Who knew that Monto with a population of 1100 and 300 kms south west of Yeppoon would be such an agreeable place to spend a few days. Certainly not us when we were determining how to avoid the school holiday crowds flocking to the coast. Heading inland seemed the obvious solution, so we arrived in Monto, a town I dub the quiet achiever.
While the town is very much a cattle and grain centre, it caters well to travellers who simply want to kick back and enjoy some old fashioned country hospitality. For us, it started with a warm welcome at the caravan park and extended to the chatty publican and staff at the Albert Hotel, to the baristas at the cafes, to the friendly volunteers at the History Museum, to the effervescent hairdresser, to the easy going butcher and finally, to the locals who never passed without asking ‘How’re you doing?’ Monto sure did make an impression on us, so if you’re passing through this way, I’d urge you to stay a couple of days.
Albert HotelView of the main streetArt deco style Shire Council Queenslander style Monto Court HouseThe Rex Theatre built in 1939 but closed for the last 15 years, is being brought back to life, thanks to the efforts of localsA fundraiser inside the Rex Theatre (Google pic)Monto born and bred Kenny Russell found fame as a world class jockey. His life was tragically cut short in 1993 after he fell during a race at Rosehill.
Art murals are putting Monto on the tourist trail. The feature photo of silos is ‘Three Moons’ which depict Monto’s history of gold mining, mustering and dreamtime.
This mural was completed last week and honours Ethel Buckby, publican of the New Royal Hotel which was destroyed by fire in 1999.‘Fun and Freedom’ shows local children enjoying water from the leaking towerMy favorite Inside the very interesting historical museumHonouring locals at the MuseumAlso at the Museum is a replica of ‘Beautiful Betsy’, a WWII bomber which crashed in 1945 and discovered in 1994. The real BB lies a short 4 wheel drive trip away in the Kroombit Tops National Park. Find more info here http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/sad-ending-to-wartime-mystery/2573556/The colourful Mulgildie Hotel – 9 kms from Monto. It’s for sale.There’s good hiking at Cania GorgeScenery shot at Cania GorgeOverhanging rockSettling in at Monto Caravan ParkAnother option for self contained travellers. This park is right in town and just $5 a night.
Great Wendy we’ll make an effort to get there this trip.
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Keeping your travels very interesting 😊👍😍
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