The Isis Uniting Church serves townships and people representing a wide and diverse district including two Regional Council areas. Childers and Woodgate are located within the Bundaberg Council boundaries and Biggenden is linked to the North Burnett Council geography.
Bundaberg Regional Council can be found at North Burnett Regional Council can be found at
http://www.bundaberg.qld.gov.au http://www.northburnett.qld.gov.au
CHILDERS – Known as the ‘southern gateway to the Bundaberg Region’, Childers is unlike any other town on the highway between Brisbane and Cairns. It has its own unmistakable characteristics. Green, rolling, sugar cane covered hills and volcanic red soil are the first things a traveller might notice. The main street is broad and tree lined with an access service road used more by locals. In recent years, the heritage aspects of the town have been enhanced and developed. Pioneer Park on the north end of the town, and Millennium Park in the centre of Childers are prominent. With a growing population of around2000, Childers is home to a dynamic mixture of history, architecture, and recreational space. Childers was part of the former Isis Shire and is now part of the Bundaberg Regional Council.
- A street walk can be done which explains the rich heritage of the town and a map to follow is available from the Tourist Info Office.
- A unique war memorial is located in the former council chambers, and an excellent public park area is located nearby.
- There is a public library, cultural centre, and also a Pharmaceutical Museum just off the main street.
- Easily found, is also a memorial to ‘The Palace’ Backpackers Fire of 2000.
Various wineries are found close to the township – Hill of Promise; Isis Winery; Brierley Wines; and Vintner’s Secret.
There is also a wide variety of Bed + Breakfast Lodges, Tourist + Backpacker accommodation facilities, and Caravan Parks for those passing through.
Other local sites –
Figtree Treasures – historical memorabilia + souvenirs
Sticky Beaks Restaurant + Exotic Jam Factory
Mammino Ice Cream
Snakes Down Under
Flying High Bird Sanctuary
Isis Sugar Mill
A community wide Festival of Cultures is held on the last Sunday in July annually.
WOODGATE – 25km from Childers is Woodgate, a coastal strip with peaceful waters and a white sandy beach, stretching from Theodolite Creek in the north to Burrum River in the south. Tranquil and serene, this area has good views, great fishing and safe swimming. Basically a holiday home type seaside township, Woodgate is expanding slowly although growth is limited due to the adjacent 5500 hectare National Park. A boardwalk has been constructed in the National Park and a walkway/bikeway on the Esplanade. Burrum River NP is found to the south and Kinkina NP to the north.
Lots of flora and fauna are visible including the frequently sighted kangaroos that venture from the reserve to backyards and open spaces.
About 800 people live in this quaint township permanently but the crowd grows during holiday periods to nearly double that figure..
Boat ramps give access to ocean and river; barbecues and shelter sheds are available; showers and toilet provided; ample parking; and easy access to the beach. There are some shops that serve the township and fuel is available. Many accommodation options are offered.
The North Burnett region is located approx four hours drive north of Brisbane and about one hour west of Bundaberg and encompasses six main townships – Biggenden, Eidsvold, Gayndah, Monto, Mount Perry and Mundubbera.
The region covers an area of almost 20,000 sq km and has a population of around 10,500. The region takes its name from the Burnett River that flows through the district.
Industry – Agriculture is both abundant and diverse. Primary industries include citrus, beef and pork, fodder crops, mining, timber and dairy production. Tourism also plays its part.
BIGGENDEN – is just one part of the beautiful North Burnett region, with sweeping landscapes and natural wonders. Biggenden township rests near Mt Walsh and is just over an hour’s drive from the coastal towns of Maryborough, Bundaberg and Hervey Bay. Biggenden developed as a service town out of the gold fields of Paradise and Shamrock which began with the initial discoveries back in the 1880’s. Local industry now includes agricultural and pastoral pursuits such as beef, dairy, citrus, vineyards and timber.
Only about 30 minutes north-west of Biggenden is the picturesque Paradise Dam or Lake Paradise which lies on the Burnett River. Named after the old gold mining township of Paradise which now lies underwater, the dam has a capacity of 300,000 megalitres. It was completed in late 2005, after four years of construction.
Various fish species are found in the dam, and there are no boating restrictions except near the dam wall. Camping is allowed with bookings advisable. The surrounds of the dam offer drinking water, gas barbecues, picnic shelters, environmentally friendly toilets and a Kiosk and Information Centre.
There is a unique turtle hatchery (white throated snapping turtle) at the dam and there are talks and displays on most weekends.
There are also walking trails that take in the sights including the old gold mine, Paradise Cemetery and Finney Creek. About 26km of the Bicentennial National Trail runs around the dam.
Rail transport arrived around 1891 and Chowey Bridge was constructed for the railways and opened in 1905. The bridge is supported by a main 27m concrete arch and a number of smaller arches. It seems incongruous to drive down a lonely dirt road and reach such a beautifully proportioned concrete arch bridge over a deep pool of water. There are picnic facilities and it is an ideal place to experience the quietness and solitude of a bush setting.
In town, the Biggenden Museum is found near the re-located Old Courthouse which came from Paradise. It was the Police Station for a while but now houses lots of photographs and memorabilia of local Biggenden history. There is also a Visitor Information Centre in George Street. Approximately 750 people live in the township area.
Three National Parks are also found in the Biggenden area – Mt Walsh National Park, with its rugged exposed granite outcrops and cliffs; Coulston Lakes National Park, which contains two large crater lakes; and Woowoonga National Park, which gives great panoramic views from the Burnett Ranges to Fraser Island.