Recently travelled from Gladstone to Kalpowar on the Boyne Valley Road. Did not actually go all the way to Monto but that is next "big town". The road was bitumen and fine to Many Peaks. Big change to when I was last there. This is an excellent drive to Many Peaks, but not suitable for caravans or motorhomes between Many Peaks and Kalpowar as very steep Many Peaks Range. There are twenty-three (23, give or take one) creek crossings, between Many Peaks and the range. Okay for cars as they have concrete culverts. There is also some gravel road stretches between Many Peaks and Kalpowar. There are places to free camp along the Calliope-Many Peaks stretch, and at Ubobo there is a developed Discovery Centre with resident owners/managers and all facilities you need. Only shop is at Ubobo. At Builyan there are immaculate shower (pay $1) and toilet facilities, and an outstanding covered, concrete-floored dining area complete with stainless steel gas or electric barbecues. These are all at the community hall courtesy of the Builyan-Many Peaks "progress" or "community" association. There is a sign directing you to the public toilets etc. Sadly, the tennis courts that used to be opposite the hall have gone. The annual Boyne Valley tennis championships used to attract "name" players including at one time Rod Laver and Daphne Seeney (later Fancourt). I used to enjoy Wednesday night "hit-ups" there in the 1960s. The Grand Hotel (the only one) at Many Peaks is a not-bad watering hole with meals available. This is in fact a popular destination for weekend day-trippers from Gladstone. It is a really pleasant drive through an area rich in history but, alas, like most rural regions is suffering from lack of jobs etc which has seen towns much diminished in size and facilities.
Recently travelled from Gladstone to Kalpowar on the Boyne Valley Road. Did not actually go all the way to Monto but that is next "big town". The road was bitumen and fine to Many Peaks. Big change to when I was last there. This is an excellent drive to Many Peaks, but not suitable for caravans or motorhomes between Many Peaks and Kalpowar as very steep Many Peaks Range. There are twenty-three (23, give or take one) creek crossings, between Many Peaks and the range. Okay for cars as they have concrete culverts. There is also some gravel road stretches between Many Peaks and Kalpowar. There are places to free camp along the Calliope-Many Peaks stretch, and at Ubobo there is a developed Discovery Centre with resident owners/managers and all facilities you need. Only shop is at Ubobo. At Builyan there are immaculate shower (pay $1) and toilet facilities, and an outstanding covered, concrete-floored dining area complete with stainless steel gas or electric barbecues. These are all at the community hall courtesy of the Builyan-Many Peaks "progress" or "community" association. There is a sign directing you to the public toilets etc. Sadly, the tennis courts that used to be opposite the hall have gone. The annual Boyne Valley tennis championships used to attract "name" players including at one time Rod Laver and Daphne Seeney (later Fancourt). I used to enjoy Wednesday night "hit-ups" there in the 1960s. The Grand Hotel (the only one) at Many Peaks is a not-bad watering hole with meals available. This is in fact a popular destination for weekend day-trippers from Gladstone. It is a really pleasant drive through an area rich in history but, alas, like most rural regions is suffering from lack of jobs etc which has seen towns much diminished in size and facilities.