Wot's On In Queensland - Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

2020 3rd Edition Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

Toowoomba

Charleville

Winton

Port Douglas

Coen

Cape York Peninsula

Cooktown Lakeland

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Pacific Coast Way

Great Inland Way

Overlander’s Way Warrego Way

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Weipa

Bamaga

Matilda Way

Leichardt Way

Savannah Way

Capricorn Way

Australia’s Country Way

Natural Sciences Loop Road

Adventure Way

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Introduction Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled It is human nature that drives us all to explore and adventure with the freedom of a drive holiday. To escape and learn about the environment and culture. Queensland is full of hidden gems to discover.

From national parks, tropical rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef, to fossil fossicking, gold and mineral mining as well as local arts, crafts, produce and entertainment at local festivities and markets. There is something for everyone. Peace and tranquillity with the finest wines and craft beers to the best fishing, camping and live entertainment. With more flights, airports, modern vehicles and infrastructure than ever before, now is the time to Discover Queensland.

Take your time and visit a Visitor Information Centre. No one knows the region like a local. Find out the best places to stay, sights to see and fun experiences. After bushfires, floods, cyclones with an ongoing drought, our salt of the earth locals and their industries need your support and they are open for business!

Our travel guides are designed to help locals and tourists enjoy a holiday, weekend or day trip experience.

To find out more about what’s on in Queensland see wotsoninqld.com.au

Damon Letters

Festivals

Events

3rd Edition

3rd Edition Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

Markets

2020

2020

2020 11th Edition Festivals, Events & Markets

Warren Letters

Toowoomba

Charleville

Winton

Brisbane & Surrounds - Festivals, Events & Markets

Port Douglas

Gold Coast

Toowoomba

Sunshine Coast

Fraser Coast

Published By Kupro Marketing Pty Ltd Market Research Damon & Warren Letters Advertising Sales Damon & Warren Letters Email damonletters@wotsoninqld.com.au Email warrenletters@wotsoninqld.com.au Photography Tourism & Events Queensland Concept & Finished Art dtb! Advertising Email wotson@dtb.com.au Printing Spot Productions Phone 07 3860 5300 Fax 07 3860 5255

Disclaimer: Kupro Marketing Pty Ltd publishes Wot’s On In Queensland Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled as a guide only. Content is provided in good faith based on information supplied from government or reputable companies. Information is subject to change without notice. Kupro Marketing Pty Ltd and its contractors cannot be held accountable or liable for any bookings, loss of business, income loss, inconvenience, injury or death as a result of information in this publication. Always check with the relevant authority to confirm the information.

Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

01

Fro m Sydn ey, Mel bo u rn e and Bri sbane to the South e rn Great B a r r i e r Reef o r the Ou tback, th e j ourney i s all about tak i ng th e t i m e to ex pl o re ro ads l ess travelle d.

SAVO U R T H E J O U R N E Y 02 Wot’s on in Queensland Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

Adventure Way

driveinland.com.au Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

03

Visitor Information CenBrisbane Valley Rail Trail 161 Kilometres Esk Visitor Information Centre 82 Ipswich Street, Esk Qld 4312 (07) 5424 2923 www.experiencesomerset.com.au Fernvale Visitor Information Centre 1483 Brisbane Valley Highway, Fernvale Qld 4306

(07) 5427 0200 www.experiencesomerset.com.au Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre 41 Hope Street, Kilcoy Qld 4515 (07) 5422 0440 www.experiencesomerset.com.au Toogoolawah Visitor Information Centre 29 Factory Road, Toogoolawah Qld 4313 (07) 5423 1036 www.experiencesomerset.com.au

Pacific Coast Way 1,874 Kilometres Brisbane (Regent Theatre) 167 Queens St Mall, Brisbane Qld 4000 (07) 3006 6290 www.visitbrisbane.com.au Southbank Stanley St Plaza, South Bank Qld 4101 (07) 3156 6366 www.visitbrisbane.com.au Caboolture (BP North Travel Centre) Bruce Hwy, Burpengary Qld 4505 1800 667 386 www.visitmoretonbay.com.au

Tiaro Mayne St, Tiaro Qld 4650 (07) 4129 2599 www.visitfrasercoast.com

Mackay 320 Nebo Rd, West Mackay Qld 4740 (07) 4944 5888 www.mackayregion.com Bowen South Bruce Hwy, Mt Gordon, Bowen Qld 4805 (07) 4786 4222 www.tourismbowen.com.au

Maryborough 388 Kent St, Maryborough Qld 4650 (07) 4120 5600 or 1800 214 789 www.visitfrasercoast.com

Home Hill 12 Railway Ave, Home Hill Qld 4806 (07) 4782 8241 www.burdekintourism.com.au

Childers 71 Churchill St, Childers Qld 4660 (07) 4126 7994 www.bundabergregion.org

Ayr Plantation Park, Ayr Qld 4807 (07) 4783 5988 www.burdekintourism.com.au

Gin Gin Mulgrave St, Bruce Hwy, Gin Gin Qld 4671 (07) 4157 3060 www.bundabergregion.org

Nome Bruce Hwy, Nome Qld 4816 (07) 4780 4397 www.townsvillnorthqueensland.com.au

Gladstone 72 Bryan Jordan Dr, Gladstone Qld 4680 (07) 4972 9000 www.gladstoneregion.info

Townsville 334A Flinders St, Townsville Qld 4810 (07) 4721 3660 www.townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au

Rockhampton 176 Gladstone Rd, Rockhampton Qld 4700 (07) 4936 8000 www.capricornholidays.com.au Sarina

Ingham Bruce Hwy & Cooper St, Ingham Qld 4850 (07) 4776 4792 www.tyto.com.au Cardwell

L125 Station Lane, Sarina Qld 4737 (07) 4956 2251

51 Victoria St, Cardwell Qld 4849 (07) 4066 2412 www.tropicalcoasttourism.com.au

Gympie Lake Alford, 24 Bruce Hwy, Gympie Qld 4570 (07) 5480 5183 www.visitgympieregion.com.au

04 Wot’s on in Queensland Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

Kingaroy

This sign denotes accredited visitor information centres. These centres achieved specific industry standards and are recognised as genuine information providers.

NOTE: Information is up to date per publication date.

Please check the nearest Visitor Information Centre or website wotsoninqld.com.au for latest information.

Tully Bruce Hwy RN 59389, Tully Qld 4854 (07) 4068 2288 www.tropicalcoasttourism.com.au Babinda 1 Munro St, Babinda Qld 4861 (07) 4067 1008 www.babindainfocentre.com.au

Australia’s Country Way 1,631 Kilometres Stanthorpe 28 Leslie Prde, Stanthorpe Qld 4380 (07) 4681 2057 or 1800 762 665 www.southerndownsandgranitebelt.com.au Warwick 72 Palmerin St, Warwick Qld 4370 (07) 4661 3122 www.southerndownsandgranitebelt.com.au Toowoomba 86 James St, Toowoomba Qld 4350 (07) 4639 3797 or 1800 331 155 www.southernqueenslandcountry.com.au Hampton 8623 New England Hwy, Hampton Qld 4352 (07) 4697 9066 or 1800 009 066 www.southernqueenslandcountry.com.au Blackbutt 69 Hart St, Blackbutt Qld 4306 (07) 4163 0633 www.southburnett.qld.gov.au

Nanango 41 Henry St, Nanango Qld 4615 (07) 4189 9446 www.southburnett.qld.gov.au Murgon 63 Lamb St, Murgon Qld 4605 (07) 4189 9387 www.southburnett.qld.gov.au Eidsvold 23767 Gayndah-Monto Rd, Eidsvold Qld 4627 (07) 4165 7272 www.rmwilliamscentre.com.au Biloela 437 Callide St, Biloela Qld 4715 (07) 4992 2405 www.biloela.com Biloela/Hinterland 11 Exhibition Ave, Biloela Qld 4715 (07) 4992 2400 www.ruralhinterlandvic.com.au Rockhampton 176 Gladstone Rd, Rockhampton Qld 4700 (07) 4936 8000 www.capricornholidays.com.au

Rockhampton 176 Gladstone Rd, Rockhampton Qld 4700 (07) 4936 8000 www.capricornholidays.com.au Yeppoon Ross Creek Rdbt, Scenic Hwy, Yeppoon Qld 4703 (07) 4939 4888 www.capricornholidays.com.au

Great Inland Way 2,691 Kilometres St George 114 St Georges Tce, St George Qld 4487 (07) 4620 8877 www.balonne.qld.gov.au Roma 2 Riggers Rd, Roma Qld 4455 (07) 4622 8676 www.visitmaranoa.qld.gov.au Injune 32 Hutton St, Injune Qld 4454 (07) 4626 0503 or 1300 007 662

Leichhardt Way

www.visitinjune.com.au

2,035 Kilometres Goondiwindi 45 Bowen St, Goondiwindi Qld 4390 (07) 4671 7474 www.goondiwindi.qld.au

