📍Biggenden, QLD Road Trip Visitor Guide To The 12 Best Things To Do For Nature Lovers & More. (2024.)
WANT TO KNOW THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN BIGGENDEN?
Biggenden is the easternmost town in the beautiful North Burnett region. Located 85km west of Maryborough and 46km south west of Childers, it is the ultimate inland detour for nature-loving road trippers travelling the state-spanning Bruce Highway(A1) thanks to its proximity to the rugged peaks of Mt Walsh National Park, the dry shallow lakes inside recently-dormant volcanic calderas, and to the glistening waters of the Wide Bay Burnett’s newest dams.
Here is a rundown on those things and everything else I thought was worth seeing there after a two week trip travelling the region.
👉 My top 3 picks for what to do in Biggenden, QLD:
- Visit Mt Walsh National Park.
- See the shallow Crater Lakes of Coulson Lakes National Park.
- Free camp by the lake at Paradise Dam.
Planning Your Trip? Use My Favourite Resources!
Tours/Experiences: I recommend Viator.
Accommodation: I recommend Booking.com.
Flights: I recommend Aviasales.
Car Rental: I recommend economybookings.
Best Things To Do In Biggenden.
1. Explore The Nearby National Park.
Mt Walsh National Park.
Biggenden’s biggest drawcard for nature-lovers are the rugged peaks of Mt Walsh National Park. Not only are they the town’s striking backdrop that can be seen from far and wide thanks to the way the isolated cluster of mountains dramatically rise out of the otherwise flat terrain, but are a mecca for hiking enthusiasts.
Experienced outdoorsy types with proficient navigational skills can tackle the formidable summit of the namesake peak, which offers exceptional views of the surrounding landscape from the scenic picnic area just out of town. Meanwhile, on the eastern side, casual walkers will love exploring Utopia Falls gorgeous rock pools in the Waterfall Creek section, which are great for wild swimming on hot days, but pretty freaking cold when I went in for a dip in the morning in late-May.
Lastly, those who have 4WDs will not want to miss the opportunity to drive to Coongara Rock, a spectacular granite monolith that is forms one of the national park’s most prominent landmarks.
2. See The Crater Lakes Of Australia’s Youngest Extinct Volcano.
Coalstoun Lakes National Park.
West along the Burnett Highway, Coalstoun Lakes National Park is another must-visit destination to add to the itinerary. This gorgeous ecologically unique place just outside the township of the same name is home to some incredible geography. The hiking trail goes across Mount Le Brun, which despite having last erupted over 600,000 years ago is one of Australia’s youngest and most recently extinct volcanic formations.
While it was once spewing out basalt lava, its calderas today are two shallow, typically dry mountaintop lakes that occasionally become filled with rainwater, which is especially fascinating to see from the lookout at the craters rim. Bring a pair of binoculars as when they’re full, they are a mecca for birdlife with a bird hide at each lake allowing walkers to observe them without disturbing them. But even when they aren’t, it’s still a good idea as while I didn’t get to see many birds, I did see two wallabies play fighting in the lakebed, so you’ll never know what you’ll see.
Note: This walk is a must at sunrise it is foggy. The first 350m is steep, but the trails took you above the fog and with the rolling hills bathed in it, and the peaks of Mt Walsh National Park in the distance, it was a phenomenal way to start the day.
3. Boat & Kayak Lakeside.
Paradise Dam.
While the dry lakes at Coalstoun Lakes National Park aren’t usable for water-based leisure activities, Biggenden is also the gateway to Paradise Dam, which very much is. This is the perfect place for enjoying a picnic or BBQ with picturesque views overlooking the dam wall and the impounded Burnett River. And with no restrictions on the types of vessels permitted for use beautiful place to enjoy relaxing activities such as boating and paddling or stuff that gets the adrenaline pumping such as jet skiing, wakeboarding and tubing.
