BIGGENDEN

Burnett Livestock Exchange PC: Tracey Olive

LOCATED AT THE SOUTHERN END OF THE NORTH BURNETT, BIGGENDEN IS ON THE ISIS HIGHWAY, 339KM NORTH OF BRISBANE AND JUST OVER ONE HOUR’S DRIVE FROM BUNDABERG, MARYBOROUGH AND HERVEY BAY. NORTH BURNETT REGIONAL COUNCIL CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE & LIBRARY Edward Street, Biggenden 1300 696 272 admin@northburnett.qld.gov.au

The town’s name is derived from the Kabi Kabi word ‘bigindhan’, meaning a place of stringybark. Biggenden was founded in 1889 as a service centre to the short-lived goldrush towns of Paradise and Shamrock, and for coach passengers travelling west from Maryborough. The township, including the intriguingly named ‘Live And Let Live’ Inn, moved to a new location alongside the railway station when the rail line arrived in 1891.

The Pioneer metal sculpture in Beiers Park depicts the history of the town and alludes to remnants of old work sites where old barrows can be found. The Wall of Fame and Pioneer Walk in Beiers Park pays tribute and shares the stories of the early settling families of the 1800s. The Biggenden Museum promotes the history of Biggenden and surrounding district with displays of historical items, photographs and memorabilia. It is homed in the former Paradise Courthouse which was relocated to Biggenden when the gold ran out.

Chowey Bridge was the first of its kind in Australia. The concrete bridge was built for the railways in 1905. It is situated about 18km west of Biggenden. The bridge boasts a main 27m archway and a number of smaller arches. There are picnic facilities nearby.

Biggenden is also home to one of the largest privately owned selling centres in Queensland, the Burnett Livestock Exchange. The impressive saleyards sell thousands of head of cattle fortnightly.

Local tip: To learn about primary producers talk to people, ask questions and listen. I am always happy to talk to visitors on sale days and answer any questions, so people have a true understanding of how we ensure Australia produces the best, cleanest and safest beef in the world – Stephanie.

TOWN OF BIGGENDEN

MOUNTAIN VIEW CARAVAN PARK ✩✩✩

„ Ensuite Cabins „ Powered Sites „ Non-Powered Sites „ Camp Kitchen „ Covered BBQ Area „ Booking Office „ Clean Amenities „ Friendly Staff „ Laundry Facilities „ Big Rigs Welcome „ 800m to CBD

Walsh St, Biggenden QLD 4621 P: (07) 4127 1399 E: mountainview@northburnett.qld.gov.au

Ban Ban Springs

BAN BAN SPRINGS IS SITUATED AT THE JUNCTION OF THE ISIS AND BURNETT HIGHWAYS. IT HAS A SERVICE STATION, TOILETS, REST AREA AND STOP FOR THE NORTH BURNETT TRANSPORT SERVICE.

HISTORY The name Ban Ban Springs finds its source in the name originally used by H. Herbert when, in 1846, he first leased the pastoral run encompassing the springs. It is reported Herbert borrowed the words ‘Ban Ban’ (meaning grass) from the local Wakka Wakka and/ or Kabi Kabi languages. ‘Ban Ban [Springs] is a sacred site and has a Dreamtime association with the Rainbow Serpent which is believed to have surfaced there. It spoke to the elders of the tribe telling them the secrets of the sacred waters and how to use it. The Rainbow Serpent also told of talks he had had with the seven sisters and of the wonders he had seen while making the pathways for the sacred water to flow in this area. (This legend is retold on a mural erected at the site by elders Mavis Hawkins, Dennis and Daniel Cobbo of the Wakka Wakka tribe and their people.)’

Ban Ban Springs

Seven Sisters

National Parks

MOUNT WALSH NATIONAL PARK The northern end of Mount Walsh National Park is approximately 5km south of Biggenden township, which is 83km west of Maryborough and 47km southwest of Childers. There are three entry points into Mount Walsh National Park – Mount Walsh day-use area, Waterfall Creek and Coongara Rock.

