Murgon, Queensland: A Hidden Gem for Caravanners and Road-Trippers

Let’s face it, the Sunshine Coast is a great place to visit. It’s coastal and for those that want a more cosmopolitan feel to their holidays it’s the perfect location. But, sometimes you might prefer to be able to experience that at intervals but still be able to escape to a tranquil campsite at the end of the day?

Nestled in the heart of Queensland’s South Burnett region, Murgon is a charming country town that offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Just over an hour’s drive from Gympie and approximately two hours from the Sunshine Coast, Murgon serves as an ideal base for caravanners and travellers seeking an authentic rural Australian experience without the hustle and bustle of the coast.

A Glimpse into Murgon’s Past

Murgon’s history is deeply rooted in agriculture, particularly dairying. The town’s development accelerated with the arrival of the railway in the early 20th century, facilitating the transport of dairy products and other goods.  The Queensland Dairy & Heritage Museum, an absolute must visit, stands as a testament to this legacy, offering visitors a chance to explore historical buildings, vintage equipment, and exhibits that chronicle the evolution of the dairy industry in the region.

• Wondai
  Leave the Caravan behind for the day and take a short drive south to Wondai which boasts a vibrant arts scene, with a number of galleries showcasing local talent. The town also serves as a gateway to the South Burnett Rail Trail, a popular route for cyclists and walkers.
• Cherbourg
  Located literally only just 5 km from Murgon, Cherbourg is home to the Ration Shed Museum, which provides cultural insights into the lives of the Aboriginal community and their resilience through very challenging times in the region.
• Goomeri
  Known for its annual Pumpkin Festival (who doesn’t love a good pumpkin! I wonder how they go with Halloween!), Goomeri offers a great mix of heritage buildings, antique stores, and cafes for that morning coffee or brunch run, making it a pleasant stopover or outing for travellers.
• Ficks Crossing
  To say it is serene is an understatement. The Ficks Crossing River Walk along Barambah Creek, perfect for the outdoorsy types, for picnics, birdwatching, and fishing. If you love your fishing, check with the locals for best times of year to wet a line.

Top 5 Attractions in the Murgon Region

Probable one of the most asked questions whenever any visitor visits a region is ‘what should we do whilst here?’ so I always think it apt to highlight some choices for you to get you started!

1. Queensland Dairy & Heritage Museum: The region’s dairying past stretches right back to the early 1900’s as the train line and station were laid through the Murgon township. The Museum offers interactive exhibits and restored historical buildings. If you love your history, you will love this.
2. The Ration Shed Museum: If you love Aboriginal Culture like I do, engage with the rich cultural heritage of the Cherbourg Aboriginal community through compelling narratives and artifacts at the Ration Shen Museum.
3. South Burnett Wine Trail: To say I like a little wine tasting would be an understatement! Explore the local wineries like Moffatdale Ridge and Clovely Estate, both offering tastings whilst you enjoy the very picturesque vineyard views.
4. Boat Mountain Conservation Park: Put your boots on and hit the hiking trails that lead to panoramic vistas of the South Burnett region, ideal for nature enthusiasts.
5. 55 Million Years Ago Fossil Museum: This one is right up my alley. Discover Australia’s only site recording diverse vertebrate fauna from the early Eocene, approximately ten million years after the extinction of the dinosaurs. This one is pretty easy to immerse yourself in and any children who love dinosaurs will love this.

Free Activities

1. South Burnett Rail Trail: Traverse this scenic trail connecting Murgon to Wondai, suitable for walking and cycling.
2. Local Markets: Most areas you visit nowadays have a local market. I find it a great way to get a taste and feel of the local area. Murgon has a vibrant community and the Murgon’s local markets offer fresh produce for the Caravanner to take advantage of along with local crafts, and great live music.
3. Public Art and Murals: Wander through Murgon’s streets to discover murals and public art installations reflecting the town’s heritage and creativity.
4. Community Events: Participate in seasonal festivals and events that celebrate the region’s culture and traditions – visit: www.murgon.net.au to stay up to date with everything that is happening.

The Sunshine Coast Advantage

While the Sunshine Coast is renowned for its beaches and tourist attractions, staying in Murgon offers a tranquil alternative. Travelers can enjoy the coastal amenities during day trips and return to the peaceful countryside in the evening. This approach provides the best of both worlds: access to coastal activities without the premium accommodation costs and crowded hotspots.

This is a fantastic destination for caravanners and road-trippers of all ages. Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a couple seeking a romantic getaway, or a family on a road trip, the region offers a great blend of history, culture, and natural beauty it’s a destination that we loved and you simply cant ignore if you are up that way.

If you are looking for a Holiday / Caravan Park in and around Murgon I would highly recommend the Barambah Bush Caravan and Camping Park which is proudly park of the KUI Parks family. The name is quite the mouthful but it pretty much spells out what this great park has to offer. Whether you stay in cabins (even if you need a cabin with Wheel Chair access), or you have a large rig / caravan, you want a powered site, or even unpowered but most importantly you want a quiet, peaceful escape from it all environment, then this is the park for you. Those who love to simply ‘camp’ will find themselves in the closest place to heaven here.

This park is a short 6 kilometres out of the Murgon township and is spread out over 200 acres of beautiful very Australian bushland with 40 acres of landscaped bliss for visitors to enjoy.

To find out more about this park – CLICK HERE

So, next time you are in and around the Sunshine Coast, set your sights on Murgon and uncover the hidden treasures of Queensland’s South Burnett region.