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Gin Gin, Queensland - Tunnels, Craters & Huge Dams
- Nov 3, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 31
Gin Gin, Queensland - Tunnels, Craters & Huge Dams
Gin Gin is a welcoming rural town halfway between Brisbane and Rockhampton, in Queensland, making it the perfect stopover on a Bruce Highway road trip. Surrounded by sugarcane fields, vineyards and olive groves, this friendly country town offers a mix of heritage, quirky attractions and easy side trips that make it well worth slowing down for.
During our visit to Gin Gin, we wandered along the main street and enjoyed a Devonshire tea at the Gin Gin Regional Courthouse Gallery. We saw the heritage-listed Railway Station at the Historical Village and rode through the Boolboonda Tunnel. We also explored the Mystery Craters and visited the Fred Haigh Dam at Lake Monduran.
A Stroll Through Gin Gin’s Main Street
Gin Gin’s wide, leafy main street is a lovely place to stretch your legs. Here you’ll find the Visitor Information Centre, well-maintained gardens, public art, a playground, picnic tables and shady spots to relax. The town also has a great bakery, cosy cafés, traditional country hotels and small shops, making it an easy and pleasant place to spend a few hours.
Gin Gin Courthouse Gallery & Devonshire Tea
Built in 1935, the Gin Gin Courthouse served the town until 1990 and has since been beautifully repurposed as the Gin Gin Regional Courthouse Gallery. Today, it showcases local arts and crafts and includes a small café and gift shop.
We enjoyed a classic Devonshire tea on the verandah, soaking up the relaxed country atmosphere. Out the back, you can also see the original timber police lock-up, a fascinating reminder of Gin Gin’s early law-and-order days.
Gin Gin Historical Village & Railway Station
The Gin Gin Historical Village sits on the site of the former railway station and is home to an impressive collection of railway memorabilia, vintage machinery and historic displays. You can wander the grounds for free, or pay a small fee to access the museum buildings and learn more about the town’s rail and agricultural history.
Boolboonda Tunnel: A Walk Through History
One of the highlights of our stay was visiting Boolboonda Tunnel, located 35 kilometres from Gin Gin. Stretching 192 metres through solid rock, it is the longest unsupported tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere.
Constructed between 1883 and 1884 as part of the Mount Perry railway line, the tunnel was carved by hand from both ends, with miners meeting perfectly in the middle. Today, you can drive or walk through the tunnel — just watch for the hundreds of bent-wing bats that now call it home.
The Mystery Craters of South Kolan
Another fascinating side trip is the Mystery Craters, located 22 kilometres from Gin Gin near South Kolan. Discovered in 1971, these 35 unusual craters are formed from sandstone and ochre and are believed to be more than 25 million years old.
Despite decades of research, no one knows exactly how they were formed. Are they sinkholes, volcanic remnants, or something even older? A self-guided walking tour takes you around the site, and there’s also a crystal, rock and fossil display, gift shop and café.
Lake Monduran & Fred Haigh Dam
Just 24 kilometres north of Gin Gin is Lake Monduran, formed by the Fred Haigh Dam. The lake is famous for its world-class barramundi fishing — including a former world-record catch weighing 44.6 kilograms.
Even if fishing isn’t on your agenda, the area is worth visiting for the scenic views, picnic spots, BBQ areas, boat ramp and lookouts. There’s also a holiday park nearby, making it a popular base for anglers and nature lovers alike.
Why Gin Gin Is Worth the Stop
Gin Gin may be a small town, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to things to see and do. With its mix of heritage buildings, quirky natural attractions and classic country hospitality, it’s the kind of place that turns a simple highway stop into a memorable part of your Queensland road trip.
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