Banana Shire - RACQ Tourist Information Centre

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Banana Shire
Central Queensland, Australia
INDEX
Welcome to the Banana Shire!
Wowan & Dululu - The Sunshine Trail
Explore the untouched beauty of the land ........................................................... 4 - 5
Baralaba, Jambin & Goovigen – Explore Drive
Hit the road for adventure and fun ....................................................................... 6 - 7
Kroombit Tops & Thangool – Bush Escape Route
Spectacular sights for sore eyes ............................................................................ 8 - 9
Moura - Discovery Tour Drive
Heart of the Dawson Valley .............................................................................. 10 - 11
Shire Map ............................................................................................................ 12 - 13
Banana - Historic Tour Drive
No Bull, Banana ......................................................................................................... 14
Biloela - Adventure Avenues
Land of the White Cockatoo ............................................................................... 15 - 17
Theodore & Cracow - Pioneers Ghost Trail
Roam, Reminisce and Relax ............................................................................. 18 - 19
Taroom - Leichhardt Expedition Trail
Revel in Natural Wonders .................................................................................. 20 - 21
Local Information Guide ................................................................................... 22 - 23
Welcome to the
Banana Shire!
We are very pleased that you
are visiting us. Please enjoy
your stay.
Information Centres throughout the Banana Shire will help
you see our places of interest
and attractions.
Banana Shire is blessed with
coal and gold mining, power
generation, meatworks, ammonium nitrate plant, agriculture, cattle and coal seam gas.
The Dawson River and Callide
Dam provide good fishing.
The people fortunate enough
to call Banana Shire home are
very friendly and have good
facilities and infrastructure.
We are all proud of our Shire,
welcome.
John Hooper,
Mayor.
BANANA SHIRE CALENDAR
ANNUAL EVENTS
January
Australia Day
Awards Celebration
New Year Races, Taroom
The Banana Shire is a rich farming, grazing and mining region February
situated in Central Queensland. It is bounded by the Rockhampton, Muddy Water Classic, Moura
Gladstone, North Burnett, Maranoa, Western Downs, and Central
Highlands Regional Councils. The main administration centre of March
Biloela is situated 120 km west of the growing industrial city and Port Campdraft, Baralaba
of Gladstone, an easy drive to the city of Rockhampton and is serviced Rockfest, Biloela
Callide Dam Fishing Competition, Biloela
by the Leichhardt, Dawson and Burnett Highways.
Fred Brophy’s Boxing Tent, Cracow
The Banana Shire is sparsely populated, with its population of St Patrick’s Day Campdraft, Taroom
15,626 people spread over 28,577 square kilometres. The Shire is an
appealing mix of larger service centres, rural villages and farms with April
Moura, Taroom and Theodore being three other significant urban Rotary Ute Muster, Biloela
centres in the Shire. Other smaller population centres are Banana, Golden Horse Shoe Campdraft, Taroom
Baralaba, Dululu, Goovigen, Jambin, Thangool, Wowan and Cracow. May
The Shire’s location close to the Great Barrier Reef, makes it an Baralaba Show, Baralaba
ideal tourist destination, it has many natural attractions, including Callide Valley Show, Biloela
gorges, rivers and national parks together with man made attractions Callide Valley Show Ball, Biloela
and other industrial development. Coal mining, beef production, Rodeo, Biloela
power generation, dry land and irrigation cropping (mainly cotton Camboon Campdraft, Camboon
and lucerne) are the Shire’s major industries. A variety of soil types Champagne Campdraft, Jambin
suitable for the production of a wide range of crops, together with Taroom Show, Taroom
land suitable for beef cattle breeding and fattening, give the Shire Theodore Show, Theodore
enormous agricultural potential, with further potential for processing June
Working Cattle Dog Trials, Jambin
and value-adding.
Taroom Fishing Competition, Taroom
For those with an interest, many towns in the Shire have a rich Winter Markets, Thangool
history, which has been well documented photographically and
otherwise in historical villages and museums while the Dawson River July
and Callide Dam provide more relaxed opportunities for fishing and Old Wheels in Motion Rally & Swap Meet,
Biloela
recreation.
Campdraft, Moura
The Banana Shire abounds with opportunities for the traveller to
Taroom Professional Rodeo, Taroom
enjoy genuine country hospitality and experience a bush holiday
August
abundant in scenic gorges and man made attractions which this guide
Coal and Country Festival, Moura
will highlight to make your country holiday an experience to remember.
Australian Professional Rodeo, Moura
The “Sister Shires” Agreement between the Banana Shire and Wowan Show, Wowan
Boulouparis in New Caledonia was formalized on March 13th
1998. The Commune of Boulouparis is located in New Caledonia, September
a French Territory due east of Mackay about two hours flying time Saratoga Classic Fishing Competition,
from Brisbane. Boulouparis is 862 square kilometers in area with a Baralaba
Leichhardt Festival, Taroom
population of 2500 people.
Spring Races, Taroom
The relationship with Boulouparis
Thangool Cup Races, Thangool
gives us a chance to understand and
accept the differences in culture
October
between our countries together
Arts and Crafts Day, Biloela
with the possibility to exploit
Brigalow Arts Festival, Biloela
trade opportunities with mutually
Biloela Festival, Biloela
beneficial results as they arise.
November
With the growth of industry in New
Caledonia there is a huge potential
Christmas Markets, Thangool
for Australia to provide services in
Refer to Banana Shire Council Website for more
many fields. We must remain aware
details: www.banana.qld.gov.au
of the opportunities and capture
Proudly Produced by:
the niche markets when they occur.
The continuing support for this
relationship is required to enable it
to prosper for the mutual benefit of
Reports: Cameron McCrohon
all concerned.”
Layout & design: Jess Lassig
THE SUNSHINE TRAIL  DULULU & WOWAN
4
Explore the untouched beauty of the land
Dululu and Wowan are the first towns motorists travelling
south encounter when entering the Banana Shire and
they make a great introduction to this tremendous part of
regional Queensland.
Situated at the crossroads of the busy Leichhardt and
Burnett Highways, Dululu is a quiet, friendly, small town
that is becoming a popular destination for grey nomads
and other travellers.