Emerald 3 Clermont St, Emerald Qld 4720 (07) 4982 4142 www.centralhighlands.com.au

Miles 141 Murilla St, Miles Qld 4415 (07) 4627 1492 www.ourwesterndowns.com

Visitor Information Centres

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Mount Isa

Visitor Information CenCharters Towers

Blackall

Adventure Way

74 Mosman St, Charters Towers Qld 4820

145a Shamrock St, Blackall Qld 4472

(07) 4761 5533

(07) 4657 4637

www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au

www.blackalltambotourism.com.au

Ravenshoe

Barcaldine

24 Moore St, Ravenshoe Qld 4888

149 Oak St, Barcaldine Qld 4725

2,410 Kilometres Thargomindah 37 Dowling St, Thargomindah Qld 4492 (07) 4621 8095 www.thargotourism.com.au

(07) 4089 2243

(07) 4651 1724

Cunnamulla

www.ravenshoevisitorcentre.com.au

www.barcaldinerc.com.au

2 Jane St, Cunnamulla Qld 4490

Atherton

Longreach

Silo Rd & Main St, Atherton Qld 4883

96a Eagle St, Longreach Qld 4730

(07) 4089 2254

(07) 4658 4150

St George

www.itablelands.com.au

www.longreachtourism.com.au

114 St Georges Tce, St George Qld 4487

Mareeba

Winton

345 Byrnes St, Mareeba Qld 4880

50 Elderslie St, Winton Qld 4735

(07) 4092 5674

(07) 4657 1466 or 1300 665 115

Dalby

www.mareebaheritagecentre.com.au

www.experiencewinton.com.au

Warrego Hwy, Dalby Qld 4405

Kuranda

Cloncurry

Therwine St, Kuranda Qld 4881

48 Mcilwraith St, Cloncurry Qld 4824

www.ourwesterndowns.com

(07) 4093 9311

(07) 4742 1361

Toowoomba

www.kuranda.org

www.cloncurry.qld.gov.au

86 James St, Toowoomba Qld 4350

Normanton

(07) 4639 3797 or 1800 331 155

Landsborough & Caroline St, Normanton Qld 4890

www.southernqueenslandcountry.com.au

Matilda Way 3,096 Kilometres Cunnamulla 2 Jane St, Cunnamulla Qld 4490 (07) 4655 8470 www.paroo.info Charleville Charleville Rail Station, King St, Charleville Qld 4470

(07) 4747 8444 www.carpentaria.qld.gov.au Karumba Walker St, Karumba Qld 4891 (07) 4747 7522 www.carpentaria.qld.gov.au

(07) 4654 3057 www.murweh.qld.gov.au

(07) 4655 8470 www.paroo.info

(07) 4620 8877 www.balonne.qld.gov.au

(07) 4679 4461

Natural Sciences Loop Road 1,315 Kilometres Charleville Charleville Rail Station, King St, Charleville Qld 4470

(07) 4654 3057 www.murweh.qld.gov.a Cunnamulla 2 Jane St, Cunnamulla Qld 4490 (07) 4655 8470 www.paroo.info

06 Wot’s on in Queensland Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

Thargomindah

Windorah

37 Dowling St, Thargomindah Qld 4492

7 Maryborough St, Windorah Qld 4481

(07) 4621 8095

(07) 4656 3063

www.thargotourism.com.au Quilpie 51 Brolga St, Quilpie Qld 4480 (07) 4656 0540 www.quilpie.qld.gov.au

www.barcoo.qld.gov.au

Warrego Way 1,578 Kilometres Toowoomba 86 James St, Toowoomba Qld 4350 (07) 4639 3797 or 1800 331 155 www.southernqueenslandcountry.com.au Dalby Warrego Hwy, Dalby Qld 4405 (07) 4679 4461 www.ourwesterndowns.com Chinchilla Warrego Hwy, Chinchilla Qld 4413 (07) 4660 7291 www.ourwesterndowns.com Miles 141 Murilla St, Miles Qld 4415 (07) 4627 1492 www.ourwesterndowns.com Roma 2 Riggers Rd, Roma Qld 4455 (07) 4622 8676 www.visitmaranoa.qld.gov.au

Birdsville 29 Burt St, Birdsville Qld 4482 (07) 4654 2000 www.diamantina.qld.gov.au

Capricorn Way 580 Kilometres Rockhampton 176 Gladstone Rd, Rockhampton Qld 4700 (07) 4936 8000 www.capricornholidays.com.au Emerald 3 Clermont St, Emerald Qld 4720 (07) 4982 4142 www.centralhighlands.com.au Barcaldine 149 Oak St, Barcaldine Qld 4725 (07) 4651 1724 www.barcaldinerc.com.au

Overlander’s Way 1,081 Kilometres Townsville 334A Flinders St, Townsville Qld 4810 (07) 4721 3660 www.townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au

Charleville

Charters Towers

Charleville Rail Station, King St, Charleville Qld 4470

74 Mosman St, Charters Towers Qld 4820

(07) 4654 3057

(07) 4761 5533

www.murweh.qld.gov.au Quilpie 51 Brolga St, Quilpie Qld 4480 (07) 4656 0540 www.quilpie.qld.gov.au

www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au Hughenden

Julia Creek 34 Burke St, Julia Creek Qld 4823 (07) 4746 7690 www.atthecreek.com.au Cloncurry 48 McIlwraith St, Cloncurry Qld 4824 (07) 4742 1361 www.cloncurry.qld.gov.au Mount Isa 19 Marian St, Mount Isa Qld 4825 (07) 4749 1555 or 1300 659 660 www.outbackatisa.com.au

Savannah Way 3,925 Kilometres Mareeba 345 Byrnes St, Mareeba Qld 4880 (07) 4092 5674 www.mareebaheritagecentre.com.au Atherton Silo Rd & Main St, Atherton Qld 4883 (07) 4089 2212 www.itablelands.com.au Georgetown 20 Low St, Georgetown Qld 4871 (07) 4079 9027 www.etheridge.qld.gov.au Croydon 51-59 Samwell St, Croydon Qld 4871 (07) 4748 7152 www.croydon.qld.gov.au Normanton Landsborough & Caroline St, Normanton Qld 4890 (07) 4747 8444 www.carpentaria.qld.gov.au

37 Gray St, Hughenden Qld 4821 (07) 4741 2970 www.visithughenden.com.au Richmond 91-93 Goldring St, Richmond Qld 4822 (07) 4741 3429 or 1300 576 665

Visitor Information Centres

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Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Somerset 161 km

This is no highway or byway. It certainly isn’t a road less travelled.

This is adventure – Somerset style.

The 161km Brisbane Valley Rail Trail stretches from Wulkuraka to Yarraman, taking in historic towns and the heritage listed Lockyer Creek Bridge and Yimbun Railway Tunnel.

It’s a mecca for mountain bikers.

Home to horse riders and hikers.

Those looking for a change of pace can even lead a lama on a walk.

Clydesdales will do the work if a wagon is more your style.

The trail was named Public Works Project of the Year at the 2019 Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia Awards for Excellence, putting the SouthEast Queensland region of Somerset on the world stage.

08 Wot’s on in Queensland Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

There’s something for everyone – leisurely links like Moore to Linville (7km), Fernvale to Lowood (8km) and Harlin to Moore (13km). More rigorous routes include Blackbutt to Yarraman (19km), Wulkuraka to Fernvale (23km) and Coominya to Esk (24km).

Australia’s longest recreational rail trail is dotted with cafés, pubs, bakeries, art galleries and shops.

Accommodation options range from

Toogoolawah Station

camping and caravanning to hotels, motels and boutique B&Bs. The iconic lakes of Wivenhoe and Somerset are also in the region.

So what are you waiting for? Get out of the car and choose your own adventure – Somerset style.

Start by visiting experiencesomerset.com.au

Wulkuraka to Yarraman 161 Kilometres

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

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Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Somerset 161 km Skip the Skyscrapers and Escape the Traffic Find calm in the chaos and #ExperienceSomerset.

Enjoy Australia’s longest recreational rail trail – the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail – and cycle, walk or ride a horse to townships bursting with character.

Thrill seekers will witness the breathtaking expanse of countryside from a different perspective as you fall from the sky. Bring your fishing gear and drop a line at some of Queensland’s most picturesque lakes, including Somerset and Wivenhoe.

With three RV Friendly Towns, Somerset is the perfect place to embark on a cara-venture. Enjoy country cooking and kick back with a coldie at one of the region’s iconic cafés or pubs. There’s even boutique wineries just waiting to be discovered.

Whether it’s thrills or chills, #ExperienceSomerset for your next getaway.

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Coominya

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Wot’s on in Queensland Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

experience

BRISBANE VALLEY RAIL TRAIL Australia’s longest recreational rail trail in the heart of South-East Queensland

KILCOY (07) 5422 0440 41 HOPE STREET

TOOGOOLAWAH (07) 5423 1036 29 FACTORY ROAD

ESK (07) 5424 2923 82 IPSWICH STREET

FERNVALE (07) 5427 0200 1483 BRISBANE VALLEY HIGHWAY

experiencesomerset.com.au

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

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Pacific Coast Way Coolangatta to Cairns 1,874 km

This drive takes you almost all the way up the coast of Queensland. It starts at the Gold Coast, takes you on through the state capital of Brisbane and on to the Sunshine Coast.

