Banana Shire
The Banana Shire abounds with opportunities for the intrepid traveller to experience a genuine bush holiday. Located west of Gladstone, this hinterland area, abundant in earthy wonders, is an interesting feature on any travel itinerary.
The Banana Shire covers 15,729 square kilometres and has a population of approximately 13,600 people. The warm and friendly communities which dot the shire will endeavour to make your stay a pleasant one.
Named after a 19th century dun-coloured bullock called Banana, a local legend in the cattle industry, this resource-rich shire has grown from strength to strength. Well known for its agricultural and mining heritage, the Banana Shire is home to a number of large industries including the Callide Power Station and mining operations.
Experience some of Australia’s brilliant gorges and national parks, discover superb rural and outback scenery, experience station life or catch the ‘Big One’ at one of the many top fishing spots.
BILOELA AND THANGOOL
The bustling town of Biloela provides a lovely entrance to the Banana Shire. Located in central eastern Queensland’s Callide Valley and found at the junction of The Country Way and Gorges Way, Biloela is the major population base and service centre of the shire.
Gazetted in 1924, Biloela has grown into a vibrant, modern town of 6,000. Its well-established business and shopping centres, eating facilities and accommodation providers make the town an ideal spot from which to base your Australian bush adventure.
The town of Biloela is full of fascinating tourist sites which will give you an appreciation of where this town has come from and where it is going.
Discover and learn about the shire’s pioneering heritage, industrial growth, diverse economy and reputation as a great place to grow by visiting the SILO (Simulated Interactive Learning Opportunities exhibition), which is actually housed in a huge silo from Expo 88. The SILO is also home to the Ruth Maynard Pioneer Village and Callide Dawson Machinery Preservation Club.
Take a trip back into Australia’s settler days at Greycliffe Homestead and Museum. This century-old, traditional homestead is a well preserved specimen of early settler architecture. Its round bush timber rafters, fireplace and calico lined bedrooms capture the essence of how hard and rough living in the Australian outback must have been.
A visit to the Callide Power Station will give you an appreciation of giant power source need to drive the Banana Shire’s resources boom. Found on the outskirts of Biloela, off Gorges Way, the power station is of mammoth proportions and includes a 210-metre high chimney-stack and a 116 metre high cooling tower.
Callide Lookout, just past Callide Power Station offers impressive views of the industrial giants of Biloela. Gain a bird’s eye perspective of the mining operations at Callide Mine or take in the enormity of the power station and the local water source, Lake Callide.
Lake Callide is fast gaining a reputation as one of Australia’s premier inland fisheries, with catches of huge barramundi not uncommon. An integral part of the Bass to Barra Trail, this lake is home to a variety of species including sleepy cod, yellow belly and red claw. Fish can be caught from both the shore and boat. Adults require a fishing licence.
Just 12 kilometres south of Biloela is the quaint country town of Thangool. Known for its beautiful, well-kept parks and gardens Thangool is an important lucerne and grazing area. Thangool has its own airport with daily flights to and from Brisbane. Famous for its race track and bush race days, Thangool is a classic rural town with country people and hospitality.
A visit to Thangool is not complete without a short drive to Mt Scoria, a rare 150 metre high rock formation; one of only three of its type in the world. Formerly the core of a volcano, long six-sided basalt columns on the top of the mountain project outwards like fingers. When struck with another rock unique musical notes resonate from this natural phenomenon. Colloquially known as the Musical Mountain, this small attractive park, complete with walking trail, picnic and toilet facilities provides an idyllic setting to rest and take in the unadulterated beauty of the area.
CRACOW, MOURA AND THEODORE
The once prosperous gold mining town of Cracow is located 154 kilometres south east of Biloela along the Leichhardt Highway. Gold was discovered in 1850, with the Golden Plateau N.L Company operating the mine from 1936 to 1976. Once promoted as a ‘ghost town’ Cracow has recently been given a new lease of life with the reopening of the gold mine.
Enjoy the mixture of old and new bush experiences by taking a walking tour of the town. Examine the mid 20th century architecture through exploring the deserted grand hospital and shops. Rumours suggest that ghosts inhabit the town. When you move over the creaking boards of the old Boarding House the eerie feeling of being watched is uncanny.
For an encounter of the more mortal kind, visit the Cracow Hotel. A popular meeting place for friends from near and far, the beer and food is superb while the Front Bar heritage display gives visitors an insight into the once flourishing town. The locals are happy to give commentary on the displays dedicated to Australian stockmen and outback larrikins as well as Fred Brophy’s boxing tent memorabilia. Why not take a short drive to ‘Cracow Beach’ and marvel at the rare Livistonia Palms endemic to the Dawson River area.
Moura, located 65 kilometres west from Biloela along Gorges Way is the gateway township for travelers, miners, farmers and graziers. Named after the pastoral holding ‘Moura’, this diverse community is a leader in mining, cotton, grain and cattle industries. Whilst in Moura pay a visit to the Coal and Country Museum and Information Centre. Home to displays depicting the pioneering and coal mining history of the area, it’s a great place to begin a scenic self-drive tour of the surrounding district. Stop for lunch at Apex Park on the picturesque Dawson River and if you have time ‘throw in a line’ or join the locals in a water ski. Why not visit Moura in August and attend the annual Coal and Country Festival.
