Location
Monto
What it is?
Monto lies 200 kilometres west of Bundaberg city and is home to a wide variety of both historic, cultural and artistic experiences in the North Burnett.
First settled in 1924 as a result of goldfields of Cania and Monal the township’s first buildings were built around 1926.
Lister Street Parkland provides a perfect spot for a picnic or bought lunch, you can take a stroll and view the array of metal and sandstone sculptures by local and visiting artists to the region. Likewise, the Mulgildie Bunyip is a testament to the legend of the Bunyip hole and the historic goldfields and cemetery, Coominglah State Forest and Kalpowar State Forest are all wonderful bush getaways.
What it offers?
Exploration and relaxation.
Stroll through the metal and sandstone sculptures of local and visiting artists.
Three Moon Historic and Cultural Complex
Check out the painted water tanks, silo towers and street murals.
Two National parks
– Cania Gorge National Park – 30 mins – more than 10 walking trails that lead past giant sandstone cliffs, caves, stunning lookouts and winding natural creeks.
– Kroombit Tops National park – 55kms North of Cania Gorge – a number of access roads, but most are 4WD only. Born from volcanos, it is a mosaic of woodlands, rainforest, scrublands and a hidden secret – for 50 years the park hid the wreck of WWII plane the Liberator which crashed in 1945 after flying through a heavy storm. Named the Beautiful Betsy, the plane is on show for walkers to explore the wreckage which lays where it crash landed. Walk up to Kroombit Tops lookout and take in the entire Boyne Valley.
Wheelchair Access?
May require assistance.
Cania Dam – Wheelchair-accessible toilets and picnic tables are available at Three Moon Creek picnic area. You have to cross grassy areas to reach the sheltered picnic tables and barbecues. The surface under the shelters is sandstone paved
What we did?
Lunched in the main street
Found a few of the painted cows.
We didn’t have a lot of time to explore Monto, i also had stitches in my foot and was unable to do any of the walks. We also had a dog with us most of the time we were in the North Burnett, which limited out National Park adventures.
Highlight?
Cania Gorge is very pretty. It would have been great to do a few of the walks. There are two caravan parks on the way out to the gorge/dam. The park offers a range of activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife spotting. Spring is the perfect time to visit the park as the weather is mild, and the wildflowers are in bloom
Would I do it again?
Yes, i would like to do a couple of the gorge walks.
What do you need?
As a couple: Pre-downloaded maps on your phone (reception is patchy); water bottles; healthy snacks for the trails; wide brim hat: sunscreen; bug spray; good sturdy shoes; swimmers and towels if you want to swim in the dam; picnic and picnic blanket.
With Kids: water; snacks; wide brim hat; sunscreen; bug spray; good sturdy shoes.
With Pets: domestic animals are not permitted in the National Parks, but they are permitted in other locations. We took George with us for lunch one day.
Yearly Events
- Monto markets: A community market is held on the third Saturday of each month in the Monto Showgrounds. The markets showcase local produce, handmade crafts, and other items from local vendors.
- Monto Races: An annual horse racing event held at the Monto Racecourse in June. The event features multiple races and activities for attendees.
- Monto Show: An annual agricultural and horticultural show held in May at the Monto Showgrounds. The event features exhibits, competitions, and entertainment for all ages.
- Monto Christmas Carnival: An annual community event in December featuring a street parade, market stalls, and entertainment for families and children.
- Monto Agricultural Show Ball: An annual formal event held in conjunction with the Monto Show. The event features live music, dancing, and fundraising for local causes.
- Mulgildie Rodeo – just down the road from Monto.
- Monto Country Music Festival. This three-day festival features a range of local and national musicians performing on multiple stages. The festival also includes market stalls, food vendors, and a variety of other entertainment options.
- Monto Arts Festival: showcases the best of local art, music, and performance. The festival includes a range of workshops, exhibitions, live music, and performances. It’s a great way to explore the creative side of Monto and enjoy some local culture.
- Monto Lions Spring Fair: popular among locals and visitors alike. The fair features carnival rides, games, live music, and delicious food.