At historic Maryborough you might like to take a short detour to see the whales in Hervey Bay and visit Fraser Island. Further along the way is Childers, where you can take another short detour to Bundaberg, famous for its rum and the Mon Repos turtle rookery. It’s near here, just north of Fraser Island, that the Great Barrier Reef starts near Lady Elliot Island.

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Continuing north past the industrial city of Gladstone you’ll come to the beef city of Rockhampton, from which a short detour will take you to Yeppoon and the Capricorn Coast.

Continue northwards through the cane fields to the tropical city of Mackay. Along the way there you might like to visit the beautiful Capricorn Caves.

At Proserpine a short side trip will take you to Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands. Next is Bowen, famous for its mangoes and the twin towns of Ayr and Home Hill on the

Wot’s on in Queensland Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

Burdekin River. From Townsville you can visit Magnetic Island.

Continuing north you’ll soon reach Ingham passing the Wallaman Falls, the highest single drop waterfall in Australia. Continue on to Cardwell where there is a ferry to Hinchinbrook Island. Further north are Mission Beach and Tully, where you might meet a Cassowary while on its Spirit of the Rainforest Walk! Then, Innisfail which is famous for its sugar and finally on to Cairns.

Kangaroo Point, Brisbane

Places of Interest 1,874 km GOLD COAST The largest non-capital city in Australia, the Gold Coast is a coastal city with surfing beaches, a high-

BRISBANE Brisbane is Queensland’s riverside capital city with a population of 2.4 million, making it the third most populous city in Australia.

GYMPIE Located in the Wide Bay-Burnett District north of Brisbane. Known for world class produce and festivals e.g. Gympie Muster.

MARYBOROUGH

Coolangatta to Cairns 1,874 Kilometres

A town steeped in history, Maryborough is nestled upon the Mary River and is the birthplace of Pamela Lyndon Travers, the creator of Mary Poppins.

ROCKHAMPTON Rockhampton, or ‘Rocky’, is the fourth largest city in Queensland known as the Beef Capital of Australia.

SARINA Beautiful beaches, turtle nesting, prime fishing and scenic mountain ranges with country hospitality.

TRAVEL • Plan your trip with an

Accredited Visitor Information Centre

BOWEN One of the many charming towns on the Whitsunday Coast, with award winning beaches and a warm tropical climate.

• Always wear a seatbelt, drink plenty of water and use sunscreen • At the beach, be sure to swim only between the red and yellow flags • Avoid driving at dawn and dusk to steer clear of native wildlife

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• Never pass a service station without checking your fuel gauge • If your vehicle breaks down in a remote area, stay with the vehicle

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• Phone 000 for emergencies

• For all things caravanning visit www.caravanningqld.com.au

INGHAM Discover the taste of Italian Life with more than half of Ingham’s population of Italian descent.

• To discover what’s on along the way visit wotsoninqld.com.au • For more travelling safety tips visit www.stayontrackoutback.qld.gov.au and www.lifesaving.com.au

TOWNSVILLE Coastal city in north-east Queensland, offers diverse experiences from the Great Barrier Reef to the World Heritage Wet Tropics.

• Tell family and friends your itinerary as part of planning for your trip

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CAIRNS The only place on the planet where two World Heritage Wonders sit side by side. Here, the world’s largest reef – The Great Barrier Reef meets the Daintree Rainforest.

Pacific Coast Way

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Pacific Coast Way Coolangatta to Cairns 1,874 km Pacific Coast Way Must Do’s The journey along Pacific Coast Way will see you drive through Queensland’s iconic cane fields, rainforest and cities.

Here’s our top 5 Must Do’s whilst on route.

1. Gold Coast Whether you want to relax, shop, explore or be thrilled, the Gold Coast has it all! A hidden local experience we recommend is collecting local prawns in Southport from the trawlers along SeaWorld Drive and wondering down to the Spit to enjoy the local seafood and scenery. Other favourites we recommend are the Outback Spectacular, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Mount Tamborine and exploring Springbrook and Lamington National Parks.

2. Brisbane Before you hit the coastline, take the time to explore the riverside city of Brisbane. For a cultural feast you can’t miss the galleries, theatres and museums of Brisbane’s South Bank.

Brisbane is a great city to explore by foot. We recommend taking a stroll to Kangaroo Point Cliffs or a more strenuous hike to the Mount Coot-tha summit for beautiful city views in both

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locations. For a different perspective, jump on a ‘city-cat’ and enjoy seeing the city’s beautiful architecture as you cruise the river.

3. Sunshine Coast The Sunshine Coast has it all. Enviably positioned between Brisbane and Fraser Island, the region is a stunning haven abounding in wonders of nature, beachside culture, fresh local food, bucket list experiences and world class events just waiting to be explored. From the majestic Glass House Mountains to Noosa and the coloured sands of Rainbow Beach, the Sunshine Coast includes more than 100 kilometres of pristine sandy beaches, surrounded by the quiet beauty of coastal and hinterland villages. The region has an attractive year-round climate and is also rapidly emerging as one of Australia’s favourite culinary destinations. Visit the Sunshine Coast and discover the many sub-regions that make it unique.

4. Fraser Island Undoubtedly one of the most magical islands in Australia, Fraser Island is a World Heritage listed site that combines dreamy white sand beaches with tropical rainforests. Known as the

Wot’s on in Queensland Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

world’s largest sand island, unofficial home to the dingo and seasonal home to whales, the island is a nature lover’s paradise. If you only have time to see the key highlights of Fraser Island then make sure you visit Champagne Rock Pools, Lake McKenzie, Maheno Shipwreck, Lake Wabby, Eli Creek and Central Station. We recommend you take at least a couple of days to explore the entirety of Fraser Island, you won’t regret it!

5. The Whitsundays A location that requires no filter is The Whitsundays, which is home to 74 islands and one of the world’s best beaches – Whitehaven Beach.

The striking natural wonders of the coast and islands are dotted with secluded beaches and welcoming towns. We recommend you take a tour out to the Great Barrier Reef, Heart Reef or one of the many stunning islands. But don’t dismiss the mainland! Be sure to stroll the many boardwalks throughout Airlie Beach, visit Hydeaway Bay or hike to Cedar Creek Falls for a freshwater dip in the rainforest. The Whitsundays is definitely a location you will want to take your time exploring.

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Redlands Coast offers a gateway to coastal adventures, island getaways, Quandamooka cultural experiences and hinterland hidden treasures – all on Brisbane’s doorstep.

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Pacific Coast Way

15

Australia’s Country Way Sydney – Wallangara to Rockhampton 1,631 km

Glengallen Homestead, Glengallan

You will join this continuation of the New England Highway from Sydney soon after passing through Glen Innes and Tenterfield, crossing the New South Wales/Queensland border at Wallangarra on the State’s Granite Belt.

Here a short detour will take you to the spectacular Girraween National Park and then you can explore the orchards and wineries in and around Stanthorpe, where the road begins to pass through the Darling Downs. You’ll first pass through Warwick, birthplace of gun shearer Jackie Howe, and then

16

travel on to Queensland’s largest inland city, Toowoomba, the Garden City.

You’ll travel on through the fertile farmlands of Hampton, Crows Nest, and Yarraman. A short distance off the highway is Kingaroy which is famous for peanuts, but do take the time to visit at least one of its wineries.

Further along Gayndah, first settled in 1849, is Queensland’s oldest village.

The North Burnett is home to much of Queensland’s mandarin and orange crops around the town and also

Wot’s on in Queensland Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

Mundubbera. Eidsvold celebrates R. M. Williams at its Australian Bush Learning Centre. Further along the way it is well worth visiting the magnificent Cania Gorge near Monto.

On to Biloela there is The Silo, now housing an industry exhibition and nearby is the Callide Dam with its tourist park. You’ll travel down off the Great Divide through the old goldmining town of Mt Morgan, before reaching Australia’s beef capital, Rockhampton.

Places of Interest 1,631 km SYDNEY Sydney, state capital of New South Wales, has the largest population of any city in Australia and Oceania and is ranked one of the most livable cities in the world.

TENTERFIELD The historical district of Tenterfield is surrounded by 10 National Parks and is a three-hour drive from Brisbane, Queensland.

WARWICK

Sydney to Rockhampton 1,631 Kilometres

Known for its roses and rodeo, Warwick is situated on the banks of the Condamine River and is steeped in early settlement history.

TOOWOOMBA Nicknamed ‘The Garden City’, Toowoomba is located on the crest of the Great Dividing Range in the Darling Downs region, 125km west of Brisbane city by road.

