Sitting on the Bruce Highway, the small Queensland town of Tiaro is a natural stopping point for grey nomads and goes out of its way to offer travellers a warm welcome.
With a population of around 800, Tiaro is located 26 kilometres south of Maryborough and grew on the back of the timber and farming industries … but tourism is now also delivering significant economic benefits.
It sits on the banks of the scenic Mary River which offers many great spots to throw in a line or perhaps launch a kayak.
This is the southernmost natural habitat of barramundi and, as well as many other species of fish – including Australian bass, bream, and grunter – the waters here are home to the ancient Australian lungfish; and to the endangered Mary River turtle, which uses its backside to suck in water and extract oxygen.
Tiaro is a lovely place to explore. PIC: Tracey Joynson & Jocelyn Watts / Fraser Coast
The river is also a great place to do a spot of birdwatching and to take a number of excellent walks.
The town was home to one of the first butter factories in Queensland when horses were used to churn the butter. The first school opened in 1870, and the railway station was built in 1877. Since it closed, the station building has been moved and restored and now houses the tourist information centre and an excellent Craft Cottage.
There’s a couple of pubs here offering food, liquid refreshment, and free camping … the very popular Royal Hotel, and the Hideaway Station Hotel. There is also free 48-hour camping for self-contained travellers at the centrally located Tiaro Memorial Park.
Other attractions in the town include Tiaro Meats and Bacon – an iconic butcher which offers an incredible range of quality meats; and the Tiaro War Memorial which was unveiled on Anzac Day back in 1921.
There’s also plenty to explore in Tiaro’s hinterland, with many smaller creeks and waterholes feeding into the Mary River. There are back roads leading through sugarcane fields and some fascinating country villages to discover and explore, including the likes of Bauple, Gundiah and Theebine.
A little further afield, 60 kilometres to the west, is Brooweena Historical Village, a collection of 12 heritage buildings with associated memorabilia depicting what life was like back in the 19th century.
It’s a fascinating part of the world.
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