The town’s residents have toiled hard to entice travellers
to their rest area, by running a Driver Reviver outlet on
public holidays and during school breaks. Camping was
made available at the rest area and in recent years the
park has attracted campers and caravanners like bees to
honey.
For travellers who prefer alternative accommodation,
the Dululu Hotel, offers friendly country service.
On the outskirts of town is a beautiful picnic area on
the banks of the Dee River and just 2.5km from Dululu
towards Wowan is Gullivers Waterhole. The waterhole is
the infamous site of the shooting of a native police officer
named Gulliver who was trying to escape while being
escorted to Rockhampton to be tried for the murder of
Fanny Briggs in 1860.
Another historic location worth a visit is the burial site
of Archibald McNab, just north of Dululu. McNab was
one of the original settlers into the region and is credited
with exploring much of the Dawson region while he was
involved in locating land for new settlers.
Dululu made national headlines when a stud Brahman
bull from Lancefield property fetched $300,000 at auction,
setting a new Australian record.
Wowan (the aboriginal word for ‘Scrub Turkey’) is a
small rural township nestled among ancient gums and a
myriad of creeks and gullies. The town was settled in 1912. The
early properties were primarily egg, dairy and cotton farms.
Wowan is a peaceful country town with farms in the area
now producing a wide variety of commodities including
beef, hay, grain, pork as well as timber.
Perched on the bank of Pocket Creek, Wowan is rich with
native flora and fauna. Wowan is bordered by mountains
to the south and west, with Mt Wheal being the largest.
Wowan town offers visitors the opportunity to
experience the friendly rural lifestyle that the residents enjoy.
There are a wide variety of leisure activities including golf,
bowls, cricket, gliding, touch football, tennis and rifle range.
A small group of locals are now capitalising on the town’s
ambience to lure visitors and then entice them to stay a
while, by restoring some of the town’s key attractions.
THE SUNSHINE TRAIL  DULULU & WOWAN
5
YEPPOON
ROCKHAMPTON
HIGHWAY
Plaque at Rannes marks Leith Hay’s 1853 arrival.
The furthest north a white woman had travelled.
108
TO GLkAm
DSTON
BRUCE H
E
IGHW
AY
1
A3
NE
ICH
TT
LE
MT MORGAN
RD
HA
R
A5
BURNE
TT
WOWAN
A3
7
3
k
m
TO BIL
OELA
Work is underway on the former Wowan Railway Station
Building and carriages to transform them into a museum.
The town has quilting and wood furniture available.
A must to see is the huge doll collection which is open
to the public on request by phoning (07) 4937 1085 and
bird enthusiasts can catch a glimpse of the wide variety of
bird life in the district.
The
Commercial
Hotel
has
accommodation and
fair dinkum Aussie pub
meals available seven
days a week.
The town has great
facilities available such
as clean toilets, fuel,
food and drinks and
are fortunate to have
police,
ambulance,
rural fire brigade,
SES, primary school
and bus to secondary
school.
The area is rich
in history and is
becoming a regular
tourist stop.
LEI
Old Wowan Butter Factory
CH H
ARD
T
T
DULULU
BU
The Sunshine Trail
Places to see
- Dee River
- Gulliver’s Waterhole
- Wowan Memorabilia Parks
EXPLORE DRIVE  BARALABA, GOOVIGEN & JAMBIN
6
Hit the road for adventure and fun
Baralaba Hotel
If you want to sample Australia’s “real country”, you
cannot go past the villages of Baralaba, Goovigen and
Jambin and the countryside they service.
Once a hive of activity for farmers and graziers, Goovigen
has developed into the ideal tranquil retreat for travellers
wanting a peaceful escape.
The well maintained sportsgrounds provides free
camping with showers, toilets and barbecues nestled
under the shade of numerous large trees.
Goovigen’s hidden treasures are all easily accessible
from this camping area.
The town’s historical society has transformed the School
of Arts into a time capsule on stumps.
Inside the restored corrugated iron hall, the walls are
lined with panels full of stories about the pioneers and
families who made the district what it is today.
The tiny town is blessed with numerous lovely renovated
buildings and manicured gardens, one the peaceful
“Willeys Walk” park is a 20 metre by 20 metre patch of
land maintained by volunteers and used to host Anzac
Day parades and other special functions.
Several kilometres north of Goovigen, hidden out in the
bush is a pleasant surprise.
Lake Victoria is a refreshing retreat with shady trees, a
wide expanse of water, water birds and other wildlife. It is
a popular spot amongst locals for water skiing, swimming
or fishing, but usually it is deserted, making it an ideal
location to hide away from the world.
The three communities are surrounded by cattle grazing
properties with a sprinkling of wheat and other grain
crops, making it a pleasant scenic drive.
Baralaba Picnic Area
Their is no better way to break the journey then by
soaking up the atmosphere at the friendly country pub at
Jambin, where the bar staff will greet you with a smile, a
cold drink and heaps of friendly sightseeing tips.
When driving towards Baralaba it is not hard to
understand how the town came by its title.
The name is aboriginal for “Land of the Blue Mountain”
and the imposing sight of Mt Ramsay, rising from the
fertile plains, dominates the skyline.
True country living is the best way to describe life in
Baralaba and all its residents encourage visitors to join in
with the many activities staged in town.
Travellers are encouraged to stay a while on the banks of
the mighty Dawson River, amongst the towering gum trees
in the riverside picnic area, at the caravan park or lap up
the rural ambiance at the hotel.
In between playing golf, tennis, bowls or cricket with the
locals, enjoy a leisurely trip on the river where anglers can
catch a bag of freshwater fish or ski on the open expanse
of water.
Railway Station, Jambin
EXPLORE DRIVE  BARALABA, GOOVIGEN & JAMBIN
7
School of Arts, Goovigen
Willeys Walk, Goovigen
Baralaba is a thriving bush community, with the coal
mine, grazing and crops contributing to the economic and
social make up the community and this heritage is well
preserved in the Baralaba Historical Village, which is open
by appointment ph 4998 1163.
