Coal was discovered at Selene, south of the new settlement of Monto, by Jonas Thomas c 1925. Jonas had emigrated from Wales and owned the original farm were the mine is located. He first discovered coal by sinking a well as he was an experienced miner with a long family history in mining. His brother… Read More »
The Rex Project
The Rex picture theatre was built in 1939 and has been closed for about 15 years. The Monto community have banded together and kick started a not-for-profit organisation with the aim of restoring the building. The Rex will be a cinema, art gallery, museum and generally a place where creative, cultural and community focused activities… Read More »
Kenny Russell Statue
This statue is located in the Lions Park near the northern entrance to town. The bronze statue was unveiled in 2016 during an official tour of the 2015 Emirates Melbourne Cup and replaced an earlier one that was deteriorating. It symbolises the life of Kenny Russell, a local and world renowned jockey who sadly lost… Read More »
The Historical & Cultural Centre
The Historical and Cultural Centre comprises a large collection of historical pieces including their latest acquisition, a gold stamper in working condition. Tourists are welcome to browse through the Historical display. The Cultural Centre has an outstanding photographic display of old photos of early settlement, geological samples, local historical books, other historical items, in addition… Read More »
Mulgildie Bunyip Statue
Erected in 2011 to commemorate the Mulgildie Branch of the Queensland Country Women’s Associations’ 80 years of service and Queensland’s 150 years as a State of Australia. The statue is by local artist Brett Benecke with the assistance and support of Paul Irvine. The backdrop by renowned artist Arthur Hamblin. The concept for the bunyip… Read More »
Lake Cania
Lake Cania is a man-made lake which was constructed in the early 1980’s. The construction of the lake resulted in the old gold mining township of Cania being submerged. Some of the cemeteries historical tombstones were saved from the Old Cania Township cemetery and mounted at the Cania Dam lookout. Story Boards are located inside… Read More »
Hurdle Gully Lookout
Discover the many beautiful areas in the Monto region. These photos are of the Hurdle Gully Lookout in the Coominglah State Forest. The easiest access is through the Coominglah Rest Area on the Burnett Highway approximately 20kms north of Monto. We don’t recommend you travel this road if it has been raining. There is another… Read More »
Kalpowar State Forest & Recreational Area
What’s So Special? In the foothills of the Burnett Range, Kalpowar State Forest protects a mosaic of forests. Patches of dense rainforest with towering hoop pines remain between open eucalypt forests and hoop pine plantations. More than 150 plant species occur in the hoop pine rainforest which was first logged in 1918. Fireclay Road got… Read More »
The Bunyip Legend of Mulgildie
Tales of a creature lurking the depths of a watering hole in the Three Moon Creek system of Mulgildie have a long and ancient history. Many elders and old stockmen tell stories of bubbling water, disappearing cattle, frightening noises and eerie situations. Many claim the water hole has never been dry while indigenous stories tell us… Read More »
Glassford Chimneys and Mines
Glassford was a gold & copper mining township during the late 1800’s & early 1900’s located on Little Glassford Creek (also know as Coppermine Creek). There were originally two townships in the area. One at the mine & another about 4km down stream. The Top Township is where the chimneys and old mining equipment are… Read More »
