Another trip to Brisbane to spend some time with family seen us take a more scenic route than the “normal” Bruce Highway trip.
We ventured from the Capricorn Coast into Rockhampton then down the Bruce Highway to Calliope. After a quick caffeine stop at Maccas. A short trip from Calliope out the Dawson Highway to the Gladstone-Monto road turnoff seen us venture into the Boyne Valley. Well at least part of it.
You pass through the old railways towns of Ubobo, Buliyan, Many Peaks, Kalpowar, Bancroft and Mungungo travelling through some picturesque countryside.
An interesting stop just south of Many Peaks is the Many Peaks railway dam. The dam was built between 1910 and 1912 to service the steam locomotives that serviced the branch line. This included the transporting of copper to the Mount Morgan gold mine.
Continuing on south you drive over the range and if you are adventurous. You can check out the 6 railway tunnels that were cut through the hills.
Once you are down the other side and past Kalpowar you will eventually reach Mungogo. It was originally called “Waratah”. There is an old pub that is worth a visit for a cold beverage.
Twelve kilometres past Mungogo is the rural town of Monto. From Monto you can visit either Cania Gorge National Park or Lake Cania they are close to town and are considered a ‘must see’ while visiting the area.
If you are after a cold beer and a bite to eat both pubs offer great choices. From Monto we headed on the Brisbane via Mundubbera, Gayndah, Nanango, Yaramann, Blackbutt and Kilcoy.