Without doubt the best way to taste the true Australian
Outback, is by passing through the rustic gates into Myella
Farmstay.
Located just east of Baralaba, Myella is a 2600 acre working
cattle property run by Peter and Olive Eather.
In 1993 they opened their property and their hearts up
to people wanting to sample the outback life on a cattle
station.
The unique experience includes horse riding, farm work,
trail bike riding, home cooking, campfires cow milking,
bush tucker tips and plenty of red dust.
Baralaba Information Centre Ph 4998 1142
Campdrafting, Jambin
Explore Drive
St Christopher’s Church, Jambin
Places to see
- Lake Victoria
- Myella Farm Stay (ph 4998 1290)
- Lake Pleasant
- The old Lake Pleasant School built in 1925, now a private residence.
- Willey’s Walk, Goovigen
- Baralaba Historical Village (ph 4998 1163 or 4998 1315)
- Baralaba Weir
HIGHWA
Y
HARDT
ICH
E
L
AY
HW
HIG
JAMBIN
A3
A
km EL
30 BILO
TO
NA
km NA
30O BA
T
Baralaba Historical Village
GOOVIGEN
R
N E TT
BARALABA
RANNES
BU
Myella
Farm
Stay
A5
BUSH ESCAPE ROUTE  THANGOOL & KROOMBIT TOPS
8
Spectacular sights for sore eyes
Kroombit Tourist Park
Mt Scoria, Thangool
Kroombit Tourist Park
Thangool Races, Thangool
The first thing you notice when
you step out of your vehicle isn’t the
150 metre high mountain and the
unusually shaped rocks that form it,
but the eerie silence that envelopes
the Mt Scoria Conservation Park.
Mt Scoria is located 18kms southwest of Biloela, just five minutes drive
outside Thangool and while its shape
dominates the surrounding farming
landscape, it’s not until you are at its
base that you can fully appreciate the
magic of this special place.
Mt Scoria is the only mountain of its
type in the Southern Hemisphere and
for eons humans have been drawn
to it because of its uniqueness and
magical musical sounds.
It is located on the outer boundaries
of the Gangulu people’s land and is a
culturally and spiritually significant
site. Its traditional name is ‘dangama
mungar’ which means “thunder
mountain’.
This amazing, rare rock formation
was once the core of a volcano and
long six-sided basalt columns on the
top of the mountain project outwards
like fingers.
Visitors are encouraged to walk on
tracks around the mountain and use
the picnic and barbecue facilities at
the base of the mountain. Climbing
of the mountain is not permitted.
After exploring thunder mountain,
duck into one of the two local
waterholes in Thangool for a
refreshing cold drink, a mouthwatering counter meal and a chinwag
with some of the local characters, who
will be more than happy to entertain
you with some of their tall tales.
If the thrill of being trackside as
thoroughbreds gallop towards the
finishing line is more to your liking,
make sure you plan your visit around
one of Thangool’s several country
race meetings.
One of the district’s most breathtaking natural wonders is Kroombit
Tops National Park.
Kroombit Tops is remote and
undeveloped and features both wet
and dry rainforest, mighty sandstone
cliffs and gorges.
BUSH ESCAPE ROUTE  THANG OOL & KROOMBIT TOPS
9
Bush Escape
Route
Places to see
- Kroombit National Park
- Kroombit Tourist Park
- Beautiful Besty Wreckage
- Thangool Races
- Mt Scoria Picnic & Bar-b-que Park
A3
60
JAMBIN
AY
HI GHW
Road
from
Calliope
BILOELA
THANGOOL
KROOMBIT TOPS
NATIONAL PARK
Mt Scoria
E
RN
BU
TT
HI
A
W
GH
Part of the mystic surrounding
Kroombit Tops centres around the
wreckage of “Beautiful Betsy” a
World War II Liberator bomber that
disappeared in 1945. The crash site was
not uncovered until 1994.
Overnight camping at one of the
various self-sufficient sites in the park
is permitted, however, access to the
National Park is not available through
Biloela and visitors must travel east
towards Calliope before turning off the
Many Peaks Road.
At the base of Kroombit Tops, is
Lochenbar Station, home to the
Kroombit Tourist Park.
Located on a 10,000 acre cattle and
meat goat property Kroombit Tourist
Park is 35km from Biloela and is easily
accessible via a short 30-minute drive
from Biloela.
Kroombit Tourist Park is a bush retreat,
designed especially for those wanting to
sample life on a working cattle property
and nature lovers. Try your hand at whip
cracking, clay target shooting, horse
riding and a mechanical bucking bull.
Then unwind on a sunset tour, before
relaxing around the campfire.
DAWSON
ARGOON
CALLIDE
121 km
TO GLADSTONE
Y
A3
94 km
TO MONTO
Lawgi Hall, Thangool
DISCOVERY TOUR DRIVE  MOURA
10
Heart of the Dawson Valley
Welcome to Moura, heart of
the Dawson Valley, two hours
south-west of Rockhampton. The
information centre and museum is
the custodian of the district’s history,
both industrial and pioneering.
Specially themed rooms have
been set-up inside the museum
filled with photographs and other
memorabilia. A feature of the
museum is a collection of Japanese
items which were gifts from the
Mitsui Mining Company. Phone 07
49972084 for further information.
It is no secret that coal mining has
played a major role in the town’s
development and this can be easily
witnessed on the drive into town
from either the south or east.
From the highway some of the
massive dump trucks can be
seen crawling up the towering
piles of earth, but to gain a closer
perspective of the multi-million
dollar industry, including a view of a
monster dragline, a special viewing
platform has been established on
Gibihi Road.
The three tragic mining disasters
are part of the coal mining history.
A bronze statue of a miner stands
guard over the Dawson Highway at
the western end of town; the town’s
high class entertainment complex,
Kianga Memorial Hall, is named in
memory of those miners who never
came home, as is the town’s world
class Memorial Olympic-sized
swimming pool.
In addition to coal mining, the
Queensland Nitrate Plant, coal
seam gas, cotton gin and Grain Corp
provide additional opportunities for
employment.