MOUNT WALSH DAY-USE AREA Turn off the MaryboroughBiggenden Road onto National Park Road – on the left 80km west of Maryborough; on the right 2km east of Biggenden. Travel a further 5.3km along the unsealed road to the day-use area. This road is suitable for conventional vehicles. From the Mount Walsh day-use area a summit route leads suitably experienced and equipped people to the top of Mount Walsh – a high level of fitness, bush navigation skills and rock scrambling and climbing experience are essential. Enjoy a picnic with a spectacular mountain view featuring the rugged granite top of Mount Walsh. Sheltered picnic tables and non-potable water (treat before drinking) are provided. Bush camping is permitted in the park (self-registration is required and fees apply). No facilities are provided so visitors must be self-sufficient including taking a fuel stove.

For 4WD enthusiasts Coongara Rock and Falls in the western part of the Mount Walsh National Park provide an opportunity to explore caves, rocky outcrops, rock pools and natural vegetation. Coongara Rock, at 525m, is a spectacular sheer-granite volcanic plug and the falls only flow after heavy rain. To find Coongara Rock take the Isis Highway 6.4km towards Ban Ban Springs. Turn left into Lords Road, after 5km the good dirt road divides. One way leads to the Glengariff bush camping

Chowey Bridge Mount Walsh

grounds, the other to Coongara Rock (10km), which is steep and conditions deteriorate after rain so care should be taken – 4WD only. There are no amenities here, bring your own water. Permits are required from National Parks for camping. There is limited mobile phone reception except on the summit of Coongara Rock. It is possible to climb Coongara Rock but should only be attempted by experienced and fit bush walkers. The very steep track to the summit is found a further 1.2km along the closed road. For those who don’t want to climb the rock, the view is just as impressive from the base.

Waterfall Creek Rock Pools, Utopia are in the southern part of the Mount Walsh National Park. Following rain, the quite deep pools cascade over the rocky surface creating a natural slide and an excellent place to cool down on a hot day. Take the BiggendenMaryborough Road for 35km, turn right at Innooroolaba Road. Travel 2.5km along this road, turn right onto the dirt Utopia Road for 7km to the second car park marked Mount Walsh National Park. There are no facilities here, camp fires are not permitted, and fuel stove only. Camping requires permits from National Parks. There is no mobile phone reception in the area. While there is generally water, it is recommended that you bring your own drinking water. Please take out your rubbish. From the car park an old 4WD road and narrow track leads for 30 minutes of easy walking to the rock pools. Care needs to be taken as the rocks are slippery and the pools quite deep and suitable only for strong swimmers.

MOUNT WOOWOONGA NATIONAL PARK Drive north from Biggenden along the Isis Highway for 6.5km, then turn right onto Giles Road (sealed). Drive another 2.5km

Waterfall Creek Rock Pools

Mount Walsh Summit Coalstoun Lakes Craters

Eat North Burnett

Biggenden is home for many primary producers including beef, pork and dairy. Be sure to sample the fresh meat and local milk from butchers and supermarkets in the region.

Coalstoun Lakes’ rich red soils nurture a food producing hub. Keep your eyes open for roadside stalls full of seasonal produce including sweet corn, watermelons, pumpkins, avocados and peanuts.

then turn left at a T-intersection onto Woowoonga Hall Road. Continue for 2km then turn right into Mount Woowoonga Road. Continue for a further 3km then turn left onto Woowoonga Scenic Road. The hiking track entrance is adjacent to the North Burnett Regional Council picnic area, there are no camping areas within Woowoonga National Park and bush camping is not allowed.

Fit, experienced bush walkers with navigation skills can complete the whole hiking track that leads hikers to the summit in the heart of Woowoonga National Park. This hike is only recommended for fit and experienced hikers with bush navigation and emergency first aid skills.

COALSTOUN LAKES NATIONAL PARK Turn off the Isis Highway 20km south of Biggenden or 4km north of the township of Coalstoun Lakes into Crater Lakes Road. Follow the vehicle access track, approximately 1km, through a grassy paddock to the beginning of the walk up the northern crater. A car park is provided at the end of the road.

Bush walking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Distance: 4.4km return (oneway distances to features – first viewpoint: 500m; first bird hides: 800m; second bird hide: 2.2km). Time: allow 2–3hrs

Walk up the northern side of the crater to the crater rim for stunning views of the first crater lake, surrounding rural landscape and Mount Walsh National Park. Descend to the first shallow lake and bird hide, then continue around the edge of the lake through dry rainforest, over a ridge with landscape views, and down to the second crater lake and bird hide.

