Biggenden
Biggenden's main street
Is a town situated on the Isis Highway in southern Queensland, Australia, 339 km north-west of the state capital Brisbane, and 84 km west of Maryborough. At the 2006 census, Biggenden had a population of 644. Primary production is the most significant industry in the Shire with beef and dairy cattle being predominant. Other agricultural pursuits include grain crops, piggeries, peanuts, citrus and timber. The area is also rich in minerals. Biggenden Mine is located eight kilometres out of town off Ban Ban Springs Road. Gold, bismuth and more recently magnetite have been extracted from the mine. The township is also close to Coalstoun Lakes National Park and Mount Walsh National Park. Biggenden was founded in 1889 as a service centre to the short-lived goldrush towns of Paradise and Shamrock; and for coach passengers travelling west from Maryborough. The township, including the intriguingly named Live And Let Live Inn, moved to a new location alongside the railway station when the rail line arrived in 1891.
Paradise Dam
In November 2005, the Queensland Government opened the Paradise Dam, about 30 minutes north-west of Biggenden, on the Burnett River. The 300,000ML dam, which submerges the former gold mining town of the same name, is touted as securing the future of the nearby Bundaberg and Childers region, although no water will be available for residents of the Biggenden area. However, more than 400 jobs were created during its construction and the dam site is proving to be one of the shire’s largest tourist attraction. Artefacts and buildings removed from Paradise before the dam wall was built are now on display by the Biggenden Historical Society. Paradise Dam will be used by the government as the model for the highly controversial Traveston Crossing Dam on the Mary River, about two hours south. A 2005 report commissioned by the World Wildlife Fund found Paradise to be one of the six worst-planned dams since the World Commission on Dams in 2000.
Shire of Biggenden
Biggenden Grand Hotel
The Shire of Biggenden was a Local Government Area located in the northern catchment of the Burnett River, Queensland, Australia, 100 kilometres (62 mi) south-southwest of the regional city of Bundaberg. The shire covered an area of 1,314.5 square kilometres (507.5 sq mi), and existed as a local government area from 1905 until 2008, when it amalgamated with several other shires to become the North Burnett Region.
Primary production is the most significant industry in the region with beef and dairy cattle being predominant. Other agricultural pursuits include grain crops, piggeries, peanuts, citrus and timber. The area is also rich in minerals. Biggenden Mine is located 8 kilometres (5 mi) from Biggenden along the Isis Highway. Gold, bismuth and more recently magnetite have been extracted from the mine. The biggest landmarks in the region are Mount Walsh, which can be seen prominently over much of the shire and Paradise Dam, a large reservoir formed by the damming of the Burnett River.
History
Biggenden was originally part of the Burrum Division. On 3 June 1905, Biggenden was separately incorporated under the Degilbo Shire. It was renamed Biggenden on 12 July 1941. On 15 March 2008, under the Local Government (Reform Implementation) Act 2007 passed by the Parliament of Queensland on 10 August 2007, the Shire of Biggenden merged with the Shires of Eidsvold, Gayndah, Monto, Mundubbera and Perry to form the North Burnett Region.
Biggenden Museum
Biggenden Commercial Hotel
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
Biggenden Anglican Church
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).
Coongarra Rock
Biggenden Post Office, Queensland, front entrance 1963
For Four Wheel Drive enthusiasts, Coongarra Rock and Falls provide an opportunity to explore rocky outcrops, caves, rock pools and natural vegetation. It is possible to climb the rock but should only be attempted by fit and experienced bushwalkers. It is situated 24 kilometres south of Biggenden and Coalstoun Lakes. Lords Road is the turn off to Coongarra Rock. The road goes to within a short distance of this spectacular outcrop in a dry scrubby State Forest. The road to the falls branches off the road to Coongarra Rock and goes within walking distance of the top of the falls. The roads should only be attempted by Four Wheel Drive vehicles. These roads can be dangerous after heavy rain and care should be taken at all times.
Mount Walsh National Park
A prominent landmark in the Biggenden region is the granite bluff area of Mount Walsh, in the northern part of mountainous Mount Walsh National Park. Exposed granite outcrops, rugged ridges and steep forested slopes support a range of vegetation. Follow the 300 metre trail from the picnic area through open eucalypt forest to a rocky creek gully fringed in rainforest, then on to lookouts over surrounding countryside. With caution, experienced walkers can take the strenuous (unmarked) two and a half hour hike to Mount Walsh’s bare granite summit. You will be rewarded with stunning views.
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