Best Burnett bush walks, water holes, day trips during school holidays

Whether you are up for a challenging hike or you just want to take the family on a relaxing picnic, there are a variety of free things to do around the region these school holidays. Check out our list.

Bunya Mountains National Park.

Whether you are an avid hiker who doesn’t mind a challenge or you just want to take the family on a relaxing picnic, there are a variety of options around the Burnett region offering stunning views which will have you coming back time and time again.
Here are some beautiful areas to spend these school holidays.

North Burnett

Cania Gorge National Park

Hikers at Cania Gorge National Park. Picture: North Burnett Regional Council.

Cania Gorge National Park is the closest park to the coast where you can see the sandstone landscapes of Central Queensland.

Indigenous people lived in Cania Gorge for at least 19,000 years, with freehand art on remote sandstone walls a reminder of their special way of life.

For experienced hikers there is a 22km return track offering breathtaking views of Lake Cania, alternatively the short walk along Three Moon Creek is ideal for kids and a picnic with the chance to spot wildlife, the sandstone cliffs and lush forest gullies.

Coalstoun Lakes National Park

Coalstoun Lakes National Park. Picture: North Burnett Regional Council.

The Coalstoun Lakes walking track is a 4.4km grade four circuit which takes hikers up the northern side of an extinct volcano crater.

Although not for the faint hearted, this two or three hour hike takes adventurous to the top of the crater with stunning views of the entire landscape.

Auburn River National Park

Auburn River National Park has some spectacular walks available.

South west of Mundubbera, this Auburn River National Park features caves, rock pools, superb scenery, and is great for bushwalking, swimming, rock climbing, and picnics.

There are several different trails available for visitors including the Riverbed and Rock Pools Walk which travels along the edge of the river through dry rainforest, until you are rewarded with a refreshing swim at the end.

South Burnett

Bunya Mountains

Bunya Mountains National Park.

One of the most well-known National Parks on our list is the Bunya Mountains, located about 60km southwest of Kingaroy.

The Bunya Mountains is the world’s largest natural bunya pine forest and is home to about 120 species of birds and many species of mammals, frogs and reptiles.

If you’re lucky you may even see some rare and threatened animals including sooty owls and powerful owls.

This well maintained National Park provides scenic walks for all abilities, camping and picnic areas.

There are also nearby restaurants and cafes.

Palms National Park

Palms National Park is filled with piccabeen palms, towering fig trees and a variety of birdlife.

Palms National Park is filled with piccabeen palms, towering fig trees and a variety of birdlife.

The Palms circuit is a 15 minutes walking trail which allows you to admire the strangler fig in the rainforest.

While walking make sure to look out for the grey-headed flying fox hanging in the trees.

Palms National Park is located 8km northeast of Cooyar.

Coomba Falls

Coomba Falls is a great place to cool down.

Sitting on the outskirts of Maidenwell is this beautiful rocky water hole, an ideal place to get your feet wet.

Although it is a steep decline down to the falls it is all worth it once you reach the goal.

Ancient volcanic boulders are positioned all over the place and if it is a hot day the water is cool and refreshing.

Gordonbrook Dam

Gordonbrook Dam is a popular spot for day trips in the South Burnett.

Take a stroll around this scenic spot with its well maintained walkways around the edge of the dam.

There are picnic spots, bird watching hides and an information board on some of the fascinating history of the area.

Bjelke Petersen Dam

Water skiing action at Bjelke-Petersen Dam. Photo: Aiden Burgess / South Burnett Times

The picturesque BP Dam has plenty to offer day trippers and campers.

Walk the edge of the dam, head up to the lookout, or maybe take some time to go fishing.

There is a store nearby with fishing gear, life jacket hire, and groceries.

Toilets are located around Dam.

Rogers Park

ROGERS PARK: Perfect picnic spot in the forestry at Yarraman. Photo: Contributed.

Turn off D’ Aguilar Hwy 2km north of Yarraman to find Rogers Park.

There are no defined walking tracks but walkers are allowed to use logging and service tracks.

Walks leading from Yarraman take you along the boundary of the forest.

Toilets, picnic areas, shelter and barbecues are provided. The park is open 24 hours and pets are allowed.

Wooroolin Wetland

Wooroolin Wetland, South Burnett, is full of spectacular sights.

Grey tree trunks spearing out of the water make for a spectacular sight at the Wooroolin Wetlands.

Bird hides are positioned across the area to watch the extensive species who inhabit the area.

When walking the track you will come across nesting boxes where sugar gliders and possums are nesting.

Mt Wooroolin

Mt Wooroolin Summit

Only a short drive from town, Mt Wooroolin looks out over the entire Kingaroy township and landscape with a stunning 360 degree view.

There are a variety of tracks and the look out features a grassed area with picnic tables and wood barbecues.

Keep an eye out for all the different types of wildlife around the area. There are no toilets on site.

Originally published as Best Burnett bush walks, water holes, day trips during school holidays