Located 4km east of Moura is the
150th. Meridian marker. Two large
rocks with drill holes in them (the
by-product of blasting to reach coal
deposits at the mine) are situated on
the site.
By lining up the two holes and
looking through them your eyes are
aligned with the 150th Meridian
from which EST is measured.
Dawson Mine, Moura
Miners Memorial, Moura
Meridian Marker, Moura
Queensland Nitrate Plant, Moura
11
A
AB
kmARAL
0
5 B
TO
DISCOVERY TOUR DRIVE  MOURA
A5
W
MOURA
60
MOURA
WEIR
GIBIHI RD
60
A
L
km LOE
46O BI
T
MOUNT
FLAT TOP
A5
Places to see
- Apex Park on the Dawson River
- Miner’s Memorial on the Dawson Highway
- Mine Viewing Platform on Gibihi Road
-150th Meridian Marker
58 kmEODORE
TO TH
WAY
HIGH
m
169 kON
T
S
E
L
L
TO RO
L EI C HH
AR
DT
DA
N
SO
AN
km OW
69O W
T
BANANA
A
HW
H IG
Y
Discovery
Tour Drive
While in town visitors are more than welcome to utilise
the bowls and tennis clubs. Afterwards enjoy a drink or a
meal or take a stroll along the many walking paths.
The town is blessed with several parks including the
recently redeveloped Lions Park located on the Dawson
Highway. It is pretty hard to miss; just keep an eye out for
the rocket and new playground equipment. The Moura
Recreation Reserve is beautifully maintained and is
Dawson River Picnic Area, Moura
Saleyard, Moura
home to local rugby union, league and soccer teams. The
Reserve also plays host to the annual Coal and Country
Festival in August. Features of the festival include the
unique Queensland Coal Shovelling and Roof Bolting
Championships and a Pro Rodeo.
On your way out to the river stop by the sale yards and
witness a real country cattle auction, held each fortnight.
But be careful who you wave to, or you might end up with
a few head of Brahmans.
While there is a diverse range of things to see and do
around Moura the highlight has to be the mighty Dawson
River. Stay awhile at the well kept camping area, spend
time fishing or boating or just enjoy the peace and quiet
with the local birds and wildlife.
The annual Muddy Water Fishing Classic is held in
February. Across the road from the camping area is
the well kept golf course where visitors are more than
welcome.
Moura Information Centre – Ph 49972084
Dump Point - Moura-Bindaree Road
Lat. 24.56477 Long. 149.97411.
Lions Park, Moura
4WD
14
7
5
Ru
Ck
ined
Castle
"Reedy Creek"
y
nd
Sa
Ck
51
"Junedale"
Flagstaff Hill
"Thomby"
9
5
14
"Karinya"
12
*
10
r
14
Kianga
10
13
19
19
12
47
Go
Ck
R
6
A5
14
Banana
"Glenbar"
Isla Gorge Lookout
"Jamberoo"
3
ee
5
Lo
14
R
16
e
m
oa
7
50
B
Mt Okangal
14
10
"Isla Plains"
Ck
om
10
s
ne
Theodore
1
10
"Orange 23
18
"Barfield"
Creek
"Torsdale"
46
Little Uncle Tom
Ck
ken
ns
R
i
ob
on
Ck
Boy
d
All Rights Reserved RACQ May 2010
Bro
"Richon"
Ck
Taroom
Bo
x
0
10
20
Taroom to Roma 226km
To Toowoomba 310 km
To Brisbane 439 km
"Currawong"
KILOMETRES 10
11
IC
30
40
9
A3
21
Historic
Mt Steel Bridges
18
"Multi"
Ck
Ck
5
50 KILOMETRES
27
17
ill
re
v
G
ea
Thangool
Ck
To Cania Gorge
National Park 46 km
To Brisbane 551 km
21
"Dawes"
KROOMBIT TOPS
NAT PARK
"Kroombit"
39
Valentine Plains
(Locality)
Through Routes
MAP LEGEND
Major Connecting Rds
Tracks
Other Roads
Minor Connecting Rds
Town
Cumulative Distances
Intermediate Distances
Railway Line; Siding
Locality
too
Lookout
Camping
unspecified
sealed
*
(Locality)
74
28
unsealed
65 km
105 km
199 km
154 km
12 km
75 km
100 km
75 km
46 km
146 km
121 km
312 km
212 km
230 km
152 km
sealed
Biloela - Moura
Theodore - Biloela
Taroom - Biloela
Cracow - Biloela
Biloela - Thangool
Dululu - Biloela
Biloela - Baralaba
Wowan - Biloela
Banana - Biloela
Biloela - Rockhampton
Gladstone - Biloela
Biloela - Emerald
Rolleston - Biloela
Dululu - Taroom
Taroom - Banana
REGIONAL DISTANCES
ek
Cre
7
To Gladstone 78 km
Callide Dam
Mt Scoria
14
"Scoria"
A3
"Camboon"
"Glandore"
12
r
36
Biloela
le Lone Hand Goldmine
Ck
Cast
ion
Delus
w
Callide
Power Station
Dakenba
HWCreek" Caldaws 6
Y
"Kurrajong"
23
k
C
"Lonesome Creek"
"Dawson Park"
8
7
4
4
19
N
SO
W
DA
16
RA
6
"Greycliffe"
aco
Callide
y
Creek
ok
Sm
11 8 Bell eld
Ck
fi
Koorngoo
rls ool Boundary Hill
a
Jambin
E onk
Coal Mine
Ko
7
(Locality)
30
Argoon
Greycliffe
"Woolein"
78
19
Goovigen
58
(Locality)
Willawa 5
9 (Locality)
8
Nipan 15
10
10 "Maloneys"
Moura
(Locality)
Kinma
"Coolibah"
15
anana
38
PE
79
10
Mt Ramsay COO
ISLA GORGE
29
"Ghinghinda"
NATIONAL
"Roeburne"
PARK 6
The Devils Nest
ge
22
"Coorada"
Ro
un
18
75
To Mount Morgan 14 km
To Rockhampton 65 km
18
(Locality)
H
10 W Boogargan
Y
6
Dululu
Littles
Crossing 13 10
Bunerba
o
(Locality)
k
13 (Locality)
Alm
Wowan
ee
Cr
Dixalea
6 13
(Locality)
Ben’s Knob
re
5 Vimy
nt
Ce "Lancefield"
Cooneel
(Locality)
Do
n
A3
17
Cre
Ri
19
e
ve
k
"Tomlin"
Rannes
73
8
Kokotungo A5
Kooemba
20
(Locality)
19
21
"Rosedale"
49
"Bindaree" B
7
"Highworth" 39
"Forest Hills"
"Stonecroft"
To Rolleston 127 km
To Carnarvon Gorge
National Park 233 km
To Emerald 264 km
NORTH
Baralaba
AD
RO
94
20
11
25 M Gw
Ck
Cracow
UR ambe"Gwambegwine"
A5
Prec
i
g
p
win
ice
Shepherds Peak PH
PRECIPICE
ek
e
Ck NATIONAL 9
Y
14
Cre "Belle Eau"
Surprise Mtn
The Lake
7 "Glenhaughton"
