Torbanlea

What it's all about

The fun, the excitement

The quaint country town Torbanlea on the Fraser Coast was one of Queensland's first coal mining settlements and is famous for its annual picnic races.

Every October, visitors can experience the fantastic atmosphere of the annual event at the town's Racetrack and Sports grounds - it is Queensland's best picnic races by a country mile! While at Torbanlea, visit its historic hotel, which retains much of its characteristics from its days when an enterprising miner built it as a waterhole for his workmates in the 188os.

There are great swimming, fishing and camping spots on the nearby Burrum River. A good access point is the Powerhouse Road Picnic Area and Boat Ramp near neighbouring Howard.

Follow a Mining Villages and Waterholes Trail or Burrum Coast Discovery Trail to explore the area. The trails take in Howard, also one of Queensland's first coal mining settlements and the picturesque fishing villages Burrum Heads and Toogoom.

Explore nearby Lenthall's Dam and the Wongi Waterholes - a beautiful picnic and camping spot, fringed by paperbark trees and surrounded by forest.