MOUNT PERRY

THE TOWN OF MOUNT PERRY SITS ON THE EASTERN SIDE OF THE NORTH BURNETT, 55KM FROM GIN GIN, 96KM FROM MONTO, 81KM FROM EIDSVOLD, 69KM FROM GAYNDAH AND 74KM FROM BIGGENDEN.

NORTH BURNETT REGIONAL COUNCIL Heusman Street, Mount Perry | 1300 696 272 admin@northburnett.qld.gov.au

Settlement began in the late 1840s with the development of large sheep stations. They gave way to cattle due to the spread of spear grass after the big sheep mobs ate out all the natural grasses. Mount Perry is famous for its copper and, more recently, gold mining. Mining activity started in the 1860s and the discovery of copper led to a mining boom. As the land was cleared, good stands of pine, cedar and hardwoods attracted many timber getters who used their horse and bullock teams to snig out and haul the logs.

The Bicentennial Museum reflects on the past with a working blacksmith’s shop, an old fire engine, cart and other pieces of historical significance. Located next door is Madsen’s Kitchen which shows just how different life was. The museum boasts one of only three working Three Pole Gold Stamper and Curvilinear Concentrator Tables in Queensland. The committee holds regular open days and will start the stamper up on request.

Follow the Heritage Walk to relive Mount Perry’s history. Heritage Trail brochures are available from most business houses and Council’s Administration Office.

The Pat Augustine Cultural Centre houses a historical display, art gallery and public library. The display includes photographs of Mount Perry district dating back to the late 1800s and information relating to businesses and families. The art gallery is operated by the Mount Perry Fine Arts Group and artists from around Queensland hold exhibitions in the gallery.

TOWN OF MOUNT PERRY

MOUNT PERRY CARAVAN PARK

„ 6 Ensuite Single

Rooms „ 4 Self-Contained

Cabins „ 11 Powered Sites „ Non-Powered Sites „ Kiosk/Meals

Available „ Modern Camp

Kitchen „ Clean Amenities „ Laundry „ Booking Office „ Gas Refills „ Dump Point

54 Heusman St, Mount Perry QLD 4671 P: (07) 4156 3850 E: mountperrycaravanpark@westnet.com.au

Maynard Park

Mount Perry is famous for its copper and gold mining, the Copper Smelter site (slag heap) was formed from remnants of the copper mines in the early 1900s. A display board has been mounted on the site depicting the mines, miners and copper industry.

One of the most interesting sites is the Boolboonda Tunnel built in 1883 for the railway line between Mount Perry and Bundaberg to service the copper mines. The sign for the tunnel entrance is found 18km from Mount Perry on the road to Gin Gin. It is an amazing structure, at 192m it’s the longest unsupported manmade tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere. The railway closed in 1961 and it’s possible to drive through the tunnel which is now home to a colony of bentwinged bats.

Mount Perry is affectionately known as ‘woodchopper country’, reflected in their history of pine, cedar and hardwood stands that attracted many timber getters to the area. Today, Mount Perry is synonymous with woodchoppers, with many champion competitive woodchoppers hailing from Mount Perry. Annually woodchoppers flock to Mount Perry to take to their blocks for the Axemen and Sawyers Woodchop competition. Fierce strength, fitness, resilience and friendship is obvious watching the different events.

Memorial Park is a great place to stop with picnic and playground equipment and public amenities including showers. Across the road in Maynard Park stands a WW1 Turkish 37mm Field Gun on display that was captured by the Australian Light Horse. A majestic Leopard A5.1 Main Battle Tank, one of 30 gifted by the Commonwealth to various veterans organisations is also on display. These tanks were in service from 1997 to 2007.

Boolboonda Tunnel

Eat North Burnett

Just a hop, skip and jump down the road from Mount Perry is the peaceful Mingo Crossing. Relax, wet a line and catch a freshwater feast of Bass, Barra or Catfish.

Schuh’s Lookout

Sightseeing

Enjoy the rugged mountain views from the Normanby and Schuh’s Lookouts. The Schuh’s Lookout is located on Schuhs Road off the Monto Mount Perry Road at the top of the range. From here there is a view to the south of Mount Perry with a picnic table at the lookout. The Normanby Lookout is located on the Normanby Range Road off Towns Creek Road from the Gin Gin Mount Perry Road. From here you overlook the Mount Perry township and surrounding countryside. There are picnic tables and a directional dial for you to get your bearings.

Situated on the Bania Road, Wolca Reserve provides toilet and showering facilities and waste receptacles. A permit to camp is required and camp fees are applicable, available from Council’s Administration Office.

Mingo Crossing

Fishing & Boating

MINGO CROSSING Mingo Crossing, set along the banks of the Burnett River upstream from Paradise Dam, is 29km from Mount Perry. Head south on the Gayndah Mount Perry Road for 29km; and also accessible from Gayndah and Biggenden. 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 and Spangled Perch 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.

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

Woodchop

Tips from the locals

MUST-SEE PLACE: Boolboonda Tunnel – Just a short drive out of Mount Perry, it is an incredible sight and bit of engineering! It is a place we take our friends and family when they come to visit. – Peter

MUST-EXPERIENCE EVENT: The Annual Woodchop event put on by the Mount Perry Axemen and Sawyers is a must-see! For more than 25 years Mount Perry has held an annual competition, attracting local and international axemen, women and children to compete. It is a great day out with a very friendly atmosphere. You can kick back and watch all the chopping action, enjoy a cold beverage and once the chopping is finished you can talk to the competitors and enjoy the evening entertainment. People come back year after year after year. They just love it. It brings everybody together in the community. Some areas have football teams, we have woodchopping. – Peter

MINGO CROSSING CARAVAN PARK

The best kept secret between Mount Perry and Gayndah. Set along the banks of the Burnett River and upstream from Paradise Dam, the Recreation Park is surrounded by rural countryside, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere and a perfect spot for all types of water sports including fishing, sailing, skiing and tubing.

2670 Gayndah Mount Perry Road, Mount Perry QLD 4671 P: (07) 4161 6200 E: mingo.crossing@northburnett.qld.gov.au

PARADISE DAM RECREATION PARK

REGINALD MURRAY WILLIAMS AUSTRALIAN BUSH LEARNING CENTRE

Paradise Dam is just a short 20 minute drive from the town of Biggenden. The recreational area caters to day visitors and campers, and has many new modern facilities such as free BBQs and picnic areas, environmentally friendly toilets and boat ramp. If you love camping, fishing, water-skiing, kayaking, watersports or just having a relaxing day out – Paradise Dam is the perfect place to visit or stay! Bookings recommended to avoid disappointment.

Open 7 days, the Centre shares the story of RM Williams, bush crafts and culture. Stay and watch the daily Light and Sound Show held outdoors. The Centre is also home to the Visitor Information Centre, Driver Reviver Service, RV Stop, and gift shop.

353 Campbells Road, Coringa QLD 4621 P: (07) 4127 7278 E: paradise.dam@northburnett.qld.gov.au

23767 Gayndah-Monto Road, Eidsvold QLD 4627 P: (07) 4165 7272 www.rmwilliamscentre.com.au