Mount Perry settlement began in the late 1840s with the taking up of large sheep grazing stations, mining activity began in the 1860s and the discovery of rich copper deposits led to a mining boom. Today there is still mining activity in the town.
One of the most interesting sites in the Mount Perry area is the Boolboonda Tunnel, despite the fact that it extends 192 metres into the rock, it is unlined and unsupported. In fact it has the dubious distinction of being the longest unsupported tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere. The tunnel was originally built in 1883 for the railway line between Bundaberg and Mount Perry to service the copper mines. Now it is home to a colony of bent-winged bats and used to access residential properties. You can explore the tunnel at your leisure.
Mount Perry is 100 kilometres north west of Bundaberg and is home to an array of arts and cultural experiences that can be had at the Pat Augustine centre and Bicentennial museum. There is an active Mount Perry Arts Group that facilitate an annual exhibition in September. Any history buffs can check out the smelter slag heap mining site, heritage walk and survey the view from the Normanby and Schuh lookouts.
Some major sporting events are the twice-yearly Mount Perry Races, the annual Mount Perry Mountain Bike Cup and Mount Perry Woodchop, all drawing large crowds.
Quick Facts
Mount Perry is an Urban Location area within the local government area of North Burnett in Queensland, it is located approximately 289kms from the capital Brisbane and extends over an area of 608.718 square kilometres. Mount Perry has a recorded population of 538 residents and is within the Australian Eastern Standard Time zone Australia/Brisbane.
If you are planning a visit to Mount Perry we’ve put together some of the things you can see or do while you are here. These include, places to stay, tours and attractions, some upcoming events and places where you can grab a meal. Go ahead, try one of the buttons above. Every destination has something worth seeing so start exploring… If you know Mount Perry and think we’ve missed something, let us know and we’ll share it here.