Monto Shire

 

Ancient Landscapes

Monto is a shire of scenic rural vistas and dramatic ancient landscapes, located 220kms west of Bundaberg on Highway 17 - the "Country Way". The newest town on the highway, Monto was established in 1924 and sits high on a plateau overlooking low rolling hills. See the shire's colours change throughout the year - from verdant green hills

and bubbling creeks in summer through to the pale wheat-coloured fields and blue skies of winter.

 

Monto, with its charming rural town centre has developed into the commercial hub of the north Burnett with principal industries of grazing, piggeries, as well as grain, navy beans, sunflowers and feed crops. Mining is now to take over as a major industry in the area, at nearby Mulgildie, which also produces peanuts. Mungungo with its charming pub and cellar door sales at the local Waratah Winery leads you east into the rugged Kalpowar State Forest, which contains an extensive hoop pine plantation and tranquil bush camping areas. Three Moon Creek, passing through Monto from Cania Gorge was named from the moon shining from the sky and reflecting on the creek and also on

the water in a billycan, if myth and legend are to be believed. Gold prospecting took place in the early 1900's, followed by timber getters in backcountry that's still as wild and dramatic today.  Monto's biennial Dairy Festival showcases the area's rural achievements and is a great way to experience an authentic country fair.

 

Cania Gorge National Park, with its spectacular escarpments and rock formations, is situated approximately 30kms north of Monto. Sandstone cliffs over 70 metres high stand in dramatic contrast to the open grassy valley floor and hidden side gullies lined with dry rainforest. Russell Gully is a snapshot of what most of Monto looked like millions of years ago when Australia was covered in lush rainforests. Cania Gorge is a nature lover's paradise with some of the best viewing of Australian native animals in their natural environment offered anywhere in the country. Lake Cania beckons to the fishermen with a variety of freshwater fish including yellow belly, saratoga and bass. Private accommodation is available adjacent to the National Park in 2 caravan/camping parks.

 

Accommodation at Monto ranges from motel, hotel to caravan/camping park. Stop at the new Monto Information Centre for a range of suggestions to explore this beautiful area.


Contact Details:
Monto Shire Council
51a Newton Street,
PO Box 216
MONTO QLD 4630

Phone: (07) 4166 9999
Fax: (07) 4166 9933

Mayor: Cr Warren McLachlan
CEO: Mr Leslie Hotz
Email: admin@monto.qld.gov.au