“It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey” – well, in the Bundaberg Region, you get the best of both worlds.

Welcome to the land of the wacky and wonderful. From Queensland’s oldest town, Gayndah, to the sandstone stunner that is Cania Gorge, this North Burnett road trip itinerary is packed with quirky stops, local legends and unexpected gems that make this slice of country truly unforgettable.

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Day One – Bundaberg to Cania Gorge

Day One Highlights:

• Journey through Mystery Craters
• Snap a selfie with a Bunyip
• Admire vibrant artwork in Monto
• Stay at BIG4 Holiday Park – Cania Gorge

Mystery Craters

It’s time to hit the road, and where better for your first stop than Australia’s most baffling phenomenon, Mystery Craters. Since their discovery in 1971, these 35 craters are believed to be over 25 million years old and have remained the subject of controversy amongst international geologists and travellers alike.

Are they dinosaur footprints? Markings from an alien invasion? Or the remnants of where a meteorite hit many moons ago? Head to this quirky little attraction, just 100m from the main road, to discover for yourself.

Gin Gin

Make a pitstop in Gin Gin before driving onto your next stop, Boolboonda Tunnel.

Just 30 minutes outside of Gin Gin, you’ll discover this abandoned, heritage-listed railway tunnel. Stretching 192 metres in length, making it the longest unsupported man-made tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere.

Now home to hundreds of bent-wing bats, drive, cycle or walk through the tunnel and look for the pickaxe marks left by those who built it.

Monto

Time to let those creative juices flow as you wind your way along the Monto Art Trail.

From colourful fibreglass cows scattered through town to murals that tell the story of its people, this charming spot is packed with character.

Don’t miss the Three Moon Silos just outside town. Painted by Queensland artists The Zookeeper and DRAPL, the artwork draws on local legend — where a swagman once spotted three moons: one in the sky, one in the creek, and one reflected in his billy.

Mulgildie Bunyip

This steel sculpture, handcrafted by local artists Brett Benecke and Paul Irvine, pays tribute to the mysterious Mulgildie Bunyip Hole. For centuries, locals have shared stories of strange creatures lurking beneath its surface.

Legend has it that both livestock and people have disappeared in its waters — never to be seen again. Many also claim the hole has never run dry.

Feeling a little spooked? Swing by the local pub for a cold bevvy and soak up the vibrant artwork on the walls.

BIG4 Holiday Park – Cania Gorge

All tuckered out after a big day on the road? Kick back and relax at BIG 4 Holiday Park – Cania Gorge.

Set in the heart of the national park, it’s the perfect base to explore walking trails and nearby townships. Choose from powered and unpowered sites, or settle into a cabin or villa. There’s something for every kind of traveller.

Travelling with kids? They’ll love the onsite water park and jumping pillow. And for the grown-ups, think wine tastings, a round of golf, and plenty of peace and quiet.

Day Two – Cania Gorge to Mundubbera 

Day Two Highlights:

• Trek through Cania Gorge National Park
• Visit Eidsvold and uncover its connection to RM Williams
• Settle into Mundubbera, one of QLD’s largest citrus regions

Cania Gorge National Park

Rise, shine and stretch as you wake to the sounds of the serenity of the bush. After your morning coffee, head out on a hike to get your endorphins pumping for the day. Stroll along the creek, or make your way to the Giants Chair Lookout to see views for miles.

Cania Gorge National Park is abundant with stunning scenery of sandstone monoliths and weathered caves with yellow and red ochres, dry rainforests with some very interesting king orchids and silver elkhorns for the flora and fauna buffs. 

Eidsvold

After your morning exploring, pack up and hop in the car to Eidsvold, the self-proclaimed ‘Beef Capital of the North Burnett’.

Cool fact – en route, you’ll find yourself driving through the little spot of Ceratodus, named after our living dinosaur, only found in this region – the Lungfish! Eidsvold is home to the Reginald Murray Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre, which is a tribute to the pioneering spirit of the bush and rural Australia, highlighting RM Williams and his time spent in the Eidsvold community.

Discover the tales of time gone by, bush skills, bush poetry, and the skills of leathercraft. The Son et Lumiere is the story of RM Williams, shared by local storytellers. This stunning outdoor light and sound show is held every evening at the centre, projected onto a one-of-a-kind steel sculpture.

Mundubbera

Bringing to a close your second day of iconic sites and welcoming small towns, make your way towards Mundubbera, one of Queensland’s largest producing areas for table grapes and citrusy goodness. Growing mangoes, lychees, peaches, watermelon and more, pop into a local grocer or farm-gate to tantalise your taste buds with fresh, juicy flavours before wandering the pathways of Bicentennial Park and admiring the stainless-steel sculptures, detailing the area’s rich heritage and people. A country town full of charm, hearty feeds and plenty of character, kick back with a craft beer in hand at the family-run Mundubbera Motel before bunkering down at one of the comfy motels or tourist parks for the night.

Day Three – Mundubbera to Childers

Day Three Highlights:

• Baked goods for breakfast in Mundubbera
• Fill your basket and say hello to Australia’s Oldest Town, Gayndah
• Stretch your legs with a trek through Mount Walsh National Park
• Finish with good ol’ charm and warm hospitality in Childers

Good morning, Mundubbera! What better way to start the day than with a feed at the local bakery. The Mundubbera Bakery & Cafe opens early for your breakfast needs, so grab some nosh and take a relaxing stroll along the river to the weir, before hopping back into the car for your next destination.

Gayndah

A rite of passage on any Aussie road trip is snapping a pic with a “Big Thing”, right? In the heart of citrus country, The Big Orange in Gayndah is a must.

Gayndah is also Australia’s oldest town, perched on the banks of the Burnett River. Expect a mix of quirky shops plus classic pubs for a hearty lunch and cold bevvy.

While you’re here, wander through the Botanic Gardens or check out Ideraway Bridge, better known as the “upside-down bridge.” Don’t worry, you’ll see what we mean when you get there.

Just 20 minutes down the road, stretch your legs at Ban Ban Springs. This sacred site was once an important water source for the Wakka Wakka people and sits beneath the Seven Sisters range. It holds strong Dreamtime connections to the Rainbow Serpent, who shared the knowledge of these waters with local elders.

Mount Walsh National Park

On the home stretch now, so if you fancy a dip and a splash to refresh, then here’s your chance.

Utopia Falls is a stunning little spot after a recent spell of rain, and not too strenuous a walk from the car park. Located in Mount Walsh National Park, be sure to check out other hiking tracks on offer for something more hardcore.

Childers

Last stop on your exploration of the wacky and wonderful snippets of the North Burnett, is the storybook town of Childers.

Catch a vintage flick at The Paragon Theatre, or make some slithery mates at Snakes Down Under. If you find yourself wandering the tree-lined main street, then be sure to pop into the Old Pharmacy and Military Museum for a throwback to times gone by. For the over-18s of the group, the rich red dirt and rolling hills play the perfect host for award-winning tipples of grapey goodness at Hill of Promise Winery and Vintners Secret Vineyard.

With around 7 hours of driving in total, this super random road trip can be done in a day or two, or stretched out over a long weekend if you’d like to fit in some heart-pumping hikes along the way. Prepare to fall in love with the beauty of the North Burnett, the warmth of its people and the quirky things to do in the hinterland.