Location
Biggenden
What it is?
Home to Australia’s largest rose. This piece of art weighs two tonne and it displayed in the centre of town to commemorate and celebrate the Biggenden Rose Festival (held every two years in October).
A small country town with a lot to offer. The population is approximately 800 people. Situated 40-45 minutes from Gayndah to the west and Maryborough one hour to the east.
From here it is easy access to Paradise Dam and Mingo Crossing; two well known camping and recreational areas in this region.
What it offers?
Biggenden Museum; Beiers Park; Baxters Crossing; Chowey Bridge; Mount Walsh National Park; Woowoonga National Park; Paradise Dam Recreational Area; Kalliwa Hut; Coongarra Rock and Falls; the Seven Sisters; Ban Ban Springs; Coalstoun Lakes National Park; Gooroolba Memorial; RV Stopover and Men’s Shed; Doll Museum; and the Den Community Shop and Information.
Wheelchair Access?
May require assistance.
Individual locations should be contacted for further information.
What we did?
Chowey Bridge – access is easy as it is right next to the carpark.
Mount Walsh National Park – We went to the rock pools but there wasn’t much water. Best to go after there has been decent rain. The walk was nice though. We also walked a bit of Mount Walsh itself, but after an hour we decided to walk back, we didn’t have any equipment with us and weren’t prepared for a huge hike.
Paradise Dam – great spot for a weekend of camping.
Mingo Crossing – another great spot for a weekend of camping.
Coalstoun Lakes National Park – We walked to the top of the hill where we sat and admired the view for a while, but we chose not to walk down to the other lake. I had recently got stitches out of my foot and didn’t want to push myself.
Coongarra Rock and Falls is a massive NO from me. The falls were crap and the road down was shocking, well so i thought until we tried to get to the rock. The road disappeared and the car almost rolled into the creek bed. We tried to get out but it was dark and cold, so we slept in the car overnight before having to abandon the car and walk 8-9 hours the next morning before we could get phone reception to call for help. Luckily we had water with us. Do not bother trying to find this rock and falls!!!!
Highlight?
Unfortunately the highlight for me was not dying! This area is a no from me. Getting stuck in the middle of nowhere with an overnight low of about 5degrees, no food and having to walk most of the next day to save ourselves kinda freaked me out.
Would I do it again?
No.
What do you need?
As a couple: Pre-downloaded maps on your phone (reception sucks); water bottles; healthy snacks; wide brim hat: sunscreen; bug spray; good sturdy shoes; umbrella for sun/rain; jacket.
With Kids: water; snacks; wide brim hat; sunscreen; bug spray; good sturdy shoes.
With Pets: Not allowed in National Parks. Check other locations before arrival.
Yearly Events
Biggenden Show – annually in May
Burnett Beef Ball – annually
Dallarnil Sports – Queens Birthday weekend annually
Cattle Sales – every fortnight
Ruff ‘N’ Tuff Charity Car Show and Swap Meet held every August.
Apex Christmas Fair – annually in December
Rose Festival – biannually in October