The Chowey Bridge, near Biggenden

Biggenden
Small service centre in the hinterland behind the Sunshine Coast.
Biggenden is a tiny town which lies below the rugged cliffs of Mount Walsh. Located 339 km north-west of Brisbane and 84 km west of Maryborough it is one of those towns which is easy to pass by. However, if the visitor bothered to stop at the council offices in Edward Street and collect a mud map of the area they could easily fill in half a day inspecting some of the town's interesting features.

Biggenden came into existence in 1889 as a service centre to the short-lived goldrush towns of Paradise and Shamrock. During their brief moment of glory they were well serviced by the police and the courts - and by hotels. Paradise reputedly had seven, though some of them were no more than shanties and tents. The Paradise police station is now the Biggenden Museum.

Things to see:  

Biggenden Museum
Formerly the Paradise police station the Biggenden Museum is located at the far end of Edward Street. It is a small folk museum which can be inspected by obtaining the keys from the council offices.

Biggenden's major attractions are the Biggenden Mine and the Chowey Bridge. Both are worth visiting as much for the pleasant drives through the countryside as for the sights which greet the visitor upon arrival.

The Biggenden Mine
Biggenden Mine is located 8 km out of town and is clearly signposted off the Ban Ban Springs Road. It is owned by Poseidon, the legendary company whose shares climbed to astronomical amounts in the share boom of the late 1960s. The Biggenden Mine is an extraordinary example of how humans can literally convert a mountain into a hole. It has been operating since 1888.

No one knows the exact quantities of minerals extracted from Biggenden Mine but the approximate figures give some indication of the changing focus of mining: approximately 6000 ounces of gold (1888-1901), 200 tons of bismuth (1901-1938) 330 000 tonnes of magnetite (1966 -1990), used in the treatment of export coal. All mining now occurs underground.

The Chowey Bridge
About 10 km out of town (ask for directions at the council offices in Edward St) is the railway bridge at Chowey. It seems incongruous to drive down a lonely dirt road and reach a beautifully proportioned concrete arch bridge over a deep pool in the middle of nowhere. There are picnic facilities nearby and it is an ideal place to experience the quietness of the bush in the Burnett area.

Mt Walsh National Park
Mt Walsh National Park covers an area of 5240 hectares, featuring a rugged undeveloped landscape of fascinating granite outcrops in a mountainous park of forested slopes and a real diversity of vegetation from nine different plant communities, including some of the best subtropical vine forests in Queensland, which can be found in sheltered gullies. This habitat diversity is complemented by a range of fauna, such as lace monitors, which sun themselves on rock surfaces amid heath communities. Birdlife includes rare species such as the powerful owl, the grey goshawk and the peregrine falcon.

Bushwalking can be enjoyed at Mt Walsh but, with the exception of one short trail at the picnic area, it is a challenging landscape and is only recommended for the fit and experienced hiker. Moreover, attempts to traverse rocky outcrops should only be undertaken in dry conditions, as wet weather means great danger of slipping in precarious circumstances and it also makes the vegetation on the slopes more vulnerable to human traffic, thereby contributing to erosion. Walkers should also note that sources of fresh water are unreliable in the Park, so be sure to bring your own and to take plenty with you while walking (avoid the hottest part of the day).

There are no official camping sites and few facilities in the Park but bush camping is permitted for those with a permit (tel: 07 4121 1800).

Access to the Park from Biggenden is via the Biggenden-Maryborough Rd. 2 km east of town, turn into the National Park Road and follow the signs for 5.4 km to a picnic area with tables, a barbecue, drinking water and pit toilets. Fires are prohibited. For further information ring (07) 4121 1800.

Coalstoun Lakes
The volcanic history of the area is apparent everywhere. There are two old craters about 25 km south of Biggenden which fill with water after heavy rains. They are known as the Coalstoun Lakes.

	Tourist Information
	Biggenden Information Centre 26 Edward St Biggenden QLD 4621 Telephone: (07) 4127 1440
	Motels
	Biggenden Motel 44 Walsh St Biggenden QLD 4621 Telephone: (07) 4127 1301 Rating: **
	Hotels
	Commercial Hotel/Motel 2 Victoria St Biggenden QLD 4621 Telephone: (07) 4127 1230
	Grand Hotel Edward St Biggenden QLD 4621 Telephone: (07) 4127 1252
	Caravan Parks
	Mountain View Caravan Park Walsh St Biggenden QLD 4621 Telephone: 015 155743 Rating: **
	Restaurants
	Biggenden Motel 44 Walsh St Biggenden QLD 4621 Telephone: (07) 4127 1301 Rating: **
	Commercial Hotel/Motel 2 Victoria St Biggenden QLD 4621 Telephone: (07) 4127 1230
	Grand Hotel Edward St Biggenden QLD 4621 Telephone: (07) 4127 1252