Rural Villages (self drive)

163 km
approx. 2.5hr. (allow time for diversions)
Download self drive itinerary with map

Slow down at creek crossings
Don’t enter flood waters
Don’t drink and drive

A terrific way to experience country life, the rural villages to the north of the Shire may seem small but they are the big heart of their community.

As you go, it’s exciting to travel over creeks and river crossings and discover spots that look as if you were the first to find them. When you call into any one of the country pubs, a good old yarn with someone you’ve never met before will probably result in having a laugh, and parting as old friends. And you’ll think about that great steak, washed down with a cold ale or two, for ages afterwards, each time reminding you it’s the simple pleasures that make life grand – while you’re at it, check out the phone number for Golden Park Retreat as this really is a gem. You have to call, but an organised visit could see you scoffing on some damper and sipping billy tea (Maree and Robert will see to that).

Biloela to Jambin

28 km

From Biloela

• Head north on the Burnett Highway (GIS -24.406801 – 150.498993) for 28 km until you reach Jambin. The Jambin Hotel (GIS -24.194369 – 150.370051) is on the highway.

Local events at the Jambin Recreation Reserve on the Burnett Highway

• Last weekend in May, the Champagne Campdraft
• Weekends are a chance to take to the skies with a scenic glider flight, visit www.cqgliding.org.au

Spots of interest

• Monument to early cotton pioneers, 32 km north at the Dixalea-Deeford Road (GIS -23.943528 – 150.282518)
• Jambin Cemetery (GIS -24.165860 – 150.371015)
• Don River crossing, 22km north along the highway (GIS -23.990555 – 150.281351)
• Jambin Cemetery (GIS -24.165860 – 150.371015)

 Jambin to Dululu

44.5 km

• Travel north along the Burnett Highway to the junction of the Leichhardt Way and the town of Dululu. (GIS -23.845856 – 150.261743). The Dululu pub is a famous watering hole for its steaks and heritage ambience. However, restorations to the inside are underway after fire damage in 2015. It’s worth swinging past – you might find the pub re-opened. The village has a travellers’ rest area and the Dee River meanders along the outskirts of the town. Dululu is the centre of rural farming in the area, including stud cattle, horses, pigs, squab, agriculture, lucerne, grains, eggs, flowers and citrus orchards. Between April and October, a short drive east (2 km) along Mt Morgan Road the local orchard sells the freshest citrus fruit you’ll ever find.

Dululu to Wowan

10 km

• From Dululu join the Leichhardt Way and travel south-west to Wowan (GIS -23.908282 – 150.196799).
• Wowan Commercial Hotel is located right next to the Leichhardt Way. Perched on the bank of Pocket Creek, Wowan is rich with native flora and fauna. Take the time to drive around the village. There’s some wonderful examples of the well-maintained old weatherboard buildings. Drop into the Wowan Museum, it’s a little gem full of local history.

Wowan to Goovigen

39 km

• Continue a further 24 km south along the Leichardt Way and turn left at Goovigen-Rannes Road. (GIS -24.106408 – 150.118358)
• Follow the road through the rural landscapes for 19 km until you reach Goovigen.
• As you enter this village, nestled amongst numerous agricultural properties, you’ll find Engel Homestead and the recently restored Percy Schluter Memorial Historic School of Arts building (GIS -24.144146 – 150.286160) – now a home for local history, both open to the public by calling 4996 5146.
• At the ‘T’ junction turn right into Goovigen.
• A few hundred metres along on your left, you’ll find the Goovigen Royal Hotel. (GIS -24.146620 – 150.286108). Pop in and see John, enjoy a meal and check out their camping site across the road.

Goovigen to Biloela

38 km

• Turn Left onto the Biloela Duaringa Road next to the Goovigen Hotel (GIS -24.146620 – 150.286108) and head 10 km south to Jambin.
• Turn right onto the Burnett Highway (GIS -24.195839 – 150.370885) and continue 28 km south to Biloela.