Mary Valley
Scenic Hinterland - Where Country Charm Meets Natural Beauty
It’s almost as if this region was purpose built for those passionate about outdoor pursuits and recreation. You could spend days or even weeks exploring and experiencing all of the national parks and forests, beautiful creeks and the mighty Mary River, and don’t forget Lake Borumba or the many villages dotting the landscape for miles around.
The Mary Valley stretches south and west from Gympie through some of Queensland’s most picturesque countryside, where rolling hills, pristine creeks, productive farmlands, and historic towns create the perfect hinterland escape. There is so much to do, from camping to hiking, walking, 4WD’ing, water skiing, fishing, trail-bike riding, cycling, kayaking, horse riding and much more.
This scenic region embodies the essence of rural Queensland, offering visitors authentic country experiences, charming villages, fresh local produce, heritage attractions, and some of the most beautiful natural swimming holes in the state. The valley follows the Mary River and its tributaries through a landscape shaped by both natural beauty and human endeavour and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an abundance of activities like canoeing, kayaking, fishing, bushwalking, bike riding, 4WD’ing and horse riding.
Historic timber towns, established farming communities, and preserved natural areas combine to create a destination that celebrates both heritage and environmental stewardship.
Imbil - Gateway to Adventure
Imbil serves as the Mary Valley’s adventure capital, surrounded by state forests and national parks while maintaining its authentic timber town character. The town’s heritage buildings house cafes, galleries, and craft shops, while the surrounding forests provide extensive recreation opportunities.
Forest Adventures:
The surrounding Imbil State Forest offers extensive mountain biking trails, hiking tracks, and four-wheel driving opportunities. The forest roads lead to scenic lookouts, pristine creeks, and secluded camping areas. Wildlife is abundant, with koalas, kangaroos, and diverse bird species commonly observed.
Heritage and Culture:
The town’s timber industry heritage is preserved in historical displays and heritage buildings. Local galleries showcase regional artists’ work, while craft shops offer handmade items reflecting the area’s creative community.
Kandanga - Creek Paradise
Kandanga epitomizes Mary Valley’s natural beauty, situated where pristine creeks converge amid rolling hills and productive farmlands. This small community is famous for its exceptional creek swimming opportunities and strong agricultural heritage.
Kandanga Creek:
The creek provides the town’s main attraction, with numerous swimming holes accessible by short walks from the town centre. The clear mountain water flows over and around large granite boulders, creating deep pools perfect for swimming and shallow areas ideal for children.
Agricultural Heritage:
Kandanga’s surrounding farms produce diverse crops and livestock, creating opportunities for farm gate sales and agritourism experiences. Local producers offer fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, and dairy products directly to visitors, while some farms provide accommodation and hands-on experiences.
Amamoor - Natural Beauty
Amamoor offers additional creek swimming opportunities and serves as a gateway to more remote natural areas. The town maintains its rural character while providing access to pristine natural environments.
Amamoor Creek:
Multiple swimming holes along Amamoor Creek provide variety for visitors with many family-friendly pools. The creek’s granite bottom and clear water create ideal swimming conditions, while surrounding bushland provides natural beauty and wildlife habitat.
Mary Valley Communities
Cooran: Historic town with heritage buildings, antique shops, and traditional country hospitality.
A Gourmet Country Drive
Some call it the simple life, but to us it’s just life. And, if you take some time to get to know us you’ll understand why we wouldn’t trade it for the world. Here in the Mary Valley, we’re passionate about growing quality, nutritious food in harmony with nature. So, for a great gastronomic experience, we suggest you start here.
Kandanga Farm Store and Café, Bunya Grove Produce and Forage Farms are packed with fresh local produce that you can buy direct from the farmer who actually grew it and can tell you the back story if you want to know more. Fresh air and fresh food – both wonderful reasons for a real country drive.
The Mary Valley’s productive agriculture creates numerous opportunities for visitors to purchase fresh produce directly from farms. Seasonal fruit picking, fresh vegetables, free-range eggs, raw milk, and artisanal products are available throughout the valley.
Get to Know Your Farmer
Dagun Growers Market is on every Saturday and is your chance to buy fresh locally grown, spray free produce direct from the farmer. Held at the historic Dagun Station from 3pm each week, you can also find locally made preserves, cheese, baked goods and more. If you like to chat with the person who grows your food, then this is a great place to spend a few hours.
Back To Nature
For your best chance of seeing our elusive Mary Valley platypus, head for the Amama Platypus Walk. These cheeky little chappies are totally camera shy and hard to spot. But ask a local, they find them everywhere. We recommend daybreak or dawn for the best sightings but no guarantees.
This 2.5km circuit walk passes trickling streams and cascading waterfalls before eventually reaching the Diamondfield Lookout.
On The Water
This is a water lover’s paradise. With a nearby camping ground, we go boating, fishing, kayaking and sailing here just about all year round.
It’s a perfect spot for weekend getaways or for fishing gurus (and their apprentices) during school holidays.
Also home to the Mary Valley Platypus is Yabba Creek (just off Lake Borumba) a gentle, placid kind of creek that’s perfect for swimming or kayaking. For platypus spotting, we recommend dusk or dawn!
Hinterland Tracks and Trails
Mary Valley’s lush forests and stunning landscapes are the perfect backdrop for the network of tracks and trails that pepper our beautiful countryside.
Suitable for cyclists, walkers and for horses, there’s tons of tracks and trails around here. Here in the Mary Valley we also have a real love for our horses and we’re used to sharing our tracks and trails with these gentle giants.
So if you’re out walking or cycling, please look out for our horses too, they love our tracks and trails just as much as we do.
Extensive trail networks provide walking opportunities ranging from short nature walks to challenging multi-day hikes. Trails lead through diverse environments including rainforest remnants, eucalyptus forests, and creek systems.
On Your Bike
We love the Mary Valley Rail trail for a relaxed cycle or walk. If cycling, take our advice and start at the Brooloo end. Head to Imbil for a coffee or cool drink at the historic pub or local café before tackling the return journey home.
Purpose-built mountain bike trails and fire trails provide riding opportunities for all skill levels. The varied terrain includes technical single tracks, flowing downhill runs, and scenic cross-country routes.