Fishing & Boating

Mingo Crossing PC: Matt Williams

Paradise Dam is 34km north-west of Biggenden. Facilities include non-powered camping sites, free gas barbeques, picnic shelters, children’s playground, environmentally friendly toilets (no showers), concrete boat ramp, fish cleaning tables, walking trails and caretakers kiosk. A 5km boat ride upstream to view the Kalliwa Hut is well worth the trip. This original slab hut was shifted from Drinan, approximately 13km south-west of Gin Gin to its present site in 1936 as the Ranger’s House.

Prior to the construction of the dam, the river was stocked with Australian Bass, Barramundi, Golden Perch (Yellow Belly) and Silver Perch. There are breeding populations of Eel-tailed Catfish, Fork-tailed Catfish, Spangled Perch and Ceratodus (the endangered Queensland Lungfish). At the time of printing Paradise Dam is not a Stocked Impoundment therefore a permit is not required. There are no boating restrictions except an exclusion zone at the dam wall. Mingo Crossing, set along the banks of the Burnett River upstream from Paradise Dam, is 45km from Biggenden via Gooroolba Biggenden and Gayndah Mount Perry Roads, and also accessible from Mount Perry and Gayndah. Perfect for all kinds of water sports including fishing, sailing, water skiing and tubing. Australian bass, Barramundi, Golden Perch (Yellow Belly), Silver Perch, Eel-tailed catfish, Fork-tailed catfish, Spangled Perch and the endangered Queensland Lungfish may be caught. Facilities include a boat ramp, caravan park with camping ground, fish cleaning station, 12 powered caravan sites, two large undercover barbeque areas, drinkable tank water, amenities block, parking for cars and boats, laundry, pets allowed and wheelchair friendly. A glamping facility is opening soon.

MINGO CROSSING CARAVAN AND RECREATION PARK P (07) 4161 6200 E mingo.crossing@northburnett.qld.gov.au

An interview with

MOIRA THOMPSON

Book a tour with a local? How do they do so? For further information or to book find ‘Experience Altitude’ online.

Tell me a bit about yourself Moira Wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, school chaplain and outdoors adventurer.

How long have you lived in the Biggenden area? I was associated with Biggenden from 1967 to 1986, coming out for school holidays. Falling in love with the area, I moved here in 2009.

Tell us a bit about your passion and connection to Mount Walsh? My parents and I explored the mountain from 1967 to 1986, after which time both my parents had died. Their ashes are scattered in Mount Walsh National Park. For over 30 years I have explored the national park, and with over 75% covered, I have become familiar with all its peaks, valleys, creek systems and amazing scenery. We recently completed the first recorded crossing of Mount Walsh National Park from north to south over 4 days – walking 16km, scaling 7 peaks and requiring 4 water drops throughout the hike.

What is the best way to explore Mount Walsh National Park? As an accredited Bush Walking Guide with Experience Altitude, people who come with me on bush walks will be offered lots of information on the environment, ecosystems, walking and climbing techniques as well as historical and Indigenous facts. The bush has layers and layers of stories to tell. What do you love about Biggenden? Biggenden is a quiet, friendly, beautiful town with a strong work ethic, great volunteering spirit and proud history.

What is your must-see place in Biggenden? Go to the picnic area at the base of Mount Walsh and just observe the mountain and its features. It speaks volumes.

What is your must-experience event in the region? I enjoy Australia Day, ANZAC Day and the Biggenden Show. On ANZAC Day, I lead a night climb of Mount Walsh for a Dawn Service on the summit. We have done this for 10 years.

Do you know any legends or stories about Biggenden that you could share? I heard that gold was found at Paradise accidentally. A man on horseback noticed his horse was walking lame, so he stopped to have a look. In the horse’s hoof was a nugget of gold, and that’s how the goldrush began.

What is Biggenden’s (and surrounds) best kept secret? Personally, I think our three national parks – Mount Woowoonga, Mount Walsh and Coalstoun Lakes – are our best kept secrets.

Where is your favourite view of the region? Northern facade of Mount Walsh National Park which has a different mood every day and evening.