Better yet, it also has a free campground that you don’t need to pre-book, perfect for spontaneous trips. Just arrive and call the number from the kiosk car park to let the caretaker know you’re there, and shazam, you’ve got a fantastic place to spend the night under the stars. Plus, it has views of the lake with the sun setting directly behind it, which is excellent if you love watching sunsets.
4. Spend Even More Time On The Water.
Mingo Crossing.
Further west on the same dam, Mingo Crossing is a gorgeous and modern lakeside facility on the road to the picturesque towns of Mount Perry and is another fantastic place to enjoy a picnic on the grass or at the table under the shelters where there are also free BBQs. It also head out on the water and enjoy a tranquil paddle or an exhilarating jet ski or water ski.
Best of all, the toilet block has hot showers, perfect for rinsing off after working up a sweat or getting the stickiness of the lake water off your body. And if you wanted to make an overnight adventure out of it, the Mingo Crossing Caravan & Recreation Park is right behind it.
5. Change The Pace & Drive Through The Forest.
Good Night Scrub National Park.
If you’re tired of driving on the main roads and looking for a forestry escape, on the northeastern side of Paradise Dam is Good Night Scrub National Park. While there are no formal walking trails, it’s a great place to go for a peaceful drive in a lovely natural setting, where there are picturesque spots to uncover and there’s a better chance of spotting wildlife. The roads are mostly suitable for conventional 2WD vehicles, however, some are only 4WD accessible, such as the one to get to One Tree Hill Lookout where limited views of the surrounding countryside await.
6. Go Wild Swimming!
Wongi Waterholes. Wongi State Forest.
While you can enjoy a frolic at Paradise Dam and Mingo Crossing, one of the best places I’ve discovered to go wild swimming is at the Wongi Waterholes. Located north west of Maryborough in Wongi State Forest and away from vehicular and boat traffic, this gorgeous place is a small natural waterhole and offers the perfect tranquil and secluded setting for cooling off on those hot summer and spring days.
7. Tour The North Burnett Region.
Burnett Circle Touring Route.
For those who love scenic drives, Biggenden is part of the Burnett Circle Touring Route, which includes visiting all the towns in the beautiful North Burnett region. The recommended time it takes to complete the circuit which includes the towns of Gayndah, Mundubbera, Eidsvold, Monto, Kalpowar and Mt Perry and the national parks and lakes that are in their vicinity is six days. However, I recommend going at a slower place and giving it more like ten days, especially as places like Cania Gorge National Park and Auburn River National Park are well worth spending more time.
Better yet, there are several free campgrounds, stopovers in towns (some RV only unfortunately), and rest areas along the highways plus numerous other affordable camping areas making touring the region crazy affordable. I spent two weeks doing so and spent less than $20, so it’s perfect for budget adventures.
More Things To Do In Biggenden.
Find The Steel Artworks
Rose Of The Burnett, Bottle Tree & Man With A Wheelbarrow.
Many of the towns across the North Burnett region have beautiful artworks that contribute the the Art Trail with Monto being the biggest contributor and the Three Moon Grain Silo Art being the most awe-inspiring.
In Biggenden, there are 3 metal works all along Edward Street. The Rose Of The Burnett, more commonly referred to as the Biggenden Rose is the town’s signature artwork. The beautiful metal sculpture on the dividing strip in the main thoroughfare weighs a whooping 2,000kg and was created by local artist Craig Nelson in 2015 to commemorate 50 years since the first Biggenden Rose Festival and is striking addition to the business centre’s landscape.
Another lovely metal sculpture is of a bottle tree and lies at the intersection with Victoria Street just outside the entrance to the RV Free Overnight Rest Area, while my favourite is the one in Beiers Park which is an abstract take of a man pushing a wheelbarrow and looks like it belongs in dusty outback town on an edgy animation, it’s that cool.
Step Back Into A Bygone Era.
Biggenden Historical Society.
For those who enjoy getting a glimpse into the past, the Biggenden Historical Society Museum is a great place to explore prolific old buildings, machinery, equipment, everyday gadgets, items, mementos and other artefacts that folks from the previous decades used for work, living and recreational activities, and is a humble reminder of what life was like for the previous generations.
