Cultural And Theme Tours Attractions Balnagowan - Holiday Gold Coast

CULTURAL AND THEME TOURS BALNAGOWAN

Greenmount Homestead Logo and Images

Greenmount Homestead

Greenmount Road, Walkerston QLD 4751

Take a step back in time at the historic Greenmount Homestead. Developed by Albert Cook on the cattle run first taken up by Mackay pioneer Captain John Mackay, Greenmount was gifted to the city by the Cook family in 1983 and is held in trust by Mackay Regional Council. After careful restoration, the former farm is Mackay's most valued heritage attraction and a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. Take a tour and explore the wonderful grounds which feature a formal front garden, fernery, arbour and selection of exotic trees. The grounds also contain a number of buildings including the 1915 Queenslander homestead. Stroll through the homestead and gain insight into the Cooks family life and how they lived and browse the collection of over 20,000 historical items. Quite unique is that tours of the homestead are sometimes conducted by a living legacy to the past, Gloria Arrow who was the housekeeper for Tom and Dorothy Cook since she was 17 years old and remains as caretaker and tour guide of Greenmount.. Experience a fascinating journey back in time at Greenmount - the perfect location for a family picnic or a quiet cup of tea on a sunny day.

Melba House Logo and Images

Melba House

Eungella Road, Marian QLD 4753

Her soft brown eyes captured the hearts of men, her voice cast a magic spell on audiences in London, Paris and many other cities in Europe as well as the United States of America, the legendary diva Dame Nellie Melba. Few know that the acclaimed opera singer spent the first year of her married life in a small house right here in the heart of the Pioneer Valley, in Marian. And the house where the diva with the golden voice lived, is now open to the public for free. It shows a beautiful array of her photos, recordings, memorabilia, books and furniture of her time. All this has been lovingly reconstructed by members and supporters of the Pioneer Valley Tourism and Development Association. The 132 year old house was rescued from demolition by the Mirani Shire Council who restored the run down building and transported it from Marian Mill to a more prominent riverbank setting along the main Eungella Road in Edward Lloyd Park two kilometres from the heart of Marian. The house boasts an arts and craft shop featuring an extensive array of locally handmade gifts and souvenirs and is the home to the Pioneer Valley Visitor Information Centre.

Pioneer River, Marian, Queensland Logo and Images

Pioneer River, Marian, Queensland

4-74 Anzac AVenue, Marian QLD 4753
The Pioneer River - one of the few "blue water" rivers in Queensland - and its main tributary Cattle Creek flow through the heart of the Pioneer Valley, from the Connors Ranges in the South and West to the Pacific Ocean at Mackay. Access to the river is restricted by freehold ownership except for a few areas such as beside Edward Lloyd Park where three access paths are maintained, including one just 20 metres from Melba House. Local residents fish the river for sooty grunter and barramundi - both species are renowned for their fighting ability. In addition, groups of Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) are frequently seen near their burrows on the northern bank behind Melba House. A wide variety of native and migratory bird species, including ducks, swans, pelicans and cormorants, and fresh water turtles also frequent the river.
Edward Lloyd Park, Marian, Queensland Logo and Images

Edward Lloyd Park, Marian, Queensland

4 - 74 Anzac Avenue, Marian QLD 4753
Named for the Clerk (1921 to 1954) of the former Mirani Shire, Edward Lloyd, who was instrumental in preserving and maintaining parkland in the Shire, the park has recently had a major make-over by Mackay Regional Council. In addition to improved parking areas which can cater for all vehicles up to large buses and caravans, the park now boasts a family friendly playground, picnic shelters, barbecues and modern public toilets. There is also a concrete walking/cycling track from Melba House to Marian State School - a distance of approximately one kilometre - which is very popular with fitness seekers and pleasure walkers as it meanders along the Pioneer River bank giving views of the river and birdlife which frequents the area.
Cane Cutter Memorial Logo and Images

Cane Cutter Memorial

4 Anzac Avenue, Marian QLD 4753
A statue of a Cane Cutter, erected in 1994 as a memorial to the pioneering families of the Marian district, is situated in Edward Lloyd Park approximately 50 metres from Melba House. Plaques on the plinth list the names of the residents - those who settled the district prior to 1900 are on the front; the remaining three sides list those families which became residents since 1900. A grove of trees planted by the members of the pioneering families surrounds the memorial.
Greenmount Homestead Logo and Images

