Members of the Bundaberg Four Wheel Drive Club headed to Kalpowar over the long weekend to base ourselves at āBehind the Pinesā, a property which was the old school in the tiny township.
The area has many historical sites, with the Glassford Creek Copper Smelter, Markhamās Gardens, graveyards and the Monal Mine and Stamper Battery, a relic of the long past Gold Rush, on the list to visit.
The Boyne-Burnett Rail Trail offers Mountain Bikers, hikers, and horse riders the opportunity to travel along the disused rail route.
A major organised ride was on at the time of our visit, and the popular trail was being explored by hundreds of keen riders.
The old train tunnels have been given a new purpose and the hard work by the dedicated group of volunteers to maintain the area is a credit to them.
Kroombit Tops National Park was also a must do.
A stop to admire the lookout on top of the cliffs was a bit of a letdown, as the misty rain and clouds spoiled the view.
A walk to āBeautiful Betsyā, an American Liberator plane which went missing in 1945 with the loss of eight lives was on the agenda.
The wreckage was found in 1994. Over the years people have illegally removed various pieces from the site, but plenty remains to be seen, with information boards scattered along the walking track.
The drive to and from the mountain ridge proved interesting with 30 or more creek crossings to traverse. Ā Ā Ā
On the groups travels we passed the āThree Moon Siloā an impressive piece in the Silo Art Trail which traverses Queensland.Ā
There is a couple of stories of how the area got its name.
One of them is of a local Aboriginal Stockman who was boiling his billy on the banks of the creek when he stopped and took notice of the huge moon that had seemingly magically duplicated itself.
He saw one in the sky, one reflecting in the creek, and one in his billy.
The second story of how the name came to be was said that several Aboriginal men were employed to wash sheep at the farm, but the work was coming to an end shortly, putting the men out of work that was well-paying and in favourable conditions.
It was no use telling the men to return in three months to continue work, so they told them to return when three moons had passed.
From that time on the creek became known as Three Moon Creek.
The history embedded in these small townships is endless, and well worth making the effort to travel out and about to explore.
We thank the Monto Historical society for giving us a tour of their extensive range of items from yesteryear, with the highlight being able to see the 10 head Gold Stamper in action.
The ground shook as the rams pounded the stones, but alas, no gold was to be found.
To find out more on the Bundaberg Four Wheel Drive Club and activities we have on, contact us via email, info@bunadberg4wdclub.com on the net or catch us on Facebook or Instagram.
Brad Praed
Bundaberg 4WD Club Inc.
