Kolan Shire

The Kolan Shire is the perfect place to break your journey. For years the main town of Gin Gin has been known as 'halfway to everywhere' because of its central location for travellers heading north, south, east or west.

What has often been overlooked is the Kolan Shire's rural beauty and attractions which make Kolan a holiday destination in its own right.

Find out about Queensland's only authentic bushranger, discover the pioneering masterpiece of the Boolboonda Tunnel, explore the largest natural hoop pine forest in Australia or fish for magnificent barramundi.

When you are ready for some of the finer things in life, visit the boutique wineries, have morning tea at the lavender farm and visit an art gallery.

Learn about the Shire's past at the Historical Complex, visit the quaint towns of Wallaville and Tirroan and keep your eyes open for farm get stalls which sell crispy vegetables and fresh fruit grown on the property.

Originally the Kolan Shire was settled with sheep then cattle and sugar cane. Today the region has diversified into a wide range of industries including, emus, ostriches, wines, crayfish, quails, olives, small crops and goats.

Travelling north along the Bruce Highway 1, you'll arrive at Gin Gin, hub of the Kolan Shire and main northern gateway into Bundaberg. This area was the haunt of the "Wild Scotchman" - James McPherson, Queensland's only 'authentic' bushranger, who regularly ambushed the mail delivery. A re-enactment of his capture is held during the Wild Scotsman Festival on the fourth weekend of March each year. The wide main street is part of Highway 1 and lined with buildings from the 1900's, 40's and 50's, dotted with well tended gardens.

Gin Gin is part of what used to be Gin Gin Station, owned by Sir Thomas McIllwraith, former Premier of Queensland. The Historical Society Museum houses the district's pioneering memorabilia — well worth a look for any history buffs to see the trials and difficulties for the early pioneers and their families that moved to the isolated and rugged
Australia bush. Today, Gin Gin is the centre of a blossoming citrus, olive and wine growing region and tours are available to see these thriving agribusinesses.

The Gin Gin Visitor Information Centre has excellent displays featuring this region's must-see attractions such as galleries, bushwalks and country pub hotels. Two of the most authentic pubs in the region are located nearby at Wallaville and Tirroan. Just north of Gin Gin, Lake Monduran is Queensland's third largest water storage. When full, the lake holds over three times as much water at Sydney Harbour! A basic campground is located here and fishing competitions in the stocked dam are popular. The Gaeta Vally Markets and the Kolan River Pioneer Gallery are two outlying attractions a little different from the everyday, with both giving visitors a fascinating glimpse into the rural lifestyle.

To the south of Gin Gin lie the hoop pine forests and fantastically swollen bottle trees of Goodnight Scrub National Park, well worth a day trip to fully experience its grandeur. Unsealed and untarred roads suitable for all vehicles traverse the undulating countryside and an attractive picnic area and basic campground is located on the Burnett River. Historic Kalliwa Hut offers an insight into the tough living conditions endured by early timber getters. Only attempt the steep road up One Tree Hill lookout if you are in a 4WDrive (or feel like a strenuous walk!), but the prize of the majestic panorama of the rugged Boolboonda and Perry Range is worth the effort.

Accommodation in the area ranges from basic national park and reserve camping, through to caravan/camping park, motels and bed & breakfast accommodation.