Eidsvold to Monto – Qld

One thing we are thoroughly enjoying on this trip is that we are taking very short travel times to get to the next overnight destination. But we make sure we stop along the way and check out different places.😊  So here we go from Eidsvold to Monto.

👉Ceratodus Rest Area

As we headed further north along the Burnett Highway the first place, we stopped at was Ceratodus Rest Area. This is a 📍20HR free camp area commemorating George Spencer, who was an early settler of Ceratodus. Did you know the name Ceratodus is named after the vulnerable Neoceratodus Forsteri lung fish which calls the Burnett River home?

The rest area is adjacent to the Burnett River and if you walk to the road bridge, you look down to the old railway line and bridge. They even relocated the small Ceratodus railway station building to the rest area which is full of information and history of the place. 📍The area is nice and flat and it features 📍clean toilets, 📍sheltered picnic areas with a 📍 BBQ and bins. Its also 📍pet friendly.

👉 Mulgildie

Dare I say what an interesting but strange little town. Be warned though, if you happen to sneeze you are going to miss it. Anyway, we thought it was well worth a stop and walk around to stretch our legs and take pics of the great ‘pub art’ at the 92 yr old Mulgildie Hotel.

The area beside the pub has been a long time destination for travellers who have been looking for a cold drink and a good feed. Unfortunately, the pub is no longer open for service and is currently ‘For Sale’ and waiting for a new owner. 📍But the pub still allows fully self-contained RVs to park overnight.👍

The town is also home for the legendary Mulgildie Bunyip😁. The legend of this creature is that it lurked in the depths of a watering hole in the Three Moon Creek system of Mulgildie (and maybe still inhabits the area). Elders and stockmen have told stories of bubbling water, disappearing cattle, frightening noises and eerie situations. Traditional owners refused to go near it calling it ‘Devil 😈 Devil’ country.

Only stores open were the Friendly Grocer and the Post Office/Antique store. Watch out for the ‘lounging’ animals out the front. Check pics for more.😉

👉Monto

About 15km from Mulgildie is Monto a small rural service centre and the youngest (1924) and most northern town in the North Burnett. It’s dependent on the surrounding agriculture which is visible in every direction as you drive into town. But before you hit town make sure you stop and check out the Three Moon Silo Art and if your lucky the fruit and veggie stall that is loaded with local produce on the sideroad opposite the Silo Art.

Initially we thought we would stay in Monto for a night and then move on. But then what’s the hurry and the town had a good feeling. This seemed like a nice area to spend a few nights and go exploring.

👉First, we needed to check into the Monto Caravan and Cabin Park.

This is a great park to spend a few nights. The relief Managers Colin and Astrid are amazing and I loved that Colin helped Graeme park the van while I chatted and paid the bill at reception with Astrid.👍 📍This is a Kui Park so if you are a member, you will receive a discount.

📍Spacious and level sites with power and water $31.50 per night after the Kui Park discount.

📍Swimming pool

📍Early style and very clean amenities

📍Laundry

📍Pet friendly 🐾

📍TV/Telstra reception – Ok this can be a bit sketchy. After tuning and scanning in several times we were only able to get the ABC which is fine with us as TV is not a priority when travelling.

📍Dump point

We stayed for 3 nights and each night Colin would light the fire pit and we enjoyed having a drink or two with other fellow travellers. It was also good chatting with Colin and Astrid who also joined in.

👉Monto Self-Contained 72HR stopover

It’s situated alongside the old railway yards. There is a caretaker onsite who will collect your 📍$5 per night fee. 📍Pet friendly, 📍TV/Telstra reception, 📍dump point 📍no power or water. However, outside the gates near the Visitors Information Centre are very 📍clean public toilets. It’s also right opposite the main street of town, so you can walk everywhere.

We loved checking out all the different street art in and around town. We also enjoyed a pub lunch and a cold beer 🍻at the Grand Hotel on our last day.

Monto is a great town to base yourself to explore Cania Gorge National Park which we did. But I will leave that for the next post, so stay tuned.

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