April 2, 2013
The Easter long weekend always attracts a horde of visitors to the South Burnett … and this year has been no exception.
At Yallakool Park on Bjelke-Petersen Dam, about 600 people gathered for a weekend of fishing and to enjoy the Easter Markets on Sunday.
Park manager Shona Divljak said numbers were down from last Easter – which attracted 860 campers – but she said it was still a great weekend and everyone had a good time.
She attributed the slight drop-off to various weather reports which had predicted rain.
“We thought we were going to be full but unfortunately a lot of people who had booked didn’t turn up,” she said.
Over at Lake Boondooma, anglers also were keen to wet a line.
Park manager Jane Murray said she was happy with the bookings which were “probably more than we expected”.
And campers were happy with the areas available for them post-flood.
“There are still a few camping areas next to the water which are closed but we managed to open some up,” she said.
“Most people understood and accepted the fact.”
During the Australia Day weekend floods, the dam reached a maximum height of 6.12m over the spillway which meant that water went through all the park’s amenities blocks.
These were repaired and re-opened in time for Easter but some electric barbecues were still out of action.
Currently the dam is still at 101 per cent capacity.
There were also many local events for visitors to enjoy …
On Saturday, the Nanango Race Club hosted its annual Easter Races at Lee Park.
A big crowd enjoyed the fine weather, the hotly contested Fashions of the Field event, and five exciting races.
There was also a special opportunity for punters to hop on a bus and view the start of races from behind the barrier.
Kumbia Sportsgrounds hosted a two-day campdraft with competitors coming from all over south-east Queensland to compete, camping in the grounds.
The Maidenwell Hotel also had a huge weekend, with a charity “pig on a spit” night on Saturday and a Bull Ride on Sunday.
Wendy Jones said about 250 to 300 people turned up on Saturday night and raised just over $5000 to assist a local child, Olivia Almond, who has a spinal tumour.
On Sunday night, “the rain was a pain” but it didn’t stop the National Rodeo Association Maidenwell Rodeo (Bull Ride) from going ahead.
About 400 people enjoyed the rodeo action in the ring erected next door to the pub.
“It’s been a very good weekend, very busy but a lot of fun and with lots of people,” Wendy said.
At Crane Wines on the Booie Range, visitors enjoyed two days of live music and margaritas under the new shade sail erected in front of the cellar door.
Owner Bernie Cooper said the area was packed on Saturday afternoon and there was also a good crowd in on Sunday.
And at the Hivesville Hotel, locals and visitors turned on Saturday evening out to enjoy live music and a mechanical bull challenge.
- Related article: Easter Fashions On Parade