KINGAROY The agricultural town of Kingaroy, known as the ‘Peanut capital of Australia’, is located in the South Burnett Region situated on the junction of the D’Aguilar and Bunya Highways.

GAYNDAH Famous for its biennial Orange Festival and ‘Big Orange’ which stands at the end of town, Gayndah is a rural town west of Maryborough.

MONTO One of the youngest towns in Queensland, established in 1924, the quaint town of Monto is an agricultural centre near Cania Gorge National Park.

ROCKHAMPTON Rockhampton, or ‘Rocky’, is the fourth largest city in Queensland known as the Beef Capital of Australia.

Australia’s Country Way

17

18

Wot’s on in Queensland Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

Kingaroy

Australia’s Country Way

19

Leichhardt Way Melbourne – Goondiwindi to Yeppoon 2,035 km

Melbourne to Yeppoon 2,035 Kilometres

Rossyln Bay, Yeppoon

Coming from Melbourne, via Dubbo and Moree on the Newell Highway, you’ll enter Queensland and the start of the Leichhardt Way just before Goondiwindi, home of the champion racehorse of the 1970s, the ‘Goondiwindi Grey’, Gunsynd. The Leichhardt Way follows the tracks of early explorer Ludwig Leichhardt.

Next comes Moonie, site of Australia’s first commercial oil field, then Miles and its historical village. Further along the way you’ll visit Taroom with its 300-year-old Leichhardt Tree on which the intrepid explorer carved his

initials. North of Taroom do take the short detour to the spectacular Isla Gorge National Park. Then be sure to visit Theodore where the town owns the pub!

The next place to stop awhile is Banana where you will learn that the town and the shire is named not after the fruit, but after a yellow bullock that local stockmen used to herd wild cattle in the 1840s.

The animal is the subject of a statue in the main street. There are great fishing spots along the Dawson River

20 Wot’s on in Queensland Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

which meanders its way through Banana Shire.

The highway then heads through Rockhampton, the beef capital of Australia and on to Yeppoon, gateway to the Capricorn Coast and to Great Keppel Island. Or why not come face-to-face with a saltwater crocodile at the Koorana Crocodile Farm?

Places of Interest 2,035 km MELBOURNE Melbourne is the state capital of Victoria and the second largest city in Australia. The city has been ranked as the world’s most liveable city for seven years in a row.

GOONDIWINDI Located on the banks of the Macintyre River which separates the Queensland/New South Wales border, Goondiwindi is a vibrant border town.

MILES Originally named ‘Dogwood Crossing’, Miles is a rural town noted for its wildflowers and pioneer history.

TAROOM Taroom is located on the Dawson River in the shire of Banana with a landmark Steel Wings windmill still in working order.

experience our

thriving country culture Goondiwindi | Inglewood | Texas | Yelarbon Talwood | Toobeah | Bungunya

THEODORE Named after one of Australia’s controversial politicians E.G Theodore, the rural town of Theodore is almost tropical with its wide palm-lined streets.

MOUNT MORGAN Mount Morgan is a well-preserved historic mining town from the gold rush era, located 38 kilometres south of Rockhampton.

ROCKHAMPTON Rockhampton, or ‘Rocky’, is the fourth largest city in Queensland known as the Beef Capital of Australia.

YEPPOON Renowned for its beaches and tropical climate, Yeppoon is a short 25-minute drive from Rockhampton and the gateway to the Capricorn Coast and Southern Great Barrier Reef.

GOONDIWINDI REGIONAL COUNCIL

07 4671 7400 | www.grc.qld.gov.au

Leichhardt Way

21

Great Inland Way Sydney – Hebel to Cairns and Cooktown 2,691 km

Gillies Range, Atherton

This route takes you from Sydney through Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, Gilgandra, Coonamble, Walgett and Lightning Ridge to Hebel, just over the Queensland border.

From there you’ll travel north to St George, famous for its fishing and cotton crops and on to Surat where the last Cobb and Co stagecoach service began.

Travelling north you’ll visit Roma, home of the gas and oil industry and the Big Rig, continue on to Injune, gateway to the Carnarvon Gorge National Park, where you can see the

fascinating ancient rock art galleries deep inside the gorge.

You then travel on to Emerald, where you can find the world’s largest copy of Van Gogh’s Sunflower painting. On to Capella with its Pioneer Village, you’ll be passing through coal mining country.

Next along the way is Clermont where you can walk along the Hoods Lagoon boardwalk or take a look at the Theresa Creek Dam. Then on to Charters Towers, which was Australia’s second largest city during the gold rush of the 1870s.

22 Wot’s on in Queensland Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

Heading further north you’ll reach the Undara Volcanic National Park, world famous for its unique lava tubes. Moving on, next is Ravenshoe, the highest town in Queensland and entrance to the Atherton Tablelands, a tropical paradise with lakes, waterfalls and rainforest.

Next comes Mareeba, at the heart of a coffee growing region. Then you are soon in Cairns and from there you travel on to the end of the highway at Cooktown.

Places of Interest 2,691 km ST GEORGE The rural town of St George is perched on the banks of the Balonne River, a reputable location for excellent fishing.

ROMA A hub for cattle and all things rural, Roma is one of the primary service centres in south west Queensland.

INJUNE Located 89km north of Roma, Injune is a small country town full of character, history and spectacular natural landscapes.

Sydney to Cooktown 2,691 Kilometres

EMERALD Emerald is the regional hub of the Central Highlands and gateway to the largest sapphire gemfields in the southern hemisphere.

CHARTERS TOWERS Inland from Townsville, this gold mining region offers great fishing and 4WD adventures.

RAVENSHOE

TRAVEL • Plan your trip with an

The highest town in Queensland at 920 metres, Ravenshoe is a lush region of mountain pastures and unspoiled rainforest.

Accredited Visitor Information Centre

• Always wear a seatbelt, drink plenty of water and use sunscreen

MAREEBA

• At the beach, be sure to swim only between the red and yellow flags

Mareeba is a multi-cultural district rich in wildlife and is 417 metres above sea level.

• Avoid driving at dawn and dusk to steer clear of native wildlife • Tell family and friends your itinerary as part of planning for your trip • Never pass a service station without checking your fuel gauge

8

Kuranda is a mountain village near Cairns and is known for the Kuranda Scenic Railway which winds through forested hillside.

• If your vehicle breaks down in a remote area, stay with the vehicle • Phone 000 for emergencies • To discover what’s on along the way visit wotsoninqld.com.au • For more travelling safety tips visit www.stayontrackoutback.qld.gov.au and www.lifesaving.com.au • For all things caravanning visit www.caravanningqld.com.au

KURANDA

9

CAIRNS The only place on the planet where two World Heritage Wonders sit side by side. Here, the world’s largest reef – The Great Barrier Reef meets the Daintree Rainforest.

Great Inland Way

23

Matilda Way Melbourne – Cunnamulla – Karumba 3,096 km

Views from Australian Age of Dinosaurs, Winton

From Barringun on the Queensland/ New South Wales border where the Kidman Way from Melbourne ends, the Matilda Way takes you all the way North to Karumba on the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Then you’ll pass through Charleville and Tambo to reach Blackall, where shearer Jackie Howe sheared 321 sheep in 7 hours and 40 minutes in 1892!

Along the way there you’ll pass through the birth places of many Australian icons and legends: Waltzing Matilda, Qantas, Stockmen and country pubs to name but a few.

Past Barcaldine, you’ll come to Longreach, where you can visit the Qantas Founders Museum and the Stockman’s Hall of Fame. Then travel on to Winton, near where Banjo Paterson wrote Waltzing Matilda.

First, you’ll pass though Cunnamulla, where as well as the Big Fella statue you can learn about the great artesian basin at the Artesian Time Tunnel.

You should visit the Qantilda Museum to learn about the real story behind the song. If you’re there in winter you may be lucky enough to be in town for

24 Wot’s on in Queensland Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

the annual Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival. Next is Cloncurry, where the Royal Flying Doctor Service began in 1928. Next is Normanton, with its Purple Pub and at the end of the way is Karumba near where Burke, Wills, King and Gray ended their epic trek in 1861.

All along the way, listen to the yarns and meet up with bush characters at the many historic pubs that dot the route, and peer into the night sky for a million star experience.

Places of Interest 3,096 km MELBOURNE Melbourne is the state capital of Victoria and the second largest city in Australia. The city has been ranked as the world’s most liveable city for seven years in a row.

CUNNAMULLA The largest of the four towns in the Paroo Shire, Cunnamulla is the southern starting point on the Matilda Highway.

CHARLEVILLE In the heart of Mulga Country, after fishing, touch the stars at the Cosmos Centre and Observatory.

BARCALDINE At the crossroads of the Capricorn and Matilda Way, the Garden City of the west is home to the ‘Tree of Knowledge’ and commemorates the ‘Great Shearers Strike of 1891’.

Melbourne to Karumba 3,096 Kilometres

ILFRACOMBE Driving into Ilfracombe, known as ‘The Hub of the West’, you can’t miss ‘the Great Machinery Mile’, over 1km of historic machinery stretching along the highway.