See One Of Only Two Heritage Railway Bridges In Australia.
Chowey Bridge.
An even cooler piece of heritage lies a short distance outside of town. Chowey Bridge is only one of only two long-span concrete railway bridges left in Australia and the first built in Queensland. The 27m long superstructure with flanking support arches required 658 cubic metres of cement for the Wetheron section of the Gayndah Railway line which opened in 1905 and is a gorgeous example of old-school engineering which makes popping by to see the decommissioned structure a must for appreciators of architecture.
Best Towns To Visit Around Biggenden.
Mt Perry.
Further north past Mingo Crossing lies Mt Perry, a gorgeous small town with tonnes of natural charm. The highlight is Normanby Lookout which has magnificent views of the continent-spanning Great Dividing Range, including the peak named after the town and the tallest in the observable scenery. While you can hike to its summit, the first part of the trail goes through private property, which has no distinct pathway or waypoint. However, if you manage to find the cleared slope heading up the hill, there are fantastic views from there, but the track became so narrow and overgrown that I didn’t bother proceeding.
Boolboonda Tunnel, northeast of town is another excellent attraction worth visiting. It is Queensland’s longest unsupported tunnel and is home to a small colony of bent-wing bats making it the perfect attraction for animal lovers, especially at sunset when they all depart in a flurry.
Maryborough.
For many people, getting to Biggenden requires getting off the Bruce Highway(A1) at Maryborough, making it the perfect place to explore before heading inland.
One of the highlights is the delightful Story Bank, the literal birthplace of P.L. Travers, one of Australia’s most prolific children’s authors. It’s since been transformed into an unmissable attraction showcasing her penchant for whimsy by bringing to life the world of her most famous work, Mary Poppins, an utterly endearing world to enchant the young and the young at heart.
Another must-visit is the Gallipoli To Armistice Military Trail in the gorgeous Queens Park, which tells the story of local hero Duncan Chapman, the first Australian to set foot on Anzac Cove, and his heroic story of fighting in the First World War.
Maryborough is also the gateway to Hervey Bay, the breathtaking Whale Watching Capital Of Australia, which itself is the gateway to K’Gari(Fraser Island), the World’s Largest Sand Island and home to incredible beaches, pristine lakes and one of the last remaining pure-bred dingo populations so there’s no shortage of incredible nature-based things to do at both places.
Childers.
Northeast at the intersection of the Isis Highway(52) and Bruce Highway (A1) is the picturesque town of Childers, the perfect pitstop if heading to Bundaberg, or Maryborough and Hervey Bay. This lovely place surrounded by rolling hills is worth stopping by to see the poignant Backpackers Memorial, which pays homage to the 15 lives that were lost during a calculated arson attack on the former Palace Backpackers Hotel.
As the building has also been transformed into the town’s Visitor Information Centre, it’s also a great place to learn about what other sights there are to see, such as the quirky Childers Pharmaceuticals Museum and the beautiful Childers Memorial Precinct.
12. Gayndah.
Gayndah is the next town along the Burnett Highway(A3) and has special acclaim as it is Queensland’s first town. Along with its beautiful heritage buildings and historical museum that honour its humble colonial beginnings and the town’s evolution since, it is also the country’s competing citrus capital with neighbouring Mundubbera with the Big Orange being one of its biggest and most unique attractions. Plus, it has two gorgeous lookouts and a unique bridge, not to mention that Coulstoun Lakes National Park is halfway between the two towns.
Biggenden Attractions Map.
Accommodation: Where To Stay In Biggenden.
- Budget: Paradise Dam (Free Camping)
Conclusion: What To Do In Biggenden Visitor Guide.
While the town itself isn’t the most exciting place to visit, what lies around Biggenden, from Mt Walsh National Park, Coulstoun Lakes National Park, Mingo Crossing, and Paradise Dam make visiting well worthwhile.
If you plan to visit Biggenden, consider looking at these other posts.
