Distance: 70kms (27kms to Irvinebank + 43kms to Petford) (approximately 5 hours)
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Description
Take the Irvinebank/Petford Road (Bertha Road) out of town. If you are staying at the Wild River Caravan Park it is 1.5kms to the top of the hill past the Historical Village. It is well signposted to Irvinebank and Petford.
It’s 10kms to Watsonville and an iconic windmill in the middle of the road. This section is very hilly and involves several considerable climbs. The road soon turns from bitumen to gravel. This first section of gravel is 4kms long. Then another short section of pavement. Travel through Watsonville and it is 27kms to Irvinebank from Herberton.
You can camp beside the creek in the middle of Irvinebank where there are hot showers and toilets for a gold coin donation.
Irvinebank has an amazing wealth of history, mainly mining. If you make the decision to head to here on your first day, stop and relax! There is lots to do – the museum and Brian’s shed.
The newly opened Ken’s Place is the place to stay. Ken has 4 rooms for rent.
If you push onto Petford it is another 43kms of well graded, gravel road. The gradient is mainly, slightly downhill. You cross Gibb Creek 5 times as well as Emu Creek as you get closer to Petford. Emu creek is an excellent place for a break and a picnic. You can’t get lost along here. It is the only road. You also cross Gregory Creek that offers a good shady rest stop.
Accommodation & shops in Irvinebank
- Ken’s Place at 28 Rubina Terrace (M: 0402 821 228; E: kengrogan@live.com.a). Ken has four rooms for rent in a beautiful old Queenslander house.
- Gibbs Creek Guest Rooms and meals (T: 07 4096 4001; E: jillykbrown64@gmail.com; FaceBook).
- Free camping – you can camp beside the creek in the middle of