LONGREACH Named after the ‘long reach’ of the Thomson River, Longreach is a quintessential outback town home to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame.

WINTON Winton is the Dinosaur Capital of Australia, birthplace of QANTAS and home of Waltzing Matilda.

CLONCURRY At the junction of the Matilda and Overlander’s Ways, on the banks of the Cloncurry River, the birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Showcases world class rodeos, races, musters and more.

9

NORMANTON A small cattle town with great fishing. No wonder it’s home to an 8.6m statue of a saltwater crocodile caught in 1957.

cunnamullafellafestival.com.au For your FREE travel pack stop by the Cunnamulla Fella Centre Jane Street, Cunnamulla cunnamullafellafestival/ Call 07 4655 8470 |

10

KARUMBA This seaside village is a gateway to the Gulf. Fantastic 4WD adventures and great fishing. Don’t miss the ‘Anglers Classic’.

Matilda Way

25

Matilda Way Melbourne – Cunnamulla – Karumba 3,096 km Matilda Way Must Do’s Experience the ‘real outback’ whilst driving the Matilda Way. Here’s our 5 Must Do’s across the iconic Matilda Way.

1. Cunnamulla Fella Festival If you’re visiting Cunnamulla in August, make sure you pack your cowboy boots and prepare for a jam-packed weekend of fun at the Cunnamulla Fella Festival. This multi-day event has it all from cowboys, bull riders, shearers and stockmen all coming together to celebrate the outback spirit with country music, bushman’s challenges, motorbike and horse events and more!

Experience the state of the art interpretation of Matilda, enjoy the ‘More Than a Name’ Winton exhibition and enjoy some Outback tucker.

5. John Flynn Place Museum Be transported back in time as you enter the John Flynn Place Museum and Art Gallery, filled with a timeline of technological advances in aviation and radio. The museum, spread over three levels, honours John Flynn’s work in campaigning for better living conditions in remote Australia and showcases interactive displays on the Royal Flying Doctor Service, an original pedal radio in the ‘radio gallery’ and the Fred McKay Art Gallery.

2. Qantas Founders Museum Visit the world-class museum that tells the story of the founding of Qantas through interactive displays and exhibits. The collection incorporates the legendary Boeing 747, Douglas DC3 and Boeing 707.

There is plenty to see and do in Longreach!

3. Age of Dinosaurs Ensure you visit The Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History as it has the largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils! Book into a tour to explore the exciting finds, gigantic sauropods and ‘Banjo’, the greatest Aussie carnivorous dinosaur.

4. Waltzing Matilda Centre Feel nostalgic and visit the Winton’s Waltzing Matilda Centre to experience the story-telling of Waltzing Matilda, Winton and the Outback region.

26 Wot’s on in Queensland Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History, Winton

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Save money and time with a VIP Pass to Winton’s famed attractions!

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Matilda Way

27

Adventure Way Adelaide – Innamincka to Brisbane 2,410 km

St George Lake, St George

Just over 1,000km from Adelaide lies Innamincka which is just a short distance to the Queensland border.

On the way from Innamincka to Thargomindah, why not take a detour to the ‘Dig Tree’ on Nappa Merrie Station. It was near here that the Burke and Wills Expedition ended in tragedy.

At Thargomindah you can visit the huge hydro-electric power plant and Leahy House, once home to the cattle king, Sir Sydney Kidman. Then, along the way northwards you can take a turn-off to the Lake Bindegolly

National Park, wetland home to many species of birds. Next, you’ll pass through the town of Eulo, where you can check out the opals or why not try a session at the Artesian Mud Baths?

In Cunnamulla, an oasis on the Warrego River, you can visit the Cunnamulla Fella Centre and the Art Gallery and Museum Heritage Exhibition.

Now in cattle country and tracing the journeys of the stagecoaches of Cobb and Co, as you have been much of the way, you will travel across the plains

28 Wot’s on in Queensland Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

to St George. On the Balonne River, St George, known as the inland fishing capital of Australia, offers plenty to anglers.

From St George you’ll travel on to Dalby and then to Toowoomba and the Darling Downs. You’re now in cotton country. Down the steep slope of the Great Divide from Toowoomba to the fertile Lockyer Valley and from there on to Brisbane.

Places of Interest 2,410 km

ADELAIDE Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia and home to more than 75% of South Australia’s 1.3 million population.

INNAMINCKA Innamincka is a small settlement that lies within the Innamincka Regional Reserve in north-east South Australia with a population of only 12.

THARGOMINDAH The road is sealed to Thargomindah which lies on the banks of the Bulloo River, approximately 200 kilometres west of Cunnamulla.

EULO

Adelaide to Brisbane 2,410 Kilometres

The opal-mining town of Eulo known as the ‘Montville of the Outback’ is a small outback community with a population of 108.

CUNNAMULLA The largest of the four towns in the Paroo Shire, Cunnamulla is the southern starting point on the Matilda Highway.

ST GEORGE The rural town of St George is perched on the banks of the Balonne River, a reputable location for excellent fishing.

TRAVEL • Plan your trip with an

Accredited Visitor Information Centre

• Always wear a seatbelt, drink plenty of water and use sunscreen • At the beach, be sure to swim only between the red and yellow flags

DALBY In the heart of the Darling Downs, Dalby is situated at the junction of the Warrego, Moonie and Bunya Highways, the perfect base for exploring the Bunya Mountains.

• Avoid driving at dawn and dusk to steer clear of native wildlife

TOOWOOMBA

• Tell family and friends your itinerary as part of planning for your trip • If your vehicle breaks down in a remote area, stay with the vehicle

Nicknamed ‘The Garden City’, Toowoomba is located on the crest of the Great Dividing Range in the Darling Downs region, 125km west of Brisbane city by road.

• Phone 000 for emergencies

BRISBANE

• To discover what’s on along the way visit wotsoninqld.com.au

Brisbane is Queensland’s riverside capital city with a population of 2.4 million, making it the third most populous city in Australia.

• Never pass a service station without checking your fuel gauge

• For more travelling safety tips visit www.stayontrackoutback.qld.gov.au and www.lifesaving.com.au • For all things caravanning visit www.caravanningqld.com.au

Adventure Way

29

Natural Sciences Loop Road Charleville, Cunnamulla, Thargomindah, Eromanga, Quilpie 1,315 km

AUGATHELLA

To Hell Hole Gorge National ParkGorge To Hell Hole

AUGATHELLA

AUGATHELLA

National ParkGorge To Hell Hole National Park ADAVALE Mural Park, Quilpie ADAVALE

84KM

AUGATHELLA

AUGATHELLA

84KM

84KM 84KM

84KM

WARREGO HIGHWAY

MORVEN

WARREGO HIGHWAY

MORVEN MORVEN

CHARLEVILLE MORVEN MORVEN WARREGO HIGHWAY WARREGO HIGHWAY CHARLEVILLE CHARLEVILLE 14 15 16 CHARLEVILLE CHARLEVILLE 14 15 16 88KM 14 15 16 DIAMANTINASciences Loop Road in The Natural on the River88KM Walk. The river crossing 14 15 16 14 15 16 DEVELOPMENTAL ROAD 88KM DIAMANTINA of Bulloo River 88KM is a favourite spot to south-west Queensland DEVELOPMENTALOutback ROAD 88KM DIAMANTINA CHEEPIE COOLADDI 1 The Artesian Time Tunnel DEVELOPMENTAL ROAD walk, swim, canoe, picnic and fish. covers it all: astronomy, 48KM geology, CHEEPIE COOLADDI COOLADDI 1 The ArtesianBushlands Time Tunnel 1 The Artesian Time Tunnel 2 Cunnamulla You will reach next which CHEEPIE 48KM meteorology, palaeontology COOLADDI COOLADDI 1 The Artesian Time 1 Eromanga The Artesian Time Tunnel 2 Cunnamulla 2 Cunnamulla Bushlands 3 Artesian MudBushlands BathsTunnel 48KM is the furthest town from the ocean in 2 Cunnamulla Bushlands and history.

2 Cunnamulla Bushlands 3 The Artesian Mud Baths 3 Artesian Mud Baths 4 Living Opal Gallery Of Yowah Australia! The is 99KM famous for the 3 Artesian Mud Baths 3 town Artesian Mud Baths 4 Opal Gallery Park Of Yowah 4 The Living Opal Gallery Of Yowah 5 The LakeLiving Bindegolly National 99KM Starting in Charleville, home to the 99KM 4 largest dinosaur fossil discovered in The Living Opal Gallery OfRiver Yowah 4 The Living Opal Gallery Of Yowah 5 Lake Bindegolly National Park 5 Lake Bindegolly National Park 6 Pelican Point On The Bulloo 99KM 5 Pelican Lake Bindegolly National Park Cosmos Centre, there is plenty to99KM Australia, so 5 if you have a bit time Lake Bindegolly National Park 6 Point On The Bulloo River 6 Pelican Point Onof The Bulloo River 7 Thargomindah Hydro Power Plant & Artesian 6 Point On The ‘Dig Bulloo River 6 Point History On The Bulloo visit the Eromanga Natural see and do. You will pass through 7 Pelican Thargomindah Hydro Power Plant & Artesian 7 Pelican Thargomindah Hydro PowerRiver Plant & Artesian Bore 8 The Burke And Wills Tree’ On Cooper Cre 7 Thargomindah Hydro Power Plant & Artesian 7 Power Plant & Artesian Bore 8 Museum.

