Biloela, Queensland - Art, Heritage and Country Life in Central Queensland

Wander * Explore * Discover
May 31, 2024
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Biloela, Queensland - Art, Heritage and Country Life in Central Queensland

Located in the heart of Central Queensland, Biloela is a thriving regional town that blends country hospitality with creativity, history and wide-open landscapes. Sitting 572 kilometres north of Brisbane, Biloela was first settled in 1854 and has grown into a busy commercial hub supported by agriculture and pastoral industries, including cotton, wheat and sorghum.

Today, it’s a welcoming stop for travellers exploring Queensland Country, offering colourful artwork, fascinating heritage attractions and all the conveniences of a large country town.

On our visit to Biloela, we saw The Spirit of the Land Mural, explored Queensland Heritage Park, saw the silo art and visited Mount Scoria and Callide Dam.

Stories Painted on the Landscape

One of Biloela’s most striking features is its public art, starting with the impressive Spirit of the Land Mural painted around one of the town’s water reservoirs. Stretching an incredible 100 metres around the structure, this mural tells the story of the land and the people who have shaped it — from prehistoric times through to the early 20th century.

The story unfolds through the eyes of two women from vastly different cultural backgrounds, with information plaques placed around the reservoir guiding you through the artwork and its meaning. It’s a powerful and thoughtful way to connect with the region’s history while enjoying a walk around the site.

Stepping Back in Time at Queensland Heritage Park

On the outskirts of town, Queensland Heritage Park offers a deep dive into Australia’s rural and industrial past. Open daily from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm, the complex features an extensive collection of historical exhibits spread across a large, easy-to-explore site.

The main display area is housed inside The Silo, a structure originally built to showcase Australia’s primary industries at the World Expo in Brisbane in 1988.

Beyond the main building, you can wander through the grounds, explore the heritage railway station and browse machinery sheds filled with vintage agricultural equipment that once powered life across the region.

Silo Art with a Farming Story

Biloela’s creative spirit continues at the Australian Mungbean Company, where three portable silos were transformed into vibrant artworks in January 2023 by renowned artists The Zookeeper and Drapl.

The murals depict local farmers checking on their crops and celebrate the beauty of Biloela and the Callide Valley, blending contemporary street art with everyday rural life. It’s a striking example of how art and agriculture come together in Queensland’s country towns.

The Musical Mountain - Mount Scoria

Just a 15-minute drive from Biloela, near the town of Thangool, Mount Scoria Conservation Park offers one of the region’s most unique natural attractions. Rising 150 metres, Mount Scoria was formed by volcanic activity 20–26 million years ago and is made up of rare vertical and semi-vertical basalt columns.

Known as the ‘Musical Mountain’, the long, six-sided columns can produce musical tones when gently struck by another rock. A short walking track at the base of the mountain includes information boards that explain both the geological significance of Mount Scoria and its importance to the Gangulu people. Picnic facilities and toilets make it an easy and worthwhile stop.

Relaxing by the Water at Callide Dam

Around 12 kilometres from Biloela, Callide Dam is a popular local escape and a great place to enjoy the outdoors. The dam is well known for fishing, with species including golden perch, barramundi and red claw.

The day-use area is well set up with picnic shelters, BBQs, toilets and a playground, making it ideal for families or a relaxed afternoon by the water. Built on Callide Creek in 1965 and upgraded in 1988, the dam now has a storage capacity of 136,300 megalitres, playing an important role in the region’s water supply.

Why Biloela Is Worth the Visit

Biloela is a town that proudly celebrates its land, its people and its stories. From large-scale murals and silo art to heritage parks, volcanic landscapes and peaceful dam-side picnics, it offers a rich and varied experience for travellers exploring Central Queensland.

Whether you’re passing through or staying a little longer, Biloela rewards curiosity with colour, culture and genuine country charm.