Greenmount Homestead

Greenmount Road, Walkerston QLD 4751
Greenmount Homestead (five kilometres west of Walkerston) is one of Mackay's most valued historic attractions. Greenmount was developed by AA Cook on the cattle run first taken up by Captain John Mackay and was gifted to the city by the Cook Family in 1984. The grounds contain a number of buildings including a 1915 Queenslander homestead, which houses intact a collection of more than 20,000 historical items. The gardens and grounds played an important role in Cook family life, and feature a formal front garden, fernery and arbour. Greenmount is open from 9.30am to 12.30pm, Sunday to Friday (closed on Saturdays). Tours are available at other times by appointment.
That Sapphire Place Logo and Images

That Sapphire Place

Bruce Highway, Corner of Westlake Drive, The Leap QLD 4740
Come and be dazzled at That Sapphire Place; an exquisite collection of rare and precious natural gemstones by gem cutters and gem merchants with more than 25 years experience in Lapidary and Gem Cutting. Specialising in natural sapphires of all colours, natural rubies, natural emeralds, individually hand picked gem stones, crystals and mineral specimens, many sourced direct from miners throughout Australia and internationally. Other Gemstones in the collection include precious natural Aquamarine, Tourmaline, Opals and Pearls. They have jewellery manufactured by Qualified Tradesmen, and Gem Cutting daily on premises. Also browse locally sourced exquisite gift wares.
The Leap Hotel Logo and Images

The Leap Hotel

Bruce Highway, The Leap QLD 4740
Travelling north of Mackay along the Bruce Highway you will come to the township of The Leap. This site holds a past of great tragedy and significance in the history of this region. Discover the legend of The Leap "A legendary and powerful woman named Kowaha from a local native tribe; committed the ultimate sacrifice in 1867. As a result of this event, the Mt Mandarana Cliff and Valley became known as The Leap." The Hotel now stands as a reminder of this history and the legend of Kowaha. Visit the hotel and be captivated by the memorabilia and history of this region at the mini-museum. Visit the large monument depicting the historic event. Overnight camping is available. Mini-markets and live music are some of the regular events held at this hotel.

Pioneer River, Marian

4 - 74 Anzac Avenue, Marian QLD 4753
The Pioneer River, one of the few 'blue water' rivers in Queensland, and its main tributary, Cattle Creek, flow through the heart of the Pioneer Valley, from the Clarke Connors Ranges in the South and West to the Pacific Ocean at Mackay. Access to the river is restricted by freehold ownership except for a few areas such as beside Edward Lloyd Park where three access paths are maintained, including one just 20 metres from Melba House. Access in the Valley to the river is also possible at Pleystowe (boat ramp), Mirani (next to road bridge), Mia Mia (next to the road bridge), Pinevale, Gargett (next to road bridge), and Neem Hall (Finch Hatton). Canoeing, kayaking and swimming are just a few of the activities the river provides. Local residents fish the river for sooty grunter and barramundi - both species are renowned for their fighting ability. In addition, groups of Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) are frequently seen near their burrows on the northern bank behind Melba House. A wide variety of native and migratory bird species, including ducks, swans, pelicans and cormorants, and fresh water turtles also frequent the river. Crocodiles cannot access the upper reaches of the river....

Melba House Visitor Information Centre

4 Anzac Avenue, Marian QLD 4753
The Pioneer Valley Visitor Information Centre is located in Melba House, Edward Lloyd Park, Anzac Avenue, Marian. This accredited visitor information centre offers a one stop shop for travel information including maps, brochures and itineraries. Staffed by skilled and knowledgeable local volunteers, the Melba House Visitor Information Centre can provide advice on the things to see, things to do and where to eat. Discuss with the friendly staff your travel plans or make a booking....

