Moranbah to Mackay via Tieri, Middlemount and St Lawrence including Moranbah to Sarina and Moranbah to Mackay

UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES.

This itinerary is an unforgettable mix of rustic outback wilderness, living history, intoxicating art, diverse dining, a touch of little city life and just as many ways to dive into enjoying it. Time to make some memories.

WHO WILL LOVE IT?

Nature lovers, History buffs, Art enthusiasts and Fanatic fishermen

MORANBAH

We begin 200km south west of Mackay in one of the youngest towns in Queensland.

Moranbah does not have long roots buried deep in Central Queensland’s explorer and pioneering history. It was born in 1970 for the purpose of housing miners and their families. This is one of the reasons that the town has more facilities than other larger regional towns.

Essentially built for families, you’ll be able to feel the genuine warmth of Moranbah as soon as you arrive.

The kids will love the Musical Railway and Musical Table and Chairs in the Town Square. Relax with a cup of coffee and watch the kids transform rustic, artistic installations into musical instruments.

When the curtain closes on the concert, begin your walk back in history right in Town Square with the Australia Remembers Mural. This tribute to World War II was a community art program painted by Moranbah State High School students.

The Miner’s Memorial in Moranbah Town Square is a fitting tribute and peaceful place of remembrance for our fallen miners.

Also in Town Square, is the Coalface Art Gallery, the home of emerging local talent. It’s also where the Tourist Information Centre can be found.

Move from murals to sculpture by finding the Bridled-Nailtail Wallaby statue. Lovingly named Flashjack the statue commemorates the unique wallaby that was thought to be extinct until rediscovered in 1973 and now has a growing wild population.

When it’s time to head outside, start with the easy 1 kilometre Federation Walk. Start at the infamous Big Red Rhino Bucket. The almost prehistoric looking giant piece of mining equipment marks the beginning of a walk that takes you past the picturesque Grosvenor Creek Rest Area.

The Isaac River Rest Area is just 20 kilometres from Moranbah along the Peak Downs Highway and is a great place to refresh after a drive or stop for an undercover picnic table. You’ll find stunning, untouched natural spaces that inspire good old-fashioned fun. Teach the kids how to swing into the water on the rope.

Don’t forget the camera.

Our 2 Favourite Moranbah Side Trips

MORANBAH TO SARINA

An easy 1 hour and 50 minute drive from Moranbah will land you on the serenity coast and a hub of natural country charm nestled into the foothills of the Connors Range. Welcome to Sarina.

It’s a town of history, industry and natural appeal. Find out more on page 41.

A PEAK SIDE TRIP

Peak Range National Park is 1 hour and 15 minutes south of Moranbah – but this side trip is as much about the journey as the destination.

The drive along Peak Downs Highway encompasses panoramic views of the range.

Inside the park, sharp peaks split the flat country plains. The peaks are giant basalt flows, rhyolite and trachyte bodies erupted from the Peak Range Volcano up to 32 million years ago.

The dramatic scenery can be enjoyed via multiple bushwalking tracks that vein through three of the four different sections of the park: Wolfang Peak, Lords Table Mountain and the Gemini Mountains. Check the Isaac Region website to prepare for your walk.

Mt Pollux is one of the Gemini Mountains, twin volcanic formations rising out of an open eucalyptus woodland. It offers an unforgettable hike, especially at sunrise. From the peak you’ll find expansive views of the region including Wolfang Peak.

Lords Table Mountain is 320 metres high and almost perfectly flat topped. Access the mountain via Huntley Road.

MORANBAH TO MACKAY

The drive from Moranbah to Mackay takes 2 hours and 10 minutes, but we recommend giving yourself extra time to explore both Coppabella and Nebo along the way.

Coppabella is just 30 minutes from Moranbah. Named after the local Aboriginal word for ‘crossing place’, it was destined to be a stopover.

It is wholly owned and operated by Queensland Rail. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the large mining train monument at the entrance.

Another 30 minutes up the road, you’ll find Nebo. It is the home of a surprising collection of inspiring art that can be found both in the Pioneer Tracks of Queensland Gallery and on more than 260 metres of historic murals.