8
13 4WD
"Hedley Hills"
PARK
NO
PUBLIC
Mtn
"La
Palma"
Round
"Waterton"
Mt Pleasant
RA
Mt Moss
"Cracow"
ACCESS
Mt Weldon
NG
9
7
Cr
31
San
E
"Boxgrove"
ee
9
dst
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8
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20
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21
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Ri
87
10
"Spring Vale"
"Verbena
"Currajong"
"Broadmere" "Nunbank"
Park"
"The Bend"
R
8
"Belington Hut"
28
AN
"Dawson Vale"
10
Glebe Mtn
GE
"Bundulla"
"Kinfauns"
22
Ki
5
17
The Peak 9
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51
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"Bungildoon"
14
River
k
20
26
"Cockatoo"
Mt Kinnoul
"Lilyvale"
"Kinnoul"
"Baroondah"
Bac
Creek
"Two Up" 11
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23
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"Hornet Bank"
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13
Tabletop Hill
17
17 "Brolga"
"Carrabah"
"Sutherland Park"
"Eurombah"
EXPEDITION
NATIONAL PARK
The Battery
Cannondale Mt
Ropers Peak
"Bedourie"
Visit racq.com/tripplanner
A
ngl
e
Ck
t
ds
Get all the info on places to stay, things to see & do,
tourist drives and much more.
k
HWY
LEICHHARDT
HWY
To Blackdown Tableland 152km
National Park 233 km
To Emerald 214 km
Cree
To Rockhampton 57 km
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PR RA ERT
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x9
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RACQ makes trip planning easy
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HISTORIC TOUR DRIVE  BANANA
14
A
AB
kmARAL
0
5 B
TO
No Bull, Banana
Historic
Tour Drive
A5
Banana Memorial
Welda Bull in the School Grounds
W
MOURA
60
TO RO
MOURA
WEIR
GIBIHI RD
A
L
km LOE
46O BI
T
MOUNT
FLAT TOP
A5
58 kmEODORE
TO TH
WAY
HIGH
m
169 kON
T
S
E
L
L
L EI C HH
AR
DT
DA
N
SO
60
BANANA
A
HW
H IG
Y
-
AN
km OW
69O W
T
Banana established in 1860, is not only the geographical, but
also the historical heart of Banana Shire.
Positioned at the crossroads of the Leichhardt and Dawson
Highways, Banana is a busy ‘stop over’ for travellers and
truckies.
The town Banana derives its name from the days when cattle
were valuable for hides and tallow.
Herds were wild and difficult to handle, yards were few and
small. Stockmen used working bullocks as decoys to lead
the wild cattle to pens. One renowned decoy was a huge dun
coloured bullock named ‘Banana’.
After Banana’s death his body was taken to a nearby gully
that became known as ‘Banana’s Gully’.
When a town developed in the vicinity it took the name of
the gully and when the first Council sat there in 1880 the Shire
was named after the town.
A historic marker, from which all distances in the Shire were
derived, is still located in main street near the caravan park.
The town’s historic cemetery is also worth a visit with some
of the graves of the many pioneers dating back to 1870.
While the township is no longer the beating heart of the
Shire it was back in the late 1800s, there is still a strong local
economy servicing the district’s cattle and grain producers
and several mining employees.
The two roadhouses are always a hive of activity, the modern
pub dishes up some of the best steaks and live entertainment
in the district, while the historic community centre, Sutherland
Hall stages numerous events during the year.
Banana The Bullock
Sutherland Hall
ADVENTURE AVENUES  BILOELA
15
Land of the White Cockatoo
There is nothing like the adrenalin rush of landing
a big fish.
Hanging onto your rod while the red-hot line
screams off the reel as the scaly monster, hidden
beneath the water attempts her escape.
Then 10-minutes later, exhausted, you pose for a
photograph with the big silver barramundi.
This is just one of the simple pleasures you and
the family can indulge in while visiting Biloela.
Lake Callide, located 12km east of Biloela, has
developed a reputation as one of Queensland’s best
inland barramundi fishing impoundments.
Over the years over 300,000 barramundi
fingerlings have been released in Lake Callide.
Thanks to the abundance of food in the lake the
prized sports fish take only a few years to grow into
beefy, bruising, one-metre long brutes.
The wide open
expanses of Lake
Callide and the lack
of sunken trees and
other structure make
it relatively easy to
land
metre-long
barra once they are
hooked. This makes
it an ideal destination
for novices or anglers
chasing their first
barra.
Lions Park, Biloela
Callide Dam, Biloela
Fishing at Callide Dam, Biloela
ADVENTURE AVENUES  BILOELA
16
Spirit of the Land Mural
The waters of Lake Callide also
act as a magnet to a diverse array of
bird species and wildlife making it a
worthy spot for nature lovers.
It is not uncommon to witness the
pale blue sky, transformed into a
cloud of white and yellow by a flock of
startled cockatoos.
Biloela is a modern town that has
boomed in recent decades on the
back of the coal and power generation
industries, but is still extremely proud
of its history, rural roots and culture.