Organic & Natural Store

60 Yakapari Seaforth Road, The Leap QLD 4740
Walkerston Logo and Images

Walkerston

40889 - Walkerston QLD 4751
Walkerston is situated approximately 10 kilometres west of Mackay on the Peak Downs Highway, a small country town with an array of facilities and services, including a supermarket, bakery and pub. A key attraction in the area is the Historic Greenmount Homestead. The Greenmount site was first settled in 1862 by Captain John Mackay and the homestead was later built in 1912 by the pioneering Cook family. This home is now a beautifully preserved museum that serves as gateway to the region's past, with traditional Queensland Architecture, original furniture, fittings and ornaments, and the original owner's house maid - Gloria Arrow. Tours around this grand home are open to the public. Walkerston is also home to a number of sporting teams, including rugby league, cricket, cycling and BMX. A competitive BMX track and outdoor cycling velodrome can be found side by side on Creek Street at McLennan Park....
Edward Lloyd Park, Marian Logo and Images

Edward Lloyd Park, Marian

4 - 74 Anzac Avenue, Marian QLD 4753
Named for the Clerk (1921 to 1954) of the former Mirani Shire, Edward Lloyd, who was instrumental in preserving and maintaining parkland in the Shire, the park had a major make-over by Mackay Regional Council. In addition to improved parking areas which can cater for all vehicles up to large buses and caravans, the park now boasts a family friendly playground, picnic shelters, barbecues and modern public toilets. There is also a concrete walking/cycling track from Melba House to Marian State School - a distance of just over one kilometre - which is very popular with fitness seekers and pleasure walkers as it meanders along the Pioneer River bank giving views of the river and birdlife which frequents the area. If you are really lucky, you may see the local platypus sporting about....
Marian Sugar Mill Logo and Images

Marian Sugar Mill

390 Anzac Avenue, Marian QLD 4753
Marian Mill was first built in 1885, but closed after a few years. The Marian Central Mill Co Ltd erected a new mill in 1894 under the Sugar Guarantee Act, and the first crushing took place in 1895. In 1966 the shareholders of Marian Central Mill Co Ltd voted to sell the assets and liabilities of that company to the cane farmers supplying the mill, who formed the Marian Mill Co-operative Society Limited. On February 1, 1988, Marian Mill, together with Cattle Creek, Farleigh, North Eton and Racecourse mills, amalgamated and purchased Pleystowe Mill to form the Mackay Sugar Co-operative Association Limited. Since then, Marian has been significantly improved to increase its crushing capacity, and its annual throughput of crops in excess of two million tonnes have earned it a ‘super mill’ status within the Australian sugar industry. Marian crushes crops previously supplied to the North Eton, which closed in 1989, and Cattle Creek Mill, which closed in 1990. A unique feature is the mural on the Engineering shed depicting a cane fire - rarely seen these days as most cane is cut green. Access is restricted but easily visible from the road. ...
Cane Cutter Memorial Logo and Images

Cane Cutter Memorial

4 Anzac Avenue, Marian QLD 4753
A statue of a Cane Cutter, erected in 1994 as a memorial to the pioneering families of the Marian district, is situated in Edward Lloyd Park approximately 50 metres from Melba House. Plaques on the plinth list the names of the residents - those who settled the district prior to 1900 are on the front; the remaining three sides list those families which became residents since 1900. A grove of trees planted by the members of the pioneering families surrounds the memorial. During the Rugby League season the Canecutter shows his support for the Maroons by dressing in the team colours and waving the Queensland flag. Behind the statue is a track down to the Pioneer River, where is it possible to swim, fish and maybe even spot a Platypus. ...
Greenmount Homestead Logo and Images

Greenmount Homestead

Greenmount Road, Walkerston QLD 4751
Greenmount Homestead (five kilometres west of Walkerston) is one of Mackay's most valued historic attractions. Greenmount was developed by AA Cook on the cattle run first taken up by Captain John Mackay and was gifted to the city by the Cook Family in 1984. The grounds contain a number of buildings including a 1915 Queenslander homestead, which houses intact a collection of more than 20,000 historical items. The gardens and grounds played an important role in Cook family life, and feature a formal front garden, fernery and arbour. Greenmount is open from 9.30am to 12.30pm, Sunday to Friday (closed on Saturdays). Tours are available at other times by appointment. ...