Theodore, small it may look, is huge in term of friendliness, history and sightseeing opportunities. Found 105 kilometres south west of Biloela on the Leichhardt Highway, Theodore is a delightful country town positioned on the banks of the mighty Dawson River. The Dawson Folk Museum, located in the town’s original Power Station, gives a rare insight into bush life with a variety of objects and displays honouring the region’s traditional indigenous owners and white settlers. A visit to the historic flagged road, near Glenmoral Gorge, allows you to truly appreciate the tenacity the iconic Australian bush drovers needed to survive. Built in 1863, the stone bullock track formed an essential part of the wool carting track between Roma and Rockhampton. Some of the rocks used in the flagging weighed approximately 220 kilograms and were laid neatly into the ground by hand. Today, Theodore is an important locale for important irrigation and agricultural operations. Popular spots to visit in Theodore include the community managed Hotel-Motel, the Dawson River Weir – perfect for fishing, Rose’s Garden, Junction Park and Glenmoral Gorge.
BARALABA, GOOVIGEN, JAMBIN, DULULU AND WOWAN
Baralaba is a definitive Aussie town full of character. Found 96 kilometres north west of Biloela; it is a coal mining, cattle, grain and irrigated crop farming hub. The Neville Hewitt Weir on the Dawson River is a popular recreational area and offers the best boating, skiing and fishing in the Dawson and Callide Valleys.
Venture into the thriving bush of yesteryear with a trip to the Historical Village. Alternatively, tourists can immerse themselves in the Baralaba Historic Photos Collection at the Baralaba Landcare and Community Resource Development Centre. The 1000 historic photos will give visitors a real appreciation of what life was like.
For those in need of a genuine bush encounter, head to Myella Farm Stay.Takean active role in the running of a working cattle station. Involve yourself in tasks such as milking cows, feeding the farm animals, mustering and fixing fences. At day’s end enjoy some good old-fashioned home style cooking and a yarn by the fire.
Experience a slice of country Queensland with a trip to Jambin, 29 kilometres north west of Biloela along The Country Way. Originally a supply depot for the railway, Jambin now forms an intricate part of the rich agricultural area. A visit to Jambin isn’t complete without a stop at the local pub. On any given day, you’ll find many of the 40 local residents at this popular watering hole, having a quiet ale or hearty nosh. It’s awonderful place to stop and unwind during your journey.
Near Jambin is the town of Goovigen. Situated 6 kilometres off The Country Way, this small township is nestled amongst many farming properties. Attractive gardens and renovated buildings are evidence of a cohesive rural community. Local history buffs will want to investigate the display in the iron clad School of Arts. The Goovigen Hotel provides helpful tourist information.
Dululu is located 72 kilometres north of Biloela at the junction of The Country Way and Leichhardt Highway. Sixty years ago this small town was a lively community. It was a real social occasion for farmers from around the district to bring their cream bound for the Wowan Butter Factory to the railway station three times a week.
With the Dee River meandering along the outskirts of the town, Dululu is the centre of diverse agriculture production with stud cattle, horses, pigs, squab, lucerne, grains, eggs, flowers and citrus orchards top commodities. The village has many tourist facilities including a hotel, general store, takeaway shop and rest area. Make it a key stop on your travel itinerary.
Wowan, aboriginal for Scrub Turkey, is found on the edge of the sauntering Pocket Creek. Located on the Leichhardt Highway 72 kilometres north of Biloela, it was first settled in 1912 with pioneering families investing primarily in dairy and cotton farms. Today’s farms produce a wide variety of primary goods including beef, hay, grain, pork and eggs. COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Bordered by hills to the south and west, Wowan is rich in native flora and fauna. The Butter Factory Museum is a visitor’s delight and the locals are keen to tell you all about the history and places of interest within the district. A walk around the township is a great way to gain an appreciation of Wowan’s well-maintained wooden buildings.
BANANA
An unusual name with plenty of character is the best way to describe Banana. Located 45 kilometres west of Biloela on the junction of Gorges Way and the Leichhardt Highway, it is a popular ‘truckies’ stop where fairdinkum service with a smile is guaranteed. The Banana Hotel and Restaurant is a popular eating place and ‘watering hole’ offering friendly, good old rural hospitality. This historic town derives its name from a huge dun coloured bullock named Banana that was used as a decoy to lead wild cattle to pens. After Banana’s death his body was taken to a nearby gully that became known as Banana’s Gully. In 1880 the Shire was named after the town.
NATURE'S THEME PARKS
The natural beauty of the Banana Shire is awe inspiring. Home to three national parks the shire has much to offer the nature lover.
Jump into your four-wheel drive and explore the untouched magnificence of Kroombit Tops National Park. The park features a wide variety of vegetation including extensive rainforest areas, gorges and plentiful native fauna and flora. It is the perfect place to indulge in bird-watching, camping, bushwalking and photography. Interestingly, the rugged terrain became the fate of a World War II B24D Liberator Bomber. Crashing on a rainy night in 1945 it took the lives of all airmen on board. The wreck can be viewed in the National Park. Lochenbar Station is located next to Kroombit Tops and offers a caravan park, on-site cabins, farmstay and backpacker accommodation, in addition to guided four-wheel drive tours into the park.
Isla Gorge, 35 kilometres south of Theodore, is known for its maze of imposing chasms and sandstone cliffs. The gorge is located on the southern tip of the Central Queensland Sandstone Belt and is home to an array of birds and interesting rock engravings and stencils from the Aboriginal Dreamtime.
Scenic self-drive tours area another great way to see an assortment of the rural, geographic, industrial and natural environments of Banana Shire. The Biloela to Cracow Crowsdale-Camboon Trail, the Dawson River Way and the Moura Coalfields Loop are the most recommended.
For more information on the Banana Shire, visit the council website www.banana.qld.gov.au.
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