| The
name Woodenbong comes from the Githibul word Widgenbong-
meaning wood ducks on water. A
lagoon in the township is associated with a djurebil
for guruman (kangaroo). Although several versions exist
for this legend, they all agree that a balugan (hero)
lived at The Glen, where the Mount Lindsay Highway crosses
the state border. His aunt insisted on holding the kangaroo
net during a hunt, but a big kangaroo hopped away dragging
the net and the aunt with him. Wherever the kangaroo
rested, a swamp or lagoon formed, until he finally landed
near the sawmill in Woodenbong, at the lagoon known
as "Bainmabal". The kangaroo and the aunt
became spirits living in the lagoon, and the aunt is
now a derangan (ogress).
The traditional Australian country
village of Woodenbong is set against a backdrop of World
Heritage National Parks and prominent ancient volcanic
peaks.  Located
two hours south west of Brisbane and two hours west
of the Gold Coast, the economy of Woodenbong is largely
based on the timber, dairy, and beef industries. However,
as the secrets of the Upper Clarence become wider known,
tourism is becoming increasingly important.
As expected in such a perfect setting,
native wildlife is abundant. Many a visitor has left
with personal stories of encounters with kangaroos,
koalas, native cats, scrub turkeys, lyre birds, wedge
tailed eagles, platypus, dingoes, and a wide variety
of birdlife.
Local friendly accommodation is available, and in addition
to the longer regional Tourist Drives, there are a number
of short day trips to explore the immediate surrounds.
North Yabbra Forest Loop Road / Yabbra
Picnic Area
Commence the trip on this forestry
road by turning right from the highway into Boomi Creek
Road, just east of Woodenbong, and following the signposts
on a gravel loop road to Urbenville, The road passes
through a variety of forest types (dry hardwood, moist
hardwood, rainforest). |