The final stop on this journey is 1 hour and 5 minutes away. Watch the dry plains of Central Queensland give way to a little touch of metropolitan living, in the vibrant regional city of Mackay. Check out our favourite things to do in Mackay.

TIERI

Drive a further 50 minutes south through iconic Aussie outback landscapes to find the home of the simple country lifestyle, Tieri is a destination of active exploration.

Blackwood National Park is 50 kilometres from Tieri and is a rugged Outback park. There is a circuit walk and rolling fairways that look like an oasis within the Central Queensland Outback.

If two-wheels are more your speed, then jump on the BMX and hit the Tieri Fire Trail. It’s also great for mountain bikers who don’t mind a bit of sand.

Brush off the dust and hit the Tieri Golf Course. The club has expansive practice facilities and rolling fairways that look like an oasis within the Central Queensland Outback.

DYSART

Leave Moranbah behind and make the easy 50 minute drive south east to Dysart to uncover one of the state’s youngest mining towns and a gateway to an incredible natural feature of this wild outback region.

You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the belly dump truck and coal wagon paying homage to Dysart’s mining pedigree.

To get a closer look at mining memorabilia visit the restored Mt Orange Copper Smelter chimney, a huge 54 foot high stack and firebox. It was originally erected in 1879 and was operated until 1910.

Or contact the Isaac Regional Council before your trip and plan to be in town for one of the monthly mine tours.

Dive into Dysart’s natural beauty by counting off how many wild camels, kangaroos, emus and koalas you can see around town, its outskirts or on the nine-hole golf course.

Cool off in the Olympic-sized pool before taking a 40 minute drive to a huge ancient volcanic plug with an expansive flat peak. The Lords Table Mountain is unforgettable for its sheer size and almost perfectly flat peak. Part of the Peak Range National Park, the mountain offers amazing bushwalking tracks, a beautiful outback picnic spot and one of the region’s best sunset views.

TOP FISHING SPOTS NEAR TIERI

Throw out a blanket under gum tree lined banks, jump in the kayak or cast a fishing line for saratoga, yellow belly, barramundi, red claw and sooty grunter.

1. Bedford Weir - 55 minutes’ drive

2. Theresa Creek Dam - 1 hour and 22 minutes’ drive

MIDDLEMOUNT

Just 40 minutes from Tieri, Middlemount is an easy stop on this itinerary. Nicknamed the Giant Peanut because of its unique peanut-shaped road layout, Middlemount is another purpose-built mining community.

Nestled in the raw beauty of Brigalow country, this quaint little community is active. So much so, that it bred Olympic cyclists Anna and Kerrie Meares.

The Middlemount Golf Course is a casual 9 holes of glorious greens and fairways. Don’t forget to take a moment to relax at the Clubhouse and celebrate (or lick your wounds).

The local Olympic swimming pool is a great place to cool off after your game.

Our favourite way to say goodbye to Middlemount is surrounded by the panoramic views, feeding wallabies and spectacular birdlife of Blue Mountain Park.

ST LAWRENCE

It’s time to move on from some of the region’s youngest towns to one of the oldest. St Lawrence is 2 hours and 25 minutes from Middlemount.

The town was originally built to service the port of St Lawrence. The beauty of local historical buildings such as the Council Office are a living reminder of times gone by.

History buffs should also visit the St Lawrence Library which was once the historical railway station, and the Centenary Pavilion which hosts an impressive collection of past machinery and relics of Central Queensland’s outback heritage.

The St Lawrence Wetlands is a tapestry of deep open water lagoons and swamps. Part of the great Broadsound Wetlands, this scenic environment is relaxing and perfect for spotting fish, turtles and frogs. Follow the interpretive signs to learn more about the wetlands and its inhabitants.

Time your visit for the early part of the wet season to capture stunning landscape shots speckled with flocks of hundreds of magpie geese.

MACKAY

A 1 hour and 50 minute drive north through cane fields and bushland landscapes will uncover Mackay. A metropolitan provincial city, Mackay combines country charm and coastal cool. Whether you are seeking adventure or want to relax, you could easily spend a few days in this city.

Find out more on page 43.

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