To celebrate these traditions a
number of amazing displays have
been established around town and
they can be admired by following a
cultural trail which winds through the
town.
The trail starts in Melton Park where
a sandstone sculpture was erected to
commemorate Queensland’s 150th
birthday.
Head east to take in The Spirit
of the Land mural located in State
Farm Road. The mural is 100 metres
long and four metres high and wraps
around one of the town’s water
reservoirs.
It tells the intriguing story of women
from two different cultures connecting
to celebrate the historical timelines of
the district from pre-historic times, to
indigenous beginnings and up until
1928.
Two blocks further east, an
oversized director’s chair stands
proudly in Lions Park. The chair is a
tribute to one of Biloela’s favourite
sons, thespian and film actor Bille
Brown.
Then take a step back in time Greycliffe Homestead transports
visitors back to the Callide Valley’s
pioneering days, with the heritage
listed, century-old homestead housing
much of the district’s history.
This large open-timber homestead
was built in the 1880s and was home
to the Nott family for more than 100
years.
The century-old atmosphere is
enhanced by vintage wooden and
cast iron furniture, hand-made quilts
and calico curtains, resurrected from
the era in which the homestead was
built, to help portray the life endured
by our early settlers. Inspection of the
homestead is by appointment (ph
49922801 or 49921862).
While soaking up the days of
yesteryear, take a stroll through
Pioneer Place.
The restored vintage church and
railway station building, part of the
Queensland Heritage park complex,
is a testment to early pioneers and
families who settled in the area.
ADVENTURE AVENUES  BILOELA
Adventure
Avenues
Places to see
- The Queensland Heritage Park
- Callide Lookout
- Information Centre (ph 4992 2405)
- Greycliffe Homestead - Cultural Heritage Trail
(by appointment ph 4992 2801 or 4992 1862)
- Rural Hinterland
Information & Visitors Centre (ph 4992 2400)
75 km
TO DULULU
HI
Y
WA
GH
DA
W
SO
N
HIG
HWAY
46 km
TO BANANA
60
HIGHWAY
CALLIDE
121 km
TO GLADSTONE
CALLIDE ‘B’
POWER STATION
DAWS
ON
A3
60
ARGOON
T
ET
RN
BU
The walls of these buildings are lined with
historical photographs and other memorabilia
from the families who shaped the district’s early
days. Each photo is like a window back in time.
Another feature of Queensland Heritage Park is
the towering Silo. Built to display Australia’s rich
primary industries at the World Exhibition held
in Brisbane in 1988, the structure now protects a
vast array of vintage machinery and items from
days gone by.
The Callide Dawson Machinery Preservation
Club grounds at the rear of the complex
compliment the numerous items in the
internal display which have been established
for the enjoyment of the travelling public.
These grounds play host to the Annual Old
Wheels in Motion Rally & Swap Meet on
the third weekend in July each year. The
Queensland Heritage Park Complex is open
daily and is home to the Rural Hinterland Visitor
Information centre and the Post and Rail Cafe.
Biloela is a vibrant town. The streets are adorned
with leafy parks and modern facilities and the
bustling CBD can cater for travellers looking for
a city shopping experience in a relaxed country
atmosphere.
A feature of the Biloela’s shopping experience
is the range of quality coffee shops filled with the
tantalising aroma of freshly brewed coffee and
homemade treats.
Several walking and cycling tracks connect the
various parks and gardens to the Biloela CBD,
providing the ideal opportunity to take time out
from your holiday and unwind.
Biloela Visitor Information
Centre - 49922405
Rural Hinterland Information
Centre - 49922400
Dump point - Queensland Heritage Park,
Exhibition Avenue, Biloela.
Lat. 24.40561 Long. 150.50162
17
LOOKOUT
IDE
LL
A
EC
K
LA
BILOELA
9
TO 4 k
M m
ON
TO
Callide Power Station
Greycliffe Homestead
PIONEERS GHOST TRIAL  THEODORE & CRACOW
18
Roam, reminisce & relax
58 km
TO BANANA
km
58 URA
MO
TO
ON R
RD
T
MOUNT APPENBEN
THEODORE
Places to see
- Isla Gorge National Park
- Queensland’s only community-owned hotel
- Historic Flagstaff Road
- Unique Cracow Hotel
- Cracow Beach
- Cracow Ghost Town walk
HIGHWAY
IVER
HA
K
REE
LE C
CAST
LEI
CH
DAWS
A5
MOUNT OX
A5
CRACOW BEACH
108 km
TO TAROOM
TO RAINFOREST
AND ORANGE WEIR
Cracow Beach
CRACOW
92 km
TO EIDSVOLD
Bull Ring Park
A palm tree lined avenue called the Boulevard welcomes
you to Theodore - the town that water built - drawing your
eye past the impressive sporting fields and showgrounds
into the rural ambience of the main retail area.
Walter Burleigh-Griffen, the architect of Canberra, designed
the streets of Theodore which reflect the circular focus of his
work including the spacious ‘bull-ring’ park in the centre of
town.
Browse in the specialty shops, including Holmes
Enterprises, a multi-department store that has been
servicing the Theodore district since the town’s inception in
1924. Find that unique item of fashion, giftware or momento
in Theodore and enjoy excellent coffee in the town’s cafe.
The Boulevard then leads you to Queensland’s
only co-operative hotel, the elegant Theodore Hotel
and Motel offering motel, cabin and hotel style
accommodation, delicious meals and cold beer.
The massive power house behind the Hotel has been given
new life as the Dawson Folk Museum - enjoy the history and
memorabilia of the District and beyond (4993 1812).
Stroll on a little further to the picturesque
Junction Park located at the intersection of Castle
Creek and the mighty Dawson River - the perfect
spot for a barbecue, picnic or overnight camping.
Enjoy one of the many walks around the community, from
2km to 9km showcasing beautiful parks and gardens, scenic
lookouts or local industries such as sawmilling, cattle,
grain and cotton farms. Or take a drive using the Theodore
Tourist Centre’s (49931900) scripted routes to the stunning
Isla Gorge, the mountainous development of the Dawson
Coal Mine or the historic Flagstaff Road.
