North Burnett Regional Council
Contact Details
North Burnett Regional Council
Contact: Jenny Bebbington
Email: jenny.bebbington@northburnett.qld.gov.au
Toll Free: 1300 696 272
Fax: 07 4166 9960
Web: www.northburnett.qld.gov.au
The North Burnett features spectacular National Parks and recreational dams providing sporting and
recreational facilities for residents and visitors.
The North Burnett is named after and bisected by the beautiful Burnett River, where a large number
of excellent places exist for boating activities. The varying waterways from the tributaries provide
areas for quiet canoeing around a creek, a spot of fishing and plenty of room for water skiing.
Bush Walking
Most of the National Parks in the North Burnett offer a variety of walking tracks. Bush walks
available include but not limited to –
Cania Gorge National Park
Located about 180km south of Gladstone. Picnic shelters, barbecues, interpretive display, public
conveniences and car parking are available at the Picnic Area. Camping is only permitted in the
designated caravan parks.
Shamrock Mine: (1.4km return) take an historic look at the former mine site where the remains of
the old battery, mine shaft, processing sheds and mullock heaps lie.
Big Foot: (1km short trail) features a large brown image of a four-toed foot on the white sandstone
cliff.
Castle Mountain: (22km return) follow the Bloodwood Cave track to the Castle Mountain track
turnoff. Climb the steep 200m track to the Gorge Lookout. From here a 10km fire trail winds through
open woodland to Castle Mountain lookout.
MT Walsh National Park
This rugged park with spectacular exposed granite outcrops and cliffs, rises 703m above sea level.
Bush camping is permitted in the Park however visitors must be totally self sufficient. Take a fuel
stove and plenty of drinking water. Alternatively, picnic or barbecue below The Bluff in the Council
grounds where shelter, toilets, barbecue and tank water are provided.
Walking: A 300m trail leads from the picnic area to a rocky creek gully fringed with dry rainforest.
Continue 200m to the tree line for views over the surrounding countryside. Only experienced
walkers should attempt the 2.5 hour hike to the summit.
Auburn River National Park
Located about 40km southwest of Mundubbera, this 405ha park features caves, rock pools and
superb scenery. Recreational activities include bush walking, swimming and rock climbing. All
walking tracks are class 5 or better and begin from the picnic and camping area.
Gorge Lookout: (600m) boasts impressive views across the riverbed. This is a naturally occurring
lookout and there are no handrails.
Riverbed and Rockpools: (1.5km return) is a strenuous walk and should only be attempted by fit
walkers. The track winds down the side of the gorge to the riverbed through dry rainforest, eucalypt
forest and creek vegetation.
Choose walks that suit your fitness level. For more information including classes of walks, durations,
camping permits and more, visit www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks or call the customer service centre on
1300 130 372.
Recreational Dams and Parks
Mingo Crossing Caravan and Recreation Area
Located on the banks of the Burnett River between MT Perry and Biggenden – GPS S 25.196262 E
151.657612. Power boating, jet skiing, canoeing, sailing, fishing, water skiing and swimming are
some of the popular water sports at Mingo Crossing. Surrounded by rural countryside creates a
peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Facilities include camping ground, 12 powered caravan sites, two
large undercover BBQ areas, amenities block, fish cleaning station, kiosk, tank water for drinking,
parking for cars and boats. For bookings contact the office on site on 4161 6200 or email –
mingo@northburnett.qld.gov.au
Paradise Dam Recreation Area
The ideal location for a great family adventure. Fish, water ski, sail, canoe, bush walk and visit the
information centre. Facilities include unpowered camp sites (generators permitted), free gas
barbecues, picnic shelters, environmentally friendly toilets, concrete boat ramp and car park and fish
cleaning tables. There are no showers (pop up showers permitted) and limited drinking water.
Situated on the Burnett River 95km SW of Bundaberg – GPS S 25.21339 E 151.55190, Paradise Dam
reached 100% capacity following the influx of rain in January 2011. For bookings contact the office
on site on (07) 4127 7278 or email – paradise@northburnett.qld.gov.au
Wuruma Dam Recreation Area
One of the few Bass/Barra lakes in Australia drawing serious anglers seeking two of Australia’s
premier sports fishing targets. Located 48km north of Eidsvold on the Nogo River, the lake reached
100% capacity in January 2011 creating 27km of waterways to explore and enjoy the many water
sports activities. Camp in the designated area where sheltered picnic tables, barbecues, toilets, basic
shower and a boat ramp are provided for your convenience. Wuruma Dam makes a fantastic fishing
destination. Fishing permits are required. If you’re looking for serious fishing, free camping and a
great place to bring the family, put Wuruma Dam at the top of your list.
Cania Dam Recreation Area
Located about 37km north of Monto and 194km south of Gladstone and built on the Three Moon
Creek, a tributary of the Burnett River. Lake Cania also reached its full capacity and with the Gorge as
a back drop, is a photographer’s delight. Stocked fish include Australian Bass, Golden and Silver
Perch. The lake is well known for fantastic Saratoga catches hosts the famous Lake Cania Fishing
Classic.
Sailing, water skiing, canoeing and wind surfing are also popular and many families take the
opportunity to relax under the shady trees and enjoy a picnic or BBQ in the attractively landscaped
grounds. Facilities include toilets, boat ramp, kiosk, picnic shelters and free electric BBQs.