Day’s 2 & 3: The Road to the Coast. The Final Leg of our Journey.
Waking up to the sounds of an early country morning, I enjoyed a hearty breakfast before hitting the road for Day 2. A detour into Murgon for a freshly brewed coffee from one of the local cafes, a quick stroll around town, with a drop into the Murgon Visitor Information Centre. These information centres are âworth their weight in goldâ to get all your local advice.
Amongst many âTo Doâ things in the area, we were told of a museum which showcased local art and dinosaurs, I just love all things Dinosaurs, that roamed the area 55 million years ago. Queensland, Australia is famous for its Dinosaur displays and digs, most are scattered throughout the state in some pretty far-flung localities. But here, so close to Brisbane, and on our road trip is the Murgon Fossil Museum & Fine Art Gallery.
Located in the heart of the South Burnett, the Murgon Fossil Museum and Art gallery offers an exciting double bill for anyone looking to step back in time and immerse themselves in local creativity. And let me tell you, itâs well worth the trip. Let’s go and have a look.
A short drive from town and we were there. There is an entry fee for this museum, I thought it was a little expensive, but in the end what a delightful surprise. As you walk in, integrated with the fossil exhibits is a vibrant art gallery showcasing the talents of local and regional artists. The artwork that was on show was diverse, ranging from stunning landscapes to intricate pieces exploring various themes and mediums.
But the journey doesnât stop there. We meandered through the Prehistoric Garden, itâs truly mind-boggling to think about the ancient creatures that once roamed this land, and this museum does a fantastic job of bringing that history to life. From tiny, delicate specimens to larger finds, each exhibit is clearly showcased offering insights into Murgons, now famous, prehistoric past.
The Museum and Art Gallery are an excellent way to spend a few hours, offering a unique blend of education, amazement and a deeper insight for both our ancient past and vibrant now. You might just discover a hidden gem, just like I did.
Our day was starting to unfold and there were still many kilometers to travel, but we hadnât finished investigating the Murgon area just yet. Our mission was to uncover a hidden gem that promised to take us on a journey through Queenslandâs rich dairying history. We found it, parked the car and stepped into the Murgon Dairy & Heritage Museum. Moving inside felt like stepping back in time. As a lover of all things dairy (cheese boards are my downfall), I was practically vibrating with anticipation.
Glass cabinets displayed an impressive collection of vintage milk bottles, each etched with the names of local dairies long since passed. It was interesting to see how milk was delivered in those bygone days. The museum is designed like a village, with historical buildings showcasing appropriate era furnishings and equipment. One of my highlights was âCastraâ, the first house built in Murgon, standing proudly as a testament to the townâs early settlers. Walking through the rooms I could image living in a homestead like this back in the day. Other fascinating exhibits that caught my eye were the old butcher shop and a collection of farm machinery each telling a story of innovation and pioneer resilience.
The Dinosaur Museum, Art gallery and Dairy & Heritage Museum are fantastic ways to spend a few hours. If you are ever in the South Burnett Region, make sure you add these top tourist sites to your itenary, you will not be disappointed. đĽ Tip: Carry a small amount of cash with you if you can safely do so. While most purchases can be done with EFTPOS, a large number of Museums, etc. have entry fees. They prefer cash and also in a lot of cases, particularly in country areas, donât have the EFTPOS facility. The entry cost range on this trip was between $5-$20 per person per entry (Discounts applied on presentation of a concession card).
Murgon done and dusted. The open road beckoned, our morning departure brought a visit to Goomeri, a quant town known for its annual Pumkin Festival. Although today we were only passing through, Goomeri is a former timber town that still retains its relaxed old-world charm. The town is steeped in history, the âLest We Forgetâ town clock built in 1939 has become a landmark, with many of the townâs buildings constructed in the 1920âs still retaining all their original charm.
Onto Gympie, a town with a rich gold mining history (Visit the Gold Mining and Historical Museum), was our next stop. A short break at the Lake Alford Recreation Park was just made to order. If you have the kids onboard they will love the fantastic all-abilities playground. There are large parking areas, with barbecues and picnic tables set amongst landscaped gardens. We spent some time at the lake spotting the variety of birds that visit the area and if you have your favourite pooch with you they will be free to run in the doggie off leash area.
On our way again to the Sunshine Coast, stopping at the Noosa Botanic Gardens (More Info, Click Here) for a late lunch. Nestled by the shores of Lake Macdonald, the gardens are a haven of lush greenery, easily accessed walking paths, and spectacular lake views. It was the ideal spot for a peaceful break surrounded by nature. You must check out the Greek style Amphitheatre. At this point, Iâd like to mention that we have had the most ideal weather, with clear blue skies, moderate temperatures and easy driving conditions. That was all about to change, the skies were becoming darker & darker, the conditions threatening, small showers were starting to dampen our day.
Finally, all roads led to Coolum, where the shimmering coastline and laid-back village atmosphere greeted us on arrival. Coolum, south of Noosa is a beach paradise on the Queenslandâs Sunshine Coast, a perfect destination for relaxing, sun, surf and sand. We checked into our accommodation, Clubb Coolum (click here for more info) was our choice, super friendly service on check-in, close to shops and cafes and what about those views from our unit â absolutely sensational. Over the next few days, we were looking looking to indulging in sun-soaked mornings, leisurely strolls along the beach, breakfast on our deck and the sheer bliss of coastal living.
Day 3 âď¸đ§ď¸â
All was about the change!!!. Overnight, the weather had gone from heavy rain to near cyclonic conditions with flash flooding predicted along our route back home. Weather warnings were being regularly being broadcast, it was going from bad to extreme, so after only one night we decided to go and make a dash for home. Lucky we did, the rain on the way home was horrendous (there were flooded roads along the way), but we made it. Unfortunately, we had cut our Coolum sojourn short, and so our road trip came to a very wet end, but there is always a next time. I can assure you that it does rain in Queensland.!!!!
From city to coast, this road trip is more than a journey â itâs an eye-opening celebration of Queenslandâs diverse landscapes, friendly towns, history, and unforgettable moments.
From hidden museums to coastal retreats, the road unfurled before us with promises of exploration and discovery. The towns we passed through told stories of ancient times (when dinosaurs ruled the earth), resilience and tradition. The locals welcoming us with smiles and stories that bridged the gap between past and present. Each destination unraveled a piece of history, a snippet of culture, or simply a quiet moment of natural beauty.
This road trip was a wonderful way to experience the diversity of Queensland, there was something for everyone. I highly recommend this itenary to anyone looking for a memorable Queensland adventure.
- This itenary can be adapted to fit your interests and time frame
- Be sure to check the opening hours of attractions (bring cash for entry) and book accommodation in advance, especially during peak season
- Pack for all types of weather, as Queenslandâs weather can be unpredictable
- Most importantly, relax, enjoy the journey, and embrace the unexpected.
This Road Trip is definitely not over. I’ll be soon heading back to Coolum for a very anticipated beach holiday. So, whenâs your next adventure?
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