Biggenden

Craggy blue mountain ranges are a backdrop for Biggenden, known as 'the Rose of the Burnett'. Along with agricultural pursuits - beef, grain crops, dairying, piggeries, peanuts, citrus and timber - the area is rich in minerals. Located 100 kilometres inland, Biggenden offers a true country feeling just an hour's drive from the coast. The small township is surrounded by open pastures offering the view of wide, open panoramas of the surrounding ranges. Cattle sales are held every second Monday which are a great attraction for visitors. This district also contains two of Queensland's relatively undeveloped National Parks - Mount Walsh and Coalstoun Lakes National Parks - and large tracks of forest at Mount Woowoonga. Mount Walsh National Park offers short walks to the peaks base, with more strenuous walks to the bare granite summit for experienced bushwalkers. Multi day hikes over rugged terrain offer a true wilderness experience. Coongara Rock also provides excellent mountaineering and views, best accessed via a Four Wheel Drive vehicle. Often dry, the mountain comes to life after local rains, with waterfalls and rockpools a feature. Chowey Bridge nearby is an interesting historical feature, being only one for three concrete span bridges of its type. The township features a pub hotel and caravan park, with host farm, bed and breakfast and National Park camping available nearby. Coalstoun Lakes is an even smaller township and features twin volcanic cinder cone craters lined with dense vine forest. The lakes are usually dry and only appear after a very wet summer season. This National Park, Queensland's smallest, is best enjoyed by birdwatchers.