Mundubbera - Historical and Cultural

The word “Mundubbera” is an Aboriginal word meaning either ‘Footsteps in the Trees’ or ‘Meeting Place of the Waters’.

Both explanations are suitable, as there were once numerous ‘footstep’ trees in the area, and Mundubbera is located at the meeting place of the Burnett, Boyne and Auburn Rivers.

Approximately 4.5km from Mundubbera travelling towards Gayndah on the A3 Burnett Highway, you pass the much photographed specimen of a unique Footstep or Knobby Tree which dates back to early settlement.

History

White settlement began with the taking up of four stations in 1848. In 1863, the survey of the first town of Mundubbera was carried out on the south side of the Burnett River. Some of those original allotments still exist, although most were cancelled by later surveys.

Closer settlement occurred in 1910, when much of the country was cut up into smaller blocks. Settlers established their farms through the area under extremely difficult and trying conditions, clearing the thick scrub and heavy timber to uncover the rich soil beneath. The second survey of Mundubbera town commenced in 1912, and occurred on the northern side of the river. The first sections surveyed were in the area bounded by Mahoney, Stuart-Russell, Bauer and Burnett Streets.

The first school at Gurgeena was established in 1912 and the Railway arrived in Mundubbera in 1914. During construction of the line, workers at Mundubbera contributed towards the construction of the (old) Mundubbera Hospital. 

Cattle grazing has occurred in the area since the earliest times. During the two World Wars, cotton growing became an important industry providing a considerable source of income but is no longer grown. Dairying was and still is another important industry. Many of today’s citrus orchards were once the home of dairy cows. The Butter factory was opened in 1916 and ceased operation in 1980. The building is now the site of Bugs for Bugs, a business that specialises in controlling insect pests in citrus orchards. 

Mundubbera & District Historical Society's Museum

Visit the Mundubbera & District Historical Society’s Museum which is full of echoes of times gone by.

A number of historic buildings can be seen here which bring the past to life. Some of these buildings are the Cattle Creek School and Teachers House, the Night Nurses Quarters that is filled with medical equipment of the past and the Postman’s slab hut.

Also on display is the first plant item, owned by the Mundubbera Shire Council plus other farm machinery, sheds and tools.

The dairy industry and butter factory artefacts are featured along with an extensive collection of photographs and a growing collection of the histories of people in the town and district.

Share your adventures with us on Facebook and Instagram! #visitnorthburnett