O
kmARO
95O T
T
M
PIONEERS GHOST TRIAL  THEODORE & CRACOW
Cracow is a town steeped in history. Named in 1851 for a
pastoral run, gold was first discovered in 1875 by itinerant
fossickers and in 1931 the Golden Plateau mine was
established. At its peak the town boasted five cafes, barber
shop, billiard saloon, two butchers, a picture theatre and
a soft drink factory. The closure of the mine in 1976 has
left many houses and all the shops except for the Hotel
deserted, some say almost ghostly.
The Cracow Hotel is lauded as the home of the world’s
last remaining travelling boxing tent and has an eclectic
collection of memorabilia on display.
You can catch the Boxing Troupe in Cracow once in
March every year and the hotel offers accommodation
with tall tales of ghostly visits, evening meals and light
lunches seven days. Cracow Gold Mine has operated the
underground mine since 2003 and recently has undertaken
the restoration of three historic buildings as part of a
positive lasting legacy in the form of a Heritage area.
The Heritage Centre Project will be open in early
February 2011, with the Old Court House being integral
in facilitating this project and has been converted into a
Mining History Museum.
The Heritage area incorporates 3 overnight rest areas,
complete with free BBQ and amenity facilities. This is
located alongside the Community Centre . The old Bowling
Green is also receiving a new look with new lawns and
gardens, the area will be used as multi purpose sporting
grounds.
Take a walking tour of the deserted buildings along the
main street up to the grand old hospital.
Contact the owner on 4993 1620 to organise a visit.
Savour the history of the town’s cemetery before taking the
picturesque drive North to ‘CracowBeach’ where the rare
Livistonia Palms feature in abundance - a perfect spot for a
picnic, a paddle, some fishing or an overnight camp.
Theodore Information Centre – Ph 49931900
Dump point -Theodore Seventh Avenue
(Near Tennis Courts)
Lat. 24.944867 Long. 150.075338
Flagstaff Road
19
Livistona Palms
Delusion Creek
LEICHHARDT EXPEDITION TRAIL  TAROOM
20
Revel in Natural Wonders
Isla Gorge
LE
IC
HH
AR
DT
Taroom is a picturesque country town
that lies on the banks of the Dawson River
46 km
Places to see
OELA
TO BIL
- Leichhardt Tree
where the explorer Ludwig Leichhardt
BANANA
55
MOURA
- Robinson Gorge National Park
SON
and his party camped on their journey
HIGHWAY
- Glebe Weir
DAW
from Jimbour to Port Essington in 1844.
- Isla Gorge National Park
Leichhardt left his mark “LL. 1844” on
- Lake Murphy
what is now an historic Coolibah Tree in
THEODORE
the main street of Taroom.
A sandstone monument to Leichhardt
EXPEDITION
CRACOW
NATIONAL PARK
is found in the park next to the swimming
LAKE
pool and another to fellow botantist John
MURPHY
Gilbert at Gilbert’s Lookout overlooking
the township.
TAROOM
The northern entrance to the town
is marked by an historic ‘Steel Wings’
DAWSON
RIVER
windmill.
INJUNE
The main street of the town is where
travellers will find that all their needs can
WANDOAN
be provided for.
Lake Murphy
The Information Centre has internet
39
ROMA
access and National Parks and Wildlife
MILES
WARREGO
information. The museum can be opened
HIGHWAY
by arrangement.
A dump point is located in Wolsey Street
back to 1871.
and a caravan park in North Street.
The district is renowned for quality beef production,
The town also provides for many outdoor activities.
There is a river walk from the caravan park to the town grain crops and forestry products. Several large cattle studs
centre and Gilbert’s Lookout is a must for a panoramic hold annual sales with eager buyers travelling from across
the State to buy bulls and cows with quality bloodlines.
view of the town, river and surrounding countryside.
Visitors enjoy fishing on the Dawson River and Glebe
Golf, lawn bowls, tennis and horse racing are offered
Weir which is a popular boating and camping spot. The
throughout the year.
The agricultural show is held on the first weekend in camping area contains an amenities block, bore water,
May, with rodeos and campdrafts staged throughout the some powered sites, shelter sheds, a sandy beach and
boat ramp.
year.
On the Queen’s Birthday weekend anglers test their
The Taroom Racecourse is one of four racecourses in
Queensland that runs in an anticlockwise direction. It is skills out during the annual fishing competition, with
also one of the oldest racecourses in Queensland, dating yellowbelly and jewfish the prize catches.
LEICHHARDT EXPEDITION TRAIL  TAROOM
15km north of Taroom is Palm
Tree Creek with its unique Livistona
Palms which contrast vividly with
the eucalypt forest.
Lake Murphy Conservation Park
offers camping and picnic areas
linked to the lake by a walking
track. The lake is seasonally filled by
overflow from Robinson Gorge and
attracts massive flocks of waterbirds
year round.
For those with 4WD the 120km
road northwest to Expedition
Park rewards with dramatic
views of Robinson Gorge and The
Ampitheatre, Aboriginal stencil
art, wildflowers in spring and
impressive walking tracks. Camp
beside a permanent waterhole
flanked with wattles and listen
for the king parrots and rainbow
lorikeets and see the honeyeaters
feasting on the flowers. The
campsite provides basic facilities
and walking tracks.
Flagstaff Hill has an historically
significant road which was
constructed in the early 1860s by
hand, using large rock slabs.
It was built less than 15 years after
white settlement of the area and
was used to carry wool from Roma
to the port at Rockhampton. Stone
constructed drains on the side
of the road carried stormwater
downslope and even to this day
have prevented erosion to the road.
To reach Flagstaff Hill turn left
31km north of Taroom onto the
Flagstaff via Wateron Road continue
along this road, reconnecting with
the Leichhardt Highway just south
21
of Theodore.
Isla Gorge National Park sits
alongside the Leichhardt Highway
north of Taroom. A short drive
will take you to the lookout and
camping ground where sunsets can
be spectacular.
