North Burnett Regional Council

Contact Details

Contact: Jenny Bebbington

Email:

Toll Free: 1300 696 272

Fax: 07 4166 9960

Web: www.northburnett.qld.gov.au

The North Burnett features spectacular National Parks and recreational dams providing sporting and recreational facilities for residents and visitors.

The North Burnett is named after and bisected by the beautiful Burnett River, where a large number of excellent places exist for boating activities. The varying waterways from the tributaries provide areas for quiet canoeing around a creek, a spot of fishing and plenty of room for water skiing.

Bush Walking

Most of the National Parks in the North Burnett offer a variety of walking tracks. Bush walks available include but not limited to –

Cania Gorge National Park

Located about 180km south of Gladstone. Picnic shelters, barbecues, interpretive display, public conveniences and car parking are available at the Picnic Area. Camping is only permitted in the designated caravan parks.

Shamrock Mine: (1.4km return) take an historic look at the former mine site where the remains of the old battery, mine shaft, processing sheds and mullock heaps lie.

Big Foot: (1km short trail) features a large brown image of a four-toed foot on the white sandstone cliff.

Castle Mountain: (22km return) follow the Bloodwood Cave track to the Castle Mountain track turnoff. Climb the steep 200m track to the Gorge Lookout. From here a 10km fire trail winds through open woodland to Castle Mountain lookout.

MT Walsh National Park

This rugged park with spectacular exposed granite outcrops and cliffs, rises 703m above sea level. Bush camping is permitted in the Park however visitors must be totally self sufficient. Take a fuel stove and plenty of drinking water. Alternatively, picnic or barbecue below The Bluff in the Council grounds where shelter, toilets, barbecue and tank water are provided.

Walking: A 300m trail leads from the picnic area to a rocky creek gully fringed with dry rainforest. Continue 200m to the tree line for views over the surrounding countryside. Only experienced walkers should attempt the 2.5 hour hike to the summit.

Auburn River National Park

Located about 40km southwest of Mundubbera, this 405ha park features caves, rock pools and superb scenery. Recreational activities include bush walking, swimming and rock climbing. All walking tracks are class 5 or better and begin from the picnic and camping area.

Gorge Lookout: (600m) boasts impressive views across the riverbed. This is a naturally occurring lookout and there are no handrails.

Riverbed and Rockpools: (1.5km return) is a strenuous walk and should only be attempted by fit walkers. The track winds down the side of the gorge to the riverbed through dry rainforest, eucalypt forest and creek vegetation.

Choose walks that suit your fitness level. For more information including classes of walks, durations, camping permits and more, visit www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks or call the customer service centre on 1300 130 372.

Recreational Dams and Parks

Mingo Crossing Caravan and Recreation Area

Located on the banks of the Burnett River between MT Perry and Biggenden – GPS S 25.196262 E 151.657612. Power boating, jet skiing, canoeing, sailing, fishing, water skiing and swimming are some of the popular water sports at Mingo Crossing. Surrounded by rural countryside creates a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Facilities include camping ground, 12 powered caravan sites, two large undercover BBQ areas, amenities block, fish cleaning station, kiosk, tank water for drinking, parking for cars and boats. For bookings contact the office on site on 4161 6200 or email –

Paradise Dam Recreation Area

The ideal location for a great family adventure. Fish, water ski, sail, canoe, bush walk and visit the information centre. Facilities include unpowered camp sites (generators permitted), free gas barbecues, picnic shelters, environmentally friendly toilets, concrete boat ramp and car park and fish cleaning tables. There are no showers (pop up showers permitted) and limited drinking water. Situated on the Burnett River 95km SW of Bundaberg – GPS S 25.21339 E 151.55190, Paradise Dam reached 100% capacity following the influx of rain in January 2011. For bookings contact the office on site on (07) 4127 7278 or email –

Wuruma Dam Recreation Area

One of the few Bass/Barra lakes in Australia drawing serious anglers seeking two of Australia’s premier sports fishing targets. Located 48km north of Eidsvold on the Nogo River, the lake reached 100% capacity in January 2011 creating 27km of waterways to explore and enjoy the many water sports activities. Camp in the designated area where sheltered picnic tables, barbecues, toilets, basic shower and a boat ramp are provided for your convenience. Wuruma Dam makes a fantastic fishing destination. Fishing permits are required. If you’re looking for serious fishing, free camping and a great place to bring the family, put Wuruma Dam at the top of your list.

Cania Dam Recreation Area

Located about 37km north of Monto and 194km south of Gladstone and built on the Three Moon Creek, a tributary of the Burnett River. Lake Cania also reached its full capacity and with the Gorge as a back drop, is a photographer’s delight. Stocked fish include Australian Bass, Golden and Silver Perch. The lake is well known for fantastic Saratoga catches hosts the famous Lake Cania Fishing Classic.

Sailing, water skiing, canoeing and wind surfing are also popular and many families take the opportunity to relax under the shady trees and enjoy a picnic or BBQ in the attractively landscaped grounds. Facilities include toilets, boat ramp, kiosk, picnic shelters and free electric BBQs.