Things To Do & See
Go Fishing & Catch a Barramundi Lake Callide on the outskirts of Biloela is fast gaining a reputation as one of Queensland's highest quality inland fisheries, with catches of metre long Barramundi not uncommon. Sleepy Cod, Yellow-belly, and Red-claw are also prolific. Most fish are caught from the shore, and adults will require a fishing licence.
The views from the lookout are magnificent, giving the visitor a first hand look at mining operations, Callide Power Stations, Lake Callide and the Callide Valley. (Field glasses are recommended) For access to the lookout proceed past the Callide Power Stations, turn left after crossing a grid and proceed with care. The drive is well worth it. The road is part bitumen and part gravel, and not suitable for caravans. Have A Picnic At Mt Scoria Located near Thangool and 15 minutes drive south of Biloela, Mt Scoria Conservation Park is recognised for its amazing rare rock formation, 150 metres high and once the core of a volcano. Colloquially known as the Musical Mountain, the long six-sided basalt columns sound musical notes when struck by another rock. This small attractive park, with picnic and toilet facilities, provides an ideal setting to rest and take in nature. Learn About Local Industry & Heritage At The SILO Discover and learn about the areas pioneering heritage, industrial growth, diverse economy and reputation as a great place to grow, by visiting the SILO (Simulated Interactive Learning Opportunities exhibition). It is also the accredited Visitor Information Centre for the shire, and home for the Ruth Maynard Pioneer Village and Callide-Dawson Machinery Preservation Club. Visit Greycliffe Homestead Discover How Our Pioneers Lived Visit Greycliffe Homestead and Museum, listed by the National Trust of Queensland, a century old, wooden slab station homestead, located on Gladstone Road near the high school. This building was re-located from Greycliffe Station and was the original home of the Nott family, who had held the run since 1870. Viewing is by appointment (ph 4992 3959 or 4992 2564 or ask at the visitor centres). Experience Local Culture Experience local culture by taking in an event such as the Moura Coal and Country Festival, Callide Valley Show, Brigalow Arts Festival, or one of the numerous rodeo or camp-draft events held throughout the year. Go Four Wheel Driving From Kroombit Tourist Park, 35 kilometres from Biloela along the Valentine Plains Rd, Alan and Carol Sandilands run day tours into Kroombit National Park. You will see magnificent tall timber areas, Kroombit Gorge, escarpment views, the remains and site of a lost WW2 Liberator Bomber, and more. Phone Lochenbar Station 07 4992 2186. Visit Kroombit State Forest & National Park You will need a 4-wheel drive vehicle to explore this remote and undeveloped park. Things to do include four wheel driving, bird-watching, bush camping, bushwalking and photography. The park features a wide variety of vegetation including extensive rainforest areas, gorges, extensive views and plentiful native fauna and flora. From Biloela the park entrance via the Dawson Highway and Tableland Road from Calliope is 2 hours drive. Contact the Parks and Wildlife Service (ph 07 4971 6500), or our visitor centres for more information. Take A Self-Drive Trip Around The Banana Shire Inquire at our visitor centres about the range of self-drive routes and points of interest about the shire. An example, and must see location is the ghost town of Cracow, now being revitalised with the reintroduction of gold mining. Stop for a beer at the Cracow pub, a tourist attraction in its own right featuring extensive displays dedicated to our Australian stockmen and outback larrikins. There is Fred Brophy's boxing tent memorabilia and there is even an Irish lifeboat (full of holes). Visit Cracow Beach to see an extensive stand of rare "Carnarvon" Livistona Palms. Experience life on a cattle station A variety of farm and station stays offer visitors the opportunity to join in rural life. You can learn to ride a horse and crack a whip, muster or draft cattle, enjoy home and camp-fire cooking, camp under the stars, yarn and share bush poetry, so why not park the van for a night or two and join in? Ask at our visitor centres about Kroombit Tourist Park and Myella Farm Stay. Sample the tastes of Waratah VineyardLocated an hour south of Biloela is the peaceful township of Monto. Waratah Vineyard is situated 10 minutes from Monto. Waratah Vineyard is the first commercial wine grape vineyard in the district and is planted on the property of long-time district residents Lynne Tucker and Max Lindsay. Shiraz, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Black Muscat, Verdelho, Semillion, Marsanne amd Viognier grapes are grown. The Vineyard has a cellar door sales centre, two acres of country gardens and barbeque. Visit www.waratahvineyard.com.au for further information.
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