The Black Stump Rest Area - Burnett Hwy, Mundowran, QLD

Longitude:  151.311537      Latitude:  -25.573371

Approaching Mundubbera, from an eastward direction, a large Rest Area emerges on the northern flank of the Burnett Highway.  The Rest Area signage reads:

“The Black Stump

Gateway to Mundubbera”

Directly under the signage, a concrete black stump is situate.  The colloquial Australian term of the ‘Black Stump’ is generally accepted as a reference point, and, uncannily there is plaque and sign noting the exact GPS co-ordinates within this very Rest Area. The surveyors of early Australia were also the explorers – often the first to penetrate and document the land.  These ‘GPS Markers’ have been installed in various significant locations during 2009 – commemorating 150 years since Queensland’s separation from New South Wales.

The other stand out feature in the Rest Area is very nobbly looking tree stump (a real one this time) . . . 

Excerpts of the signage explains:

“Knobby Tree – Poplar / Bimble Box

Eucalyptus populnea

Native to Australia and derives from the Myrtaceae family, this species is native to Eastern and Southern Queensland and the Western plains of New South Wales.

Hard and durable timber, excellent shade (in shade situation), moderate growth rate, grows to medium sized tree between 10 to 20 metres tall with medium sized crown, needs low to moderate rainfall . . . “

” . . . This species is also known to be a natural food source for browsing Koalas . . . “

” . . . It is unknown why these particular species have sometimes been found with nodules on the trunk.  Some believe that the species is attacked by a parasite which burrows into the outer bark layers, which in turn develops these nodules, like an infection . . . “

The Poplar Box flats that once dominated the landscape of the flatter terrains, is now reduced to an estimated mere 1% remaining . . .

The ‘Black Stump’ Rest Area is well equipped with facilities and amenities including:  playground, public toilets, water, barbecues, picnic tables, pavilion, free wi-fi, rubbish bins and beautiful views across the countryside. Overnight stays are welcomed – 20 Hours only.  The circular roadway makes for easy access / egress for any sized vehicle – large or small . . .

Helpful Hints:

– Obtain Directions here

– Ample Parking for Large Rigs

– Large Area

– Nearby Features:

– Points of Interest

– Things to Do

– Dining Out

– Shopping

– Places to Stay

– Facilities available nearby