:00 pm daily
Price: $27 adults, $12 children
Find us: Public bus shelter, Morgan Street, Mount Morgan Qld 4714
Phone: 07/ 4938 1823
Web: www.tmctours.com.au
MOUNT MORGAN: SILVER WATTLE CARAVAN PARK Set in 5 Acres of bushland with native trees and landscaped gardens, the Silver Wattle Caravan Park is the place to rest your weary bones. It’s located on the Burnett Highway just outside of Mount Morgan town. The overnight cabins are situated in tranquil surrounds and are fully self-contained with linen, towels, air conditioning, television and cooking facilities.
Hours: Year round. Contact Peter Morrish
Price: Starting from $60 ensuite cabin, $20 powered site, $15 unpowered site (twin share, per night)
Find us: Horse Creek, 50691 Burnett Hwy, Mount Morgan Qld 4714
Phone: 07/ 4938 1550
Web: http://www.caravanqld.com.au/parks/caravan-parks/region/park-details.aspx?park_id=1586
or email peter@silwat.com.au
MOUNT MORGAN: RAILWAY MUSEUM The best way to get a sense of the history of rail. The railway station was constructed in 1898 to service the gold rush. The Railway Museum houses the old railway equipment at the former station and you can even take a ride on one of the original work trolleys once used by miners. The tourist information centre is also located in the Railway Museum so you can conveniently plan your activities for your stay in Mount Morgan while you’re there.
Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm daily
Find us: 1 Railway Parade, Mount Morgan Qld 4714
Phone: 07/ 4938 2312
Web: http://www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/Your_Community/Council_Venues_and_Attractions/Mount_Morgan_Railway_Museum
BILOELA: Where the only thing missing is “u”. Continuing on the Burnett Highway, Biloela is a thriving rural town in the Callide Valley located an hour and a half drive south of Rockhampton and just an hour and fifteen minutes’ drive south west of Gladstone, in Central Queensland. Stretch your legs in Tom Dawson Park or stock up at the shops in the town centre.
Web: http://biloela.com/traveler/things-to-do
LOCHENBAR STATION: If you’re looking for a genuine outback adventure then look no further than the Lochenbar Cattle Station just outside of Biloela. Offering a hands on farm adventure, you can try your hand at activities such as horse riding, goat mustering, goat rodeo, whip cracking and clay pigeon shooting to name a few. There really isn’t a dull moment. After a hard day of whip cracking you’ve got to make time for a good feed and the guys at Lochenbar don’t do things by halves. Bus tours arrive at Kroombit daily.
Hours: Prior bookings are essential
Price: POA
Find us: Travelling by car it can be found off th Inland Highway 17 (Country Way) or inland from Gladstone on the Capricorn Loop off the Bruce Highway (Coastal Highway).
Phone: 07/ 4992 2186
Web: http://www.kroombit.com.au/
CANIA GORGE: Continuing on 77km or so from Biloela is Cania Gorge which is renowned as one of southeast Queensland’s most picturesque and ancient gorges. It is home to the Brigalow Belt natural region. More than 150 different types of plant community are found in this region including Brigalow Forest, Eucalypt Woodland, Cypress Pine Woodland, dry rainforest and grassland. See the majestic rock face in all its glory. Keen bushwalkers will be delighted to know there are eight graded walking tracks to explore. Be sure to obtain a topographic map, ask for advice before setting off and always carry enough drinking water.
CANIA GORGE CARAVAN AND TOURIST PARK: Situated right in the heart of the gorge, set amongst a peaceful rural setting, it’s the perfect place to pull up the RV for a while. Whether you’re camping on a budget or looking for a luxury bush getaway, this park has it all. Abundant with native wildlife and birds, you can be at one with nature here. There is a range of accommodation options catering to all budgets and family sizes. With modern amenities including two huge camp kitchens, there’s no shortage of things to do from tennis, jumping pillows for the kids, 3 swimming pools and there’s even a nine hole golf course. There is also bird feedings every afternoon. From wine tasting to bushwalks on your doorstep and not forgetting the famous camp oven dinners and wood fired pizzas available on certain nights; you’ll never be bored here! There is also a brand new events room equipped to facilitate all your corporate or family events such as courses, reunions and even weddings. There is also plenty of fishing to be had at the dam and be sure to check out Bartlett Hut on site and Shamrock Gold Mine which is a further 1km south of Lake Cania.
Price: Starting at $30 for an unpowered site to $175 for a hillside villa (twin share, per night).
Find us: Phil Marshall Drive, Monto Qld 4630
Phone: 07/ 4167 8188 or 1800 673 018
Web: http://www.caniagorge.com.au/
