📍Monto, QLD Visitor Guide To The 6 Best Things To Do. (2024.)

WANT TO KNOW THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN MONTO, QUEENSLAND?

Monto is the North Burnett’s youngest town and the gateway to the spectacular Cania Gorge National Park, which earmarks the easternmost point where travellers can experience the striking sandstone cliffs iconic of Central Queensland. With several walks leading into the sheltered gorge and atop the breathtaking escarpments, it is a hiker’s paradise and a photographer’s dream to explore, however, it’s not the only reason to visit this place at the intersection of the Burnett Highway (A3) and the Gladstone-Monto Road (69). Discover all there is to do in this ultimate visitor guide to the best things to do in Monto.

1. See The Breathtaking Sandstone Cliffs Of Central Queensland.
Cania Gorge National Park.

By far and away, the most unmissable thing to do near Monto is visit Cania Gorge National Park. Thanks to its profound natural beauty featuring sheer escarpments, narrow canyons and several gorgeous caves, this unforgettable place is a mecca for nature lovers. That is thanks to it proximity to the coast being the easternmost place to get a glimpse of the remarkable sandstone cliffs synonymous with the Central Queensland landscape, making it the perfect weekend escape from prolific cities like Bundaberg and Gladstone without committing to a whole-ass road trip.

Six of the seven walking trails begin at the two picnic areas at the southern end of the national park, while the fascinating 1.4km return heritage Shamrock Mine walk starts near Cania Dam in the north. While I found all the tracks fascinating, my favourites were the 1.3km Two Storey Cave Circuit, and the 3.2km return Dripping Rock and Overhang track which both have plenty of weatherworn rock formations to marvel along the way as the pathway follows the base of the cliff face, offering plenty to see in addition to the ordinary first storey of the former walk on first glance which on closer inspection, reveals an extraordinary second level, and the breathtaking escarpments of the latter, making them visually rewarding from start to finish.

If you are of reasonable fitness, I also highly recommend doing the 22km return Castle Mountain Walk. Although it is classed as a Grade 4 walk, only the first 1.3km presents challenges with numerous steps leading to the Gorge Top Lookout. However, the rest is a gently undulating fire trail with the end offering magnificent views of Cania Dam you won’t find anywhere else. And if you’re a fast walker, you can also visit Bloodwood & Dragon Caves at the same time, which are just two short detours near the beginning of the hike.

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2. Spend Time At One Of Australia’s Most Beautiful Lakes.
Cania Dam.

Continuing driving past Cania Gorge National Park to the end of the road lies another must-visit place: the aforementioned Cania Dam. This breathtaking dam that impounds Three Moon Creek has the most gorgeous lakeside scenery I’ve ever seen in Australia so far thanks to the magnificent sheer escarpment of the national park framing its eastern fringes with the Scenic Lookout and Shamrock Road in particular having the most exceptional views of these breathtaking natural landmarks.

There are two spacious shady picnic areas with unsheltered free BBQs with tranquil views looking westward towards the gently undulating mountains that encapsulate the waters. Lastly, it also has a fully-concreted boat ramp and a dirt side track at the base of it for launching kayaks and other watercraft, which is the ultimate way to spend time at the reservoir as seeing the breathtaking limestone cliffs of the Cania Gorge surrounding the dam wall from the water is a truly unique and unforgettable way to spend time at the lake.

Note: The speed bump for the boat ramp is steep and I hit the underneath of my 2WD car the first time I went over, but luckily, there is just enough flat space at the side of it to drive past it to avoid this.

3. Discover The Magical Artworks Of Monto.
Monto Art Trail.

A lovely way to spend time exploring Monto, especially if you have kids, is to embark on the enchanting Monto Art Trail. This delightful scavenger hunt has 25 art installations across the township and nearby communities and includes murals on the side of buildings, decorated fibreglass cows, painted water towers and delightfully crafted wooden and metal sculptures, such as the unbelievably adorable Bunyip at Mulgildie and so much more.

The outstanding highlight of this endearing art trail is, undisputedly, the massive Grain Silo Mural Artwork at Three Moon. This incredible piece of artistry on the side of the Burnett Highway just south of Monto has unbelievable detail depicting the natural and cultural heritage of the region, which includes the mesmerising beauty of Cania Gorge National Park, the local agricultural industries, its magical country charm and the local legend of how the locality got its mystical name. It is truly a sight to behold, so even if you aren’t an art lover, this is one artwork not to miss.

Note: The Three Moon Grain Art Silo has a local vegetable and jar goods stall. I bought some jars of Choko Mustard Pickle and Apple and Mango Chutney and can confirm they are delicious.

4. Discover A Bygone Era.
Monto Historical and Cultural Centre.

Those who enjoy stepping back in time and discovering artefacts and architecture from the past will love spending time at the Monto Historical and Cultural Centre. This quaint attraction which displays important remnants of the past in beautifully maintained heritage buildings provides visitors with a vivid glimpse into the region’s past showcasing the lifestyle and inner workings of industry operations from a time gone by.

5. Go On A 4WD Adventure Into The Forest.
Hurdle Gully Lookout. (Coolmingah State Forest.)

If you have a 4WD, a great place to visit near Monto is Coolmingah State Forest. The entry to it is just a little further along the Burnett Highway past the Cania Gorge National Park exit east of town and is home to Queensland’s largest patch of semi-evergreen vine thicket with crows ash and bottle tree alliance has some great offroad tracks perfect for a nature-based adventure in the car. The highlight of visiting the state forest is Hurdle Gully Lookout, which has picturesque but limited views overlooking the valley of Three Moon Creek, the Mulgildie Plateau and the Burnett River.

6. Wuruma Dam.

If you can’t get enough of being on the water, another great place to visit in Monto’s vicinity is Wuruma Dam. This peaceful lake impounding Nogo Creek, off the highway halfway to Eidsvold is a tranquil escape from being stuck in the car driving long distances between towns. Boating activities aren’t off-limits here, so whether you love peaceful activities like boating, sailing or kayaking, or adrenaline-pumping ones such as jet skiing, wakeboarding or tubing, the game is up to you.

Better yet, Wuruma Dam is home to one of the best free campsites in the North Burnett region, with over 40 spacious grassy sites available on a no-booking, first come, first served basis. This is a fantastic option for those who love travelling without set schedules, such as road trippers touring the country or on a spontaneous adventure from coastal cities such as Bundaberg or Gladstone.

Monto Attractions Map.

Accommodation: Where To Stay In Monto.

• Budget: Stopover at the Information Centre (Free self-contained RV Camping) or Coomingah Range Campsite – (Free) or Wuruma Dam. (Free.)

As the gateway for the spectacular Cania Gorge National Park and with two stunning lakes within the vicinity, there is no shortage of fantastic nature-based things to do in the Monto area.