Isla Gorge is a complex maze
of gorges and isolated sandstone
monoliths. Very soft precipice
sandstone has eroded into a
breathtaking panorama of cliffs,
peaks, overhangs, tunnels and
arches. The rock changes from
yellow to orange and pink with the
angle of the sun.
Taroom Information Centre
Ph 4628 6113
Dump point – Taroom 4 Wolsey St
(next to Council Workshop)
Lat. 25.636872 Long. 149.799726.
Leichhardt Tree
Historic Windmill
Isla Gorge
Community
Directory
Banana Shire Council Offices
Biloela
4992 9500
Moura
4997 2084
Taroom
4628 9555
State Emergency Services
Ambulance - Police - Fire
000
State Emergency Service
132 500
Churches
Anglican Baralaba
Anglican Biloela
Bowls Clubs
Baralaba
4998 1349
Biloela
4992 1689
Moura
4997 1155
Taroom
4627 3205
Theodore
4993 1365
Wowan
4937 1277
Golf Clubs
Baralaba
4998 1244
Biloela
4992 1860
Moura
Taroom
4627 3332
Thedore
4993 1868
Wowan
4937 1233
Road Conditions
Anglican Moura
Qld Government
Anglican Taroom
131 940
Town Websites
Assembly of God Biloela
Assembly of God Moura
Baptist Biloela
Baptist Moura
Christian Outreach Church Biloela
Biloela
http://www.biloela.com/
Moura
http://www.dawsonvalley.net/
Taroom
http://www.taroom.org/
Theodore
http://mytheodore.com.au/
Information Centre
Catholic Biloela
Catholic Moura
Catholic Taroom
Catholic Theodore
Church of Nazarene Biloela
Jehovah’s Witness Biloela
Living World of Fellowship Thangool
Baralaba
4998 1142
Biloela Rural Hinterland
4992 2400
Biloela
4992 2405
Moura
4997 2084
Theodore
4993 1900
Taroom
4628 6113
Dump Points
Lutheran Biloela
Lat-E
-24.40561
Long-N 150.501620
Presbyterian Biloela
Biloela
Exhibition Ave Qld Heritage Park
7th Day Adventist Biloela
Moura - Dindaree Rd
Lat-E
-24.56477
Long-N 149.974110
Uniting Biloela
Taroom - 4 Wolsey St
Lat-E
-25.63687
Long-N 149.799730
Uniting Moura
RV Friendly Towns
Uniting Taroom
Theodore
Lat-E
-24.94626
Long-N 150.075806
Taroom
Lat-E
-25.64043
Long-N 149.798480
Baralaba
Lat-E
-24.18110
Long-N 149.811234
Lutheran Moura
Medical Services
Baralaba Hospital
4998 2800
Biloela Hospital
4992 7000
Moura Hospital
4997 2900
Theodore Hospital
4993 1222
Theodore Medical Centre
4993 1371
Taroom Hospital
4628 9900
Doctors
Private Clinic Baralaba
4998 1233
Oxley Clinic Biloela
4992 2166
Tan’s Surgery Biloela
4992 1866
Moura Medical Centre Moura
49973033
Taroom Medical Centre
4628 9942
Theodore Medical Centre
4993 1371
Map Legend
Picnic Area
Mine
Bed & Breakfast
National Park
Lake/Waterhole
Museum
Farm Stay
Camping
Tourist Park
Aerodrome
DISCLAIMER - Banana Shire Council and Central Telegraph
*Does not accept all and/or any liability and responsibility for any loss or
damages arising directly or indirectly from the use of the information provided.
*Does not guarantee the accuracy, currency or completeness of the
information provided, and accordingly Banana Shire plans and/or information
are intended to be indicative only.
Accommodation
& Restaurants
Hotels/
Motels
Caravan
Parks
Farm Stays,
Bed &
Breakfast,
Tourist
Parks
Banana Hotel Motel
Banana
4995 7888
Baralaba Hotel
Baralaba
4998 1102
Apollo Motel
Biloela
4992 1122
Biloela Centre Motel
Biloela
4992 2622
Biloela Countryman Motel
Biloela
4992 1488
Biloela Hotel Motel
Biloela
4992 1514
Callide Motor Inn
Biloela
4992 5080
Commercial Hotel
Biloela
4992 1603
Palms Motor Inn
Biloela
4992 1552
Raintree Hotel
Biloela
4992 4099
Settlers Motor Inn
Biloela
4992 2933
Silo Motor Inn
Biloela
4992 5555
Sun Valley Motel
Biloela
4992 1281
Cracow Hotel Motel
Cracow
4993 7118
Dululu Hotel
Dululu
4937 1288
Royal Hotel Motel
Goovigen
4996 5308
Jambin Hotel Motel
Jambin
4996 5101
Coal n Cattle Hotel Motel
Moura
4997 1511
Moura Motel
Moura
4997 1588
Country Rest Cabins
Taroom
4627 3378
Leichhardt Hotel Motel
Taroom
4627 3137
Cattle Camp Motel
Taroom
4627 3412
Hotel Thangool
Thangool
4995 8206
Red Steer Hotel Motel
Thangool
4995 8207
Theodore Star Service Station
Theodore
4993 1675
Theodore Hotel Motel
Theodore
4993 1244
Commerical Hotel
Wowan
4937 1377
Banana Caravan Park
Banana
4995 7888
Country Caravan Park
Baralaba
4998 1103
Biloela Caravan Park
Biloela
4992 1122
Boomerang Caravan Park
Biloela
49921 815
White Cockatoo Accomm Park
Biloela
4992 2618
Space Caravan Park
Biloela
4992 1450
Cracow Caravan Park
Cracow
Moura Caravan Park
Moura
4997 1432
Taroom Caravan Park
Taroom
04282 86145
Gum Leaves Caravan Park
Wowan
4937 1542
Barfield Station
Banana
Louise Cottage B&B
Banana
Myella Farm Stay
Baralaba
4998 1290
Kroombit Tops Tourist Park
Biloela
4992 2186
“On Karaboe” 4 Star Boutique B&B
Thangool
4995 8269
Notes