The Burke And Wills ‘Dig Tree’ On Cooper Cre 8 Thargomindah Wyandra on the way to Cunnamulla, The Burke And Hydro Wills ‘Dig Tree’ On Creek 9 Cooper Living History Centre At Eromanga

ADAVALE

6KM

6KM

WARREGO HIGHWAY

78KM

48KM 78KM

where you’ll find ‘The Cunnamulla WYANDRA Fella’, a large bronze sculpture WYANDRA tribute to Stan Coster and Slim Dusty.

4KM

4KM

4KM

MITC MHIT HEHLL H EC LL IGHW IGA HYWAY

OOMPINE

Next on the stop is Eulo, where we recommend you take a break and visit the Artesian Mud Baths and Springs.

121KM Once you reach Thargomindah, a nice 121KM spot to have a break is Pelican Point 121KM

OOMPINE

YOWAH

WA WA RR RR EG EG OROR IVE IVE R R

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98KM 98KM

8 9

WYANDRA 8 The Burke And Wills ‘Dig Tree’ On Cooper Cre The Burke AndCentre Wills ‘Dig Tree’ On Creek 9 Cooper Living History Centre At Eromanga 10 Living History At Eromanga Eromanga Natural History Museum

14 15

Bilbies Cosmos Centre & Observatory Cosmos CentreWalk & Observatory Native Timber Native Timber Walk

WYANDRA Quilpie is the9last stop on the loop,At Eromanga 9 Living History Centre At Eromanga 10 History Centre Natural History Museum 10 Living 11 Eromanga Eromanga Natural History Museum Baldy Top/Table Top Lookout WYANDRA with plenty of sites to see from lakes 10 Eromanga Natural History 10 11 Natural History Museum Baldy Top/Table Top Lookout 11 Eromanga 12 Baldy Top/Table Top Lookout Opal Fossicking Area NearMuseum Quilpie to look-out points.

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15 16 16

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NATURAL SCIENCES LOOP ROAD

AUGATHELLA

To Hell Hole Gorge National Park 84KM

Astronomy | Birdwatching | Dinosaurs | Geology | History | Heritage | Wetlands

ADAVALE

MORVEN

WARREGO HIGHWAY

CHARLEVILLE 96KM

To Windorah

14 15 16 88KM

DIAMANTINA DEVELOPMENTAL ROAD

QUILPE

105KM

11

EROMANGA

CHEEPIE

78KM

THINGS TO SE

COOLADDI

2

9 10

PA RO O

RIV ER

99KM

Bore eek

74KM

WYANDRA

280KM

MITCHE LL HIGH WAY

THE DIG TREE

BULLOO DEVELOPMENTAL ROAD

121KM

WA RR EG OR IVE R

BULL OO RIVE R

TOOMPINE

180KM

113KM

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48KM

12 13

YOWAH

120KM

4

LEGEND

98KM

Natural Sciences Loop Major Rivers

NOCCUNDRA

Connecting Roads

To St George 61KM

5

THARGOMINDAH

68KM

1

CUNNAMULLA

3

6 7

Road Not To Scale

2

131KM

EULO

Distance Markers

Visitor Information Ce Food/Restaurants

131KM

Caravan & Camping To South Australia

Motel/Hotel Accomm Petrol Station

HUNGERFORD To New South Wales

Natural Sciences Loop

31

Natural Sciences Loop Road Charleville, Cunnamulla, Thargomindah, Eromanga, Quilpie 1,315 km Natural Sciences Loop Road Must Do’s

5. Quilpie Opal Fossicking

The Natural Sciences Loop Road takes you on a journey of history and nature. Here’s our top 5 Must Do’s in this region.

Take a little piece of Quilpie home with you if you’re lucky enough to uncover an exquisite beauty - the boulder opal.

Fossick in the town known for its famous opal mines to find your own gem at the free Quilpie Shire Council fossicking area, just two kilometres west of town. Bring your own equipment and get digging!

1. Artesian Mud Baths in Eulo After a long drive how does a warm mud bath sound? Soak up the Artesian water and then pat the milky grey mud into your skin, the mineral rich goodness is highly recommended by beauticians!

2. The Eromanga Natural History Museum Visit the museum that is finding new Australian dinosaur remains in areas where they have never been found before! Interact with fossils and learn about the fossil discoveries of 95-98 million-year-old Eromanga dinosaurs!

Quilpie Shire - a stunning Outback region in South West Queensland that is steeped with a rich pioneering and prehistoric history.

Incorporating the towns of Quilpie, Cheepie, Adavale, Toompine and Eromanga there is sure to be something to entertain.

Dinosaurs at Eromanga Natural History Museum - OpalsArt - Exhibitions - Events - National Parks - Outback Pubs Museums - River walks or simply watch the sunset at Baldy Top, your Outback Adventure starts here!

3. Charleville Cosmos Centre and Observatory Marvel at the incredible Milky Way Galaxy through the powerful Meade telescopes! The Cosmos Centre allows visitors to see the world’s wonders that the naked eye cannot! By day, the Cosmos Centre is a place to test your space knowledge.

4. The Artesian Time Tunnel Cunnamulla Go back in time 100 million years and down an old mine lift to discover the history of the world’s largest underground river, The Great Artesian Basin. Learn the importance of the river which flows through 1/5 of inland Australia and experience an old opal mine and the home of ancient animals.

Quilpie Visitor Information Centre, 51 Brolga Street, Quilpie QLD 4480 (07) 4656 0540 tourism@quilpie.qld.gov.au www.visitquilpieshire.com

32 Wot’s on in Queensland Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

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Mud Bath, Eulo

things to do in St George & surrounds

Get a selfie at the colourful GrainCorp Silos in Thallon Enjoy a sunset cruise along the Balonne River

Fish the region’s rivers for Murray Cod Tackle a road train burger at the Nindigully Pub View John Murray’s artwork at the Hebel Hotel Sample wine from Qld’s most western vineyard Take a trip back in time at the Bollon Heritage Centre Savour the Russian Bakery flavours in Dirranbandi Admire the hand-carved emu eggs at the Unique Egg Touch a piece of history Mungindi’s One Ton Post @stgeorgeandsurrounds

07 4620 8877

balonne.qld.gov.au/visitors

Visitor Information Centre - 114 The Terrace, St George, QLD 4487 Natural Sciences Loop

33

Warrego Way Brisbane to Birdsville 1,578 km

Big Red Sand Dune, Simpson Desert

This drive takes you westward from the state capital to the very edge of the Simpson Desert, first through fertile plains, then Dividing Range, cattle country, oil and gas fields, artesian spas and finally, the Outback where you will experience the wonder of the million star show at night.

First, you’ll pass through Ipswich, rich in mining and railway history, and then on through the fertile Lockyer Valley which supplies vegetables to much of Australia. Then comes Toowoomba,

the Garden City at the top of the Great Divide, well-known for its Carnival of Flowers. Here, the Darling Downs begin.

As you cross the Downs, you will pass through Oakey with its Australian Army Flying Museum, Jondaryan with its Woolshed and Dalby, not too far from the Bunya Mountains National Park. Next is Chinchilla which is known for its Melon Festival and then Miles, home of the Historical Village Museum.

34 Wot’s on in Queensland Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

Continuing westward, you’ll reach Roma, the centre of a gas and oil hub and home of the Big Rig museum.

Travel on to Mitchell with its artesian spa, Morven, Charleville, home of the Cosmos Centre for star gazing, Quilpie, renowned for its boulder opal, and on to Windorah and the historic Coopers Creek.

And finally, you will reach Birdsville with its famous pub and races, an oasis on the edge of the desert.

Places of Interest 1,578 km BRISBANE Brisbane is Queensland’s riverside capital city with a population of 2.4 million, making it the third most populous city in Australia.

TOOWOOMBA Nicknamed ‘The Garden City’, Toowoomba is located on the crest of the Great Dividing Range in the Darling Downs region, 125km west of Brisbane city by road.

DALBY Rural town on the northern Darling Downs, 80km north-west of Toowoomba is a hive of rural enterprise.

Brisbane to Birdsville 1,578 Kilometres

CHINCHILLA Famous for its melon and renowned spot for fossicking, fishing and bushwalking, Chinchilla is an easy drive 81km west of Dalby.

MILES Originally named ‘Dogwood Crossing’, Miles is a rural town noted for its wildflowers and pioneer history.

ROMA The Big Rig Museum highlights the oil and gas history at the world’s largest Artesian Basin.

TRAVEL TIPS • Plan your trip with an

MITCHELL

Accredited Visitor Information Centre

West of Roma, alongside the Maranoa River, Mitchell is home to many natural wonders e.g.

Artesian bathing.

• Always wear a seatbelt, drink plenty of water and use sunscreen • At the beach, be sure to swim only between the red and yellow flags • Avoid driving at dawn and dusk to steer clear of native wildlife

8

• Tell family and friends your itinerary as part of planning for your trip • Never pass a service station without checking your fuel gauge • If your vehicle breaks down in a remote area, stay with the vehicle

9

• To discover what’s on along the way visit wotsoninqld.com.au

• For all things caravanning visit www.caravanningqld.com.au

QUILPIE Palaeontology, geology and a steep pioneering history in sheep, cattle, fish with an array of birds and wildlife is what you’ll find here.

• Phone 000 for emergencies • For more travelling safety tips visit www.stayontrackoutback.qld.gov.au and www.lifesaving.com.au

CHARLEVILLE In the heart of ‘mulga country’, Charleville is the largest town in Queensland’s south west Queensland.

10

BIRDSVILLE Famous for its races Birdsville is situated between the eastern edge of the Simpson Desert and vast gibber plains of Sturt’s Stony Desert.

Warrego Way

35

Warrego Way Brisbane to Birdsville 1,578 km Warrego Way Must Do’s Travel west and your journey will be filled with adventure! Here’s our 5 Must Do’s for Warrego Way.

1. Toowoomba Stop in at Toowoomba to relax in the colourful gardens and parks. The city is known for its distinctive seasons and picturesque gardens. When planning your trip through Toowoomba try to visit around September to catch the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. The Carnival is packed with an array of plants, food, music and fun!

2. Dalby The energetic town of Dalby located in Southern Queensland Country is a must visit stop whilst travelling the Warrego Way. Relax and wander the landscaped gardens of Thomas Jack Park whilst enjoying a local bite to eat. Just south-east of Dalby, you’ll

get in touch with your country side at Jondaryan Woolshed where you can learn about the region’s rich farming history through a guided tour and finish off with lunch or morning tea at onsite Damper Hut Café.

3. Chinchilla If you love juicy watermelons, rockmelons and honeydew melons then you’ll want to time your arrival in Chinchilla to coincide with the biennial Chinchilla Melon Festival!

Chinchilla is the undisputed melon capital of Australia but if that’s not your thing, seek out their renowned fishing spots including Chinchilla Weir and Condamine River, or visit the town’s impressive Cultural Centre and Historical Museum with its unique display of petrified wood and transport pieces.

36 Wot’s on in Queensland Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

4. Miles Miles is the perfect stop along Warrego Way to unwind. The Miles Historical Village is a tourist hot-spot with more than 20 historic buildings, including a hospital, café, bank, post office and bakery. Why not take a night cap in Miles and spend the afternoon cruising along the Balonne River with Sandytown River Cruises – we hear this is the perfect way to unwind after a long drive!

5. Birdsville Australia’s iconic ‘must visit’ town is Birdsville, the hub for travellers heading across the Simpson Desert.

Birdsville has the largest area of parallel sand dunes in the world.

You’ll find the ‘Big Red’ which is the famous 40-metre-high sand dunes situated 35km from Birdsville. There is nothing quite like sitting at the top of the ‘Big Red’ to enjoy the sunset with family, friends or as part of a tour – this is a must do!

can help you around

The Toowoomba Region

Australian Army Flying Museum, Oakey

TOOWOOMBA VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Open 7 days, 9am - 5pm FREECALL 1800 33 11 55 82 - 86 James Street, Toowoomba Qld 4350 E infocentre@tr.qld.gov.au

HAMPTON VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

Open 7 days, 9am - 5pm FREECALL 1800 009 066 8623 New England Highway, Hampton Qld 4352 E hamptoninfo@tr.qld.gov.au

Closed Good Friday, ANZAC Day morning (opening at 1pm), Christmas Day and Boxing Day

southernqueenslandcountry.com.au

Warrego Way

37

Capricorn Way Rockhampton to Barcaldine 580 km

Landsborough Highway, Barcaldine

Rockhampton offers much more that its status as the beef capital of Australia might suggest.

For example, only 30 minutes away is Mount Hay where the tourist gemstone park is famous for its ‘thunder eggs’. Or there’s Mount Archer, which offers a panoramic view of the town. Or just a little to the south, Mount Morgan is the site of the goldfields of the 1880s and 1890s.

Just north of the town are the Capricorn Caves with their limestone formations. Duaringa is a little more

than a 1-hour drive from ’Rocky’ as it’s known. Head west to Dingo with access to the sandstone wonders of the Blackdown Tableland National Park. Further along the way is Blackwater, site of one of the largest flag displays in the world, each one representing the country of origin of the 37 nationalities that first worked the region’s coal industry.

Next is Emerald, where you can visit the National Trust-listed Emerald Railway Station, then make the short drive south to picturesque Lake Maraboon.

38 Wot’s on in Queensland Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

As you travel west from Emerald, you can take a detour to see the sapphire fields around the towns of Sapphire and Anakie, and try your luck at fossicking. Next comes the town of Alpha, best known as the town of murals.

And finally you reach Barcaldine, at the junction of the Capricorn and Matilda Ways, famous for its Tree of Knowledge memorial commemorating the Great Shearers Strike of 1891.

Places of Interest 580 km ROCKHAMPTON Rockhampton, or ‘Rocky’, is the fourth largest city in Queensland known as the Beef Capital of Australia.

DUARINGA The small rural town of Duaringa is the oldest township in the shire of Duaringa, with buildings dating back to the 1870s.

DINGO

Rockhampton to Barcaldine 580 Kilometres

Named after the native Australian dog the dingo, the town of Dingo is situated in grazing country west of Rockhampton.

BLACKWATER Blackwater in the Central Highlands region is a significant coal mining area known as the ‘Coal Capital’ of Queensland.

EMERALD Emerald is the regional hub of the Central Highlands and gateway to the largest sapphire gemfields in the southern hemisphere.

TRAVEL • Plan your trip with an

Accredited Visitor Information Centre

• Always wear a seatbelt, drink plenty of water and use sunscreen • At the beach, be sure to swim only between the red and yellow flags • Avoid driving at dawn and dusk to steer clear of native wildlife

GEMFIELDS Gemfields contains four small townships; Anakie, Rubyvale, Sapphire and Willows Gemfields. The sapphire fields date back to 1857, covering almost 900 square kilometres.

• Tell family and friends your itinerary as part of planning for your trip

BARCALDINE

• Never pass a service station without checking your fuel gauge

Located at the junction of the Landsborough and Capricorn Highways, Barcaldine is often referred to as the Garden City of the West.

• If your vehicle breaks down in a remote area, stay with the vehicle • Phone 000 for emergencies • To discover what’s on along the way visit wotsoninqld.com.au • For more travelling safety tips visit www.stayontrackoutback.qld.gov.au and www.lifesaving.com.au • For all things caravanning visit www.caravanningqld.com.au

Capricorn Way

39

Capricorn Way Rockhampton to Barcaldine 580 km Central Highlands Must Do’s Looking for a unique Queensland experience? Look no further than The Central Highlands, home to some hidden gems! Here’s our top 4 Must Do’s in this region.

1. Explore Carnarvon Gorge You may have heard of Carnarvon Gorge, but did you know it’s a winding course carved into sandstone over millions of years? Carnarvon Gorge is the perfect opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the rugged wilderness, discover ancient Aboriginal rock art, join a guided tour or even camp in the National Park!

2. Sapphire Gemfields Go a little gem crazy when you visit Rubyvale, Sapphire, Anakie and Willows Gemfields. We recommend putting your skills to test digging for sapphires and zircons. There are fossicking parks available where visitors can start searching straight away. If you’re after some serious sapphire hunting, you can purchase a fossicker’s permit and dig for a fortune in designated areas!

3. Lake Maraboon Take the family for a day trip to Lake Maraboon or Fairbairn Dam where the lake is home to eight different fish species, perfect for fishing, red crayfish and boating access. Remember a fishing permit is required from Central Highlands Visitor Information Centre, Emerald. Accommodation providers are close by for an overnight pitstop or holiday.

4. Emerald Botanic Gardens Take time out from your fossicking adventures and escape the heat at the Emerald Botanic Gardens. This 42-hectare tropical oasis is the perfect stop for a family picnic or leisurely stroll through rose gardens, sculptures and rainforests. Be sure to check out the ‘big sunflower’, a 25 metre high Van Gogh sunflower painting superstructure on an easel, you literally

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40 Wot’s on in Queensland Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

Wellings & Associates Pty Ltd, Authorised Representatives Paragem Pty Ltd (AFS/ACL 297276)

Carnarvon Gorge, Capricorn

Highways, byways and roads less travelled...

Situated in the heart of central western Queensland, our region offers visitors a warm outback welcome and experience.

