Country Roads – A Driving Tour
Sometimes you can’t help but just keep driving.
There’s nothing like jumping in the car and going for a drive and what better place to go for a drive than around the Gladstone Region?
The drive from Gladstone through Calliope into the Boyne Valley past Many Peaks, onto Monto, Cania Gorge then back to Gladstone through Biloela is a drive full of surprises for the entire family. The drive takes you through areas just outside of the Gladstone Region, including the North Burnett Region and the Banana Shire.
The drive into the Boyne Valley has plenty of beautiful mountain views, creeks, the Boynedale Bush Camp on the quieter side of Lake Awoonga, abandoned railway tracks and tunnels plus country windmills. There’s plenty of stops along the way and you can even stop into Many Peaks for a bite to eat.
Once you go past Many Peaks, you hit Gladstone-Monto Road, which has gravel in some sections. If you don’t have a four-wheel drive vehicle you can still safely drive on this road. Just take it easy! The road becomes a bit steep and windy, and keep an eye out for spots to pull over so you can take some photos looking down into the Boyne Valley and across the mountain ranges. Also watch out for the curious cattle that love to sit by the side of the road.
Monto is the perfect stop to grab some groceries, fill up the car with petrol and wander through the town. About 26 kilometres from Monto is the spectacular Cania Gorge. There’s a terrific holiday park where you can park your caravan, pitch a tent or stay in an on-site cabin. It’s a perfect gateway to numerous bushwalks that suit various fitness levels. There is also access to the bushwalks just up the road. Cania Gorge is also the habitat to native wildlife including parrots and the quiet bettongs come out at dusk.
Heading away from Cania Gorge on the Burnett Highway takes you through the Banana Shire. There are spots along the road where you can take photos of the mountains, plus the unique bottle trees which the Banana Shire is known for. Both Thangool and Biloela give you an opportunity to stop off and have a rest break. Along the road through Biloela and back towards Calliope you will spot lots of parrots, including cockatoos and lorikeets. Also watch out for kangaroos at dusk and dawn along the Dawson Highway.
If you plan to do the entire loop from the Gladstone Region, North Burnett Region and Banana Shire in a day, it’s best to give yourself about 8 hours to allow for plenty of rest breaks. Pack a picnic before you go, sit back and enjoy the drive!
Bron Hartas
