Imbil, Queensland - Country Bakery, Railway History & Stunning Views

Wander * Explore * Discover
Jan 29, 2024
3 min read

Updated: 18 hours ago

Imbil, Queensland - Country Bakery, Railway History & Stunning Views

Tucked away in the heart of the Mary Valley, in Queensland, the friendly country town of Imbil is one of those places that instantly invites you to slow down. Located around 160 kilometres north-west of Brisbane, Imbil sits peacefully on the banks of Yabba Creek and blends small-town charm with rich history, scenic lookouts and easy access to nature. From heritage streets and railway relics to panoramic views and lakeside relaxation, Imbil is a rewarding stop in Queensland’s hinterland.

When we visited Imbil, we wandered along the main street and railway park and enjoyed coffee and vanilla slices from the bakery. We saw the stunning views from the Imbil Lookout and discovered the Borumba Dam.

A Walk Through Imbil’s Main Street

We began our visit wandering along Imbil’s tree-lined main street, where heritage buildings sit alongside cosy cafés, bakeries, a traditional pub and an art gallery. It’s the kind of town centre where you’re encouraged to take your time, read the signs, and enjoy the simple pleasure of browsing local shops.

Imbil was established in 1868 during the gold rush, and while gold was short-lived, the town later thrived thanks to the timber industry. By the 1920s, Imbil was home to one of Queensland’s largest sawmills. Today, a short walk in the centre of town features informative boards that share stories of the timber workers and industries that shaped the town’s identity.

Coffee, Cake and Local Stories

No country town visit is complete without a stop at the local bakery, and Imbil didn’t disappoint. We called into the Imbil Town and Country Bakery for coffee and their famous vanilla slice — proudly advertised as the best in Australia. Of course, we had to try it, and it lived up to the claim.

Nearby, we popped into Art on Yabba, a lovely local art gallery where you’ll also find more information about Imbil’s history and the surrounding district. It’s a great place to appreciate local creativity while learning more about the valley’s past.

Railway Heritage by the Creek

From the main street, we wandered into Imbil Rail Park, home to the heritage-listed Imbil Railway Station and the impressive Proud Mary steam locomotive. These relics are a reminder of the railway’s vital role in transporting timber and goods through the valley.

Just across the road stands the Imbil Railway Bridge, built in 1915 over Yabba Creek. This striking heritage-listed structure stretches 120 metres and features five steel half-through Pratt trusses. It’s one of only six bridges of this type remaining in Queensland and a fascinating piece of engineering history set against a peaceful creekside backdrop.

Amazing Views from the Imbil Lookout

After exploring town, we headed up to the Imbil Lookout. The steep road to the top starts near the local supermarket and isn’t suitable for caravans. From the summit, we were rewarded with sweeping 360-degree views across rolling farmland, forested hills and distant mountain ranges — a perfect spot for photos and quiet reflection.

Relaxing by Lake Borumba

A short drive from town brought us to Borumba Dam, located about 13 kilometres from Imbil. Built across Yabba Creek in 1963, the dam plays an important role in the Mary Valley irrigation scheme and can hold up to 46,000 megalitres of water when full.

The day-use area at Lake Borumba is a popular spot for swimming, boating, water skiing and fishing. With picnic facilities and wide open spaces, it’s an ideal place to spend a relaxed afternoon surrounded by nature.

Why Imbil Is Worth the Detour

Imbil is a town that quietly surprises. Its mix of history, friendly locals, scenic lookouts and easy access to water and bushland makes it a wonderful place to explore at a relaxed pace. Whether you’re chasing a great vanilla slice, learning about railway and timber heritage, or unwinding beside Lake Borumba, Imbil captures the simple pleasures of country Queensland — and leaves you wanting to linger just a little longer.