See all our region has to offer by exploring our five towns – Alpha, Jericho, Barcaldine, Aramac and Muttaburra.

Experience the good old fashioned small town values and charm that our region has to offer. barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au C O M M U N I T I E S

Alpha

O F

Jericho

T H E

B A R C A L D I N E

Barcaldine

R E G I O N A L

Aramac

C O U N C I L

Muttaburra Capricorn Way

41

Overlander’s Way Townsville to Tennant Creek 1,081 km

Julia Creek Triathlon, Julia Creek

This drive follows, in reverse, the droving routes across Queensland from Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory to Townsville.

Townsville is home to Barrier Reef HQ and the Museum of Tropical Queensland, with its HMS Pandora exhibit. Just off the coast is Magnetic Island, more than half of which is designated as a National Park.

Heading west over the Great Dividing Range you will first reach the historic gold mining town of Charters Towers which even had its own stock exchange at one time, such were its riches. Just a short drive out of town is Leahton Park, home of the biggest

herd of Texas longhorn cattle in the country.

Further west you’ll come to Hughenden in what was an inland sea with dinosaurs and marine creatures. At the Flinders Discovery Centre, make sure you see the 7-metre long skeleton of ‘Hughie’, a Muttaburrasaurus. En route to Richmond, rich with marine fossils, you might take a 1-hour side trip to Porcupine Gorge, Australia’s ‘Little Grand Canyon’. At Julia Creek Visitor Centre you will meet the dunnarts, mouse-like creatures which are the rarest and cutest Australian marsupial.

42 Wot’s on in Queensland Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

You’ll continue to Cloncurry, the birthplace of Australia’s Flying Doctor Service.

Mount Isa is next, the Outback’s only city and hub of a rich mining area. Its many attractions include the World Heritage Riversleigh Fossil Centre and a number of mine tours.

At Camooweal, the last town before the Northern Territory border, do visit the Drovers Camp Information Centre to learn about the cattle industry in Northern Australia.

Places of Interest 1,081 km TOWNSVILLE Coastal city in north-eastern Queensland, offers diverse experiences from the Great Barrier Reef to the World Heritage Wet Tropics.

CHARTERS TOWERS Inland from Townsville, this gold mining region offers great fishing and 4WD adventures.

HUGHENDEN Known for the seven-metre Muttaburrasaurus ‘Hughie’ and the rich history of sheep production.

Townsville to Tennant Creek 1,081 Kilometres

RICHMOND Small town which functions as a service centre to the surrounding pastoral community.

JULIA CREEK Home to the annual Dirt n Dust Festival held in April each year. Event includes Artesian Horse Race, bull riding, Best Butt competition and more.

OUTBACK AT ISA

...your starting point for true Outback adventures

CLONCURRY At the junction of the Matilda and Overlander’s Ways, on the banks of the Cloncurry River, the birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Showcases world class rodeos, races, musters and more.

MOUNT ISA Situated in Queensland’s vast North West is known as the ‘oasis of the outback’.

VISITOR INFO | TOURS | BOOKINGS | CAFE | ART GALLERY

8

CAMOOWEAL

9

TENNANT CREEK

Camooweal declares itself as the ‘Gateway to the Northern Territory’ and is a service town for surrounding properties and tourists.

Tennant Creek and the Barkly Tablelands is known for the million-acre cattle stations, gold mining, iconic rock formations and Aboriginal culture.

19 Marian Street, Mount Isa | (07) 4749 1555 | www.experiencemountisa.com | 8.30am-5.00pm, 7 days a week

Overlander’s Way

43

Savannah Way Cairns to Hell’s Gate Roadhouse to Broome 3,925 km

Undara Volcanic Caves, Gulf Savannah

You’ll start your journey in the tropical city of Cairns, from where you can explore two World Heritage areas: the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest.

Initially you’ll be following the same route as the Great Inland Way, passing through Mareeba and then Ravenshoe.

Then there’s the Undara Volcanic National Park, where you will see the world-famous lava tubes. Next comes Einasleigh, where the Savannahlander train from Cairns stops outside the pub.

Via turning off the main highway at Georgetown, you can enjoy cruising the Cobbold Gorge, which is only

2 metres wide in some places with 30-metre sandstone cliffs on either side! See the amazing mineral collection in Georgetown before continuing on now passing through the gulf country Savannah grasslands, before reliving the gold mining days as you explore the well-preserved buildings of Croydon’s historic precinct. At Normanton you can go croc spotting or fishing on the river, or take a detour north to the coast to experience Karumba’s famous sunsets and amazing fishing.

birds, you’ll reach Burketown, where

Still travelling through grasslands rich with wildlife including an array of

of Doomadgee and then stop awhile

44 Wot’s on in Queensland Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

the Morning Glory wave-shaped cloud formation rolls across the Gulf of Carpentaria at dawn between late September and early November. Relax in the outback oasis of Adel’s Grove before exploring the World Heritagelisted Riversleigh Fossil Fields, then take a detour south and be awestruck at Boodjamulla National Park’s spectacular Lawn Hill Gorge.

Before crossing the Western Australia border, see the Aboriginal community at the Hell’s Gate Roadhouse.

Places of Interest 3,925 km CAIRNS The only place on the planet where two World Heritage Wonders sit side by side. Here, the world’s largest reef – The Great Barrier Reef meets Daintree Rainforest.

ATHERTON Atherton Tablelands is a short drive inland from Cairns and is a known World Heritage Wet Tropics waterfall circuit. Stop into Crystal Caves and see the world’s largest Amethyst.

UNDARA Undara Volcanic National Park is in North Queensland, notable for lava tubes and gem fossicking.

Cairns to Broome 3,925 Kilometres

MOUNT SURPRISE Mount Surprise is a railway town and hub for gem fossicking including topaz, quartz and garnet to be found.

Adels Grove

Welcome to

10km from Boodjamulla

SAVANNAH GUIDES

Enterprise

(Lawn Hill) National Park Your choice of: • Camping or Accommodation • Cruise through the spectacular Lawn Hill Gorge • 1/2 day tours of the World Heritage Riversleigh Fossil Field • 1/2 day tour of Boodjamulla National Park • Canoe hire • Relax at Alberts Bar and Bistro • Fuel • Shop • Pet friendly • Camp fires • Day visitors welcome

For info & bookings contact us on 07 4748 5502 E: reservations@adelsgrove.com.au • www.adelsgrove.com.au

COBBOLD GORGE Cobbold Gorge is a six hour drive from Cairns, located deep in the Queensland Outback.

NORMANTON Normanton is a small cattle town notably home to an 8.64m long statue of a saltwater crocodile capture in the Norman River in 1957.

BOODJAMULLA NATIONAL PARK Previously known as Lawn Hill National Park, Boodjamulla National Park is home to exceptional gorges, sandstone ranges and fossil deposits.

BROOME Broome is a popular coastal town in the Kimberley region of Western Australia built on the pearling trade.

CARAVAN & HOLIDAY PARKS

2018 winner

Savannah Way

45

Savannah Way Cairns to Hell’s Gate Roadhouse to Broome 3,925 km Savannah Way Must Do’s Arguably the most scenic and adventure filled drive-route in Australia! Here’s 5 Must Do’s we recommend whilst on-route.

1. Undara Lava Tubes The strange but incredible Lava Tubes are found three hours southeast of Cairns. The lava tube formations are now believed to be one of the longest lava tube systems known in the world and are open to explore! Great for a family day trip.

2. Cobbold Gorge Cobbold Gorge is found deep in the heart of the Gulf Savannah region of Far North Queensland and is a geographical passage way with a lake flowing through.

We recommend taking a guided boat tour to discover the unreal scenery and rich cultural history.

3. Boodjamulla National Park and Lawn Hill Gorge Possibly one of the greatest secrets of the Queensland Outback is the Boodjamulla National Park. The emerald coloured water is ideal for kayaking and swimming with the gushing waterfalls and overhanging foliage adding to the ambience of this oasis. Don’t forget to take some pics from the Upper Gorge lookout walk!

4. Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) In case you haven’t noticed, magnificent gorges are a huge part of the Savannah Way and Nitmiluk National Park is home to 13 of these stunning ancient sandstone wonders.

Whether you choose to explore by foot, canoe, boat or helicopter, which ever angle you view this incredible National Park and gorges from will take your breath away.

46 Wot’s on in Queensland Highways, Byways & Roads Less Travelled

We recommend a trip to Leliyn (Edith Falls) for a refreshing swim in the lower and upper pools or take the Baruwei Lookout or Loop walks in the western end of Katherine Gorge.

5. Camel Tour Cable Beach If you’ve Googled images of Broome then you’ve likely seen the iconic image of a camel tour strolling majestically along Cable Beach at sunset. We can’t think of a more spectacular and scenic way to finish off the Savannah Way! Make sure you bring your camera to capture this beautiful experience.

Cobbold Gorge, Cairns

Savannah Way

47

Nu Nu Restaurant, Palm Cove

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