Biloela to Emerald via Moura and Springsure

BILOELA

We begin in Biloela, a town with pioneering pride and grand old homesteads to prove it. Fishing addicts will love this itinerary, that offers acrobatic barramundi fishing in the Callide Dam before you even hit the highway. Read more details about Biloela’s attractions on page 11.

MOURA

Next stop is only 45 minutes west of Biloela and is the very heart of Central Queensland itself. On the banks of the Dawson River it’s a fisherman’s paradise, with our favourite spot being Apex Park where you can drop a line while the kids play on the playground. Find out more about Moura on page 18. BILOELA

Top 5 ways to step back in time

Visit Biloela’s historic homesteads and imagine yourself boiling water on the wood-fired stove or fixing the horses in the stables outside. Step into a past of dust and grit at Moura’s Coal and Country Museum. Sit under Leichhardt’s coolabah ‘Dig’ tree and imagine him sitting in the exact same spot in the mid 1800’s. Step under the ornate white wooden entrance of the beautifully restored Emerald Train Station. Walk the halls of the old Cairdbeign School and Old Rainworth Station, dating back to the 1870’s.

SPRINGSURE

While today Springsure is a charming country town and a natural paradise, its past is full of outlaws and some of the darkest days in Australia’s history. Since 1859 there has been a township here, although it wasn’t gazetted until 1863. Horror marked its earliest days with European pioneers routinely treating the local Indigenous people with horrible violence. The Cullin-la-ringo massacre was the largest recorded massacre of white Australians in the country’s history. Infamous run-away cattle thieves ran through Springsure all the way from New South Wales, even starting a horse racing venture in town before moving on to darker deeds elsewhere. With all the shades of dark, Springsure is today a town of warm welcomes and fields of sunflowers. All its colours are on display at the Old Rainworth Station which also includes the old Cairdbeign School and Homestead, dating back to the 1870’s. The owners are a wealth of knowledge regarding the local history. Spectacular jagged peaks dotted with ancient Zamia palms provide the scenic backdrop to the Minerva Hills National Park. Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, the dramatic escarpment of Mount Zamia dominates the landscape today. Enjoy panoramic views over the surrounding countryside from several easy-to-access lookouts. Stop for a ‘bush picnic with a view’ from the top of the mountain at Fred’s Gorge Lookout. Minerva Hills has several easy to moderate walking trails and opportunities for mountain biking. Lion’s Park is the best vantage point to see Virgin Rock, a niche in the eastern side of Mount Zamia, which has a weathered likeness to the Virgin Mary holding her child. The spectacular cliffs are floodlit at night. Pull your head out of the history books long enough for a day trip to Carnarvon Gorge. The gorge itself is an incredible site, running for more than 30km and ranging in width from 40-400m. This drive itinerary is a trip back into the history of Queensland’s pioneering back yard and world-class bush and forest landscapes.

EMERALD

Your next stop is just 45 minutes to the north. On the way call into Lake Maraboon to try your luck at fishing or just a cool swim. Emerald is a town of ornate heritage buildings, lush botanic gardens and an artistic soul. Find out more about Emerald on page 22.

For more detailed itineraries visit www.queenslanddrives.com.au