Tour Five – Blackbutt to Esk

Day 1 – Meet and greet at the Radnor Hotel, Blackbut at 6:00pm on 17th October 

Day 2 – Blackbut to Kilkivan.    Stop for lunch at Maidenwell

Kilkivan was first settled by Europeans in the 1840s.     Queensland’s first gold discovery was at Kilkivan in 1852 and subsequent findings escalated into a gold rush in the 1860s.   The town was named for a pastoral run owned by pastoralist John Daniel MacTaggart (1823–1871)

Day 3 – Kilvivan to Burrum  (Torbanlea)   Stop for lunch at Hideaway Station Hotel.

One of Queensland’s most Historic Hotels, the Hideaway Station Hotel Tiaro, has been operating since 1881

Burrum is famous for its Arts and Crafts.   Today you will be treated to an Art Studio Tour in Howard,  showcasing the artwork of Artist Kevin Rodgers.

Day 4 –Burrum to Goomerie.   Stop for lunch at Childers

Goomeri is a former timber town that retains a relaxed old-world atmosphere. Many of Goomeri’s buildings were constructed in the 1920s and retain all their original charm.  The town is steeped in history, the ‘Lest We Forget’ town clock built in 1939 has become a landmark, earning Goomeri the name of ‘Clocktown’.   

This charming town is home to Australia’s only Pumpkin Festival, which is held annually on the last weekend in May and features the exciting ‘Great Australian Pumpkin Roll’. The Festival draws thousands of people from all over south-east Queensland.

Day 5 – Goomerie to Maidenwell.    Stop for lunch at Wondie.

Maidenwell is a charming village at the gateway to the Bunya Mountains.    Stop in at the quaint country pub for a beer or relax over lunch and a coffee at the Maidenwell Trading Post (home to locally-grown Yalbury Olive products).   The magnificent Coomba Falls is just out of town. 

Timber from the Bunya Mountains and its foothills was a major industry in the early days of settlement when the railway line was extended to Tarong early in the twentieth century.

Day 6 – Maidenwell to Esk.   Stop for lunch at Cooyar

The Cooyar Hotel was established in 1903.  Originally there were 3 pubs in town when the Timber Industry was strong in the Area, one has since burnt down.    The Locals love a chat.   

Overnight in Esk where the tour will end.