Mount Perry

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.