We are so lucky in this region to have access to such incredible and diverse coastal attractions, however travelling inland offers its own spectacular rewards.  The beautiful Mary Valley combines stunning scenery and ecologically significant surroundings with fascinating history and charming local industry. 

The unique hinterland environment is becoming an increasingly popular holiday destination, offering a range of activities for visitors seeking the rural experience.  Rainforest drives and bushwalks are the traditional ways visitors immerse themselves in the unique natural environment, but the more adventurous can mountain bike through the forest and explore the many back roads.  Or traverse kayak the Mary River, as it winds through patches of rainforest, eucalypt forest and open farmland. Horse riding is another way to soak up the relaxing country atmosphere of the valley, with extensive horse riding trails throughout the area.

Self-drive tours through the townships that form the region provide a flexible means to enjoy the wonderful scenery and the variety of the surroundings.  Alternatively, the award-winning “Valley Rattler” heritage steam tours offer a unique travelling experience and a link to the Mary Valley’s fascinating history.  The Rattler makes stops at restored stations where markets, entertainment, wine and cheese can be enjoyed.

Both driving and The Rattler will take you through the quaint village of Dagun.  Stroll through the natural history walk at the Railway Station Precinct where you will encounter lowland scrub, eucalypt forest and rainforest which are the three different habitats to be found in the Mary Valley.  A few minutes north of Dagun is Lagoon Pocket, an area of serene walks and picturesque lookouts. 

Continue on to peaceful Amamoor, famous as the home of the Country Music Muster.  A restored Cobb & Co coach meets The Rattler every Saturday morning, and the station shop sells local produce and a range of Muster merchandise.

Next on the tour is the township of Kandanga, where platform markets are held at the historic station every Wednesday and Sunday from 10:30am to coincide with the arrival of The Rattler.  The beautiful Kandanga Hotel is a restored Queenslander overlooking the railway bridge.  Local art and craft is on sale at the community centre, where travel information is also available.

Travel on to Imbil for antiques and local art.  The township is host to the Mary Valley Art Festival in June.  On Sundays the colourful Imbil Country Markets are held on the town’s green, or visit the designated bellbird habitat on the Imbil-Brooloo Road to hear the unique melodies of these tiny birds.

The whole Mary Valley region boasts an abundance of Australian wildlife including wallabies, koalas, echidnas, possums and many varieties of beautiful native bird life.  A special viewing platform at Amama Park just outside of Amamoor offers visitors the chance to catch a glimpse of the shy platypus.  And of course the Mary River is home to rare and endangered animal species including the Mary River Turtle and the amazing Lungfish.

With breath-taking lookouts, swimming holes and forest drives,  bush walks through rainforests with ferns, vines, palms and waterfalls, quaint country towns offering local produce and art, and spectacular scenery the Mary Valley offers something special to every visitor.  So try venturing inland for something very different.

With thanks to www.maryvalley.com.au, www.cooloola.org.au, www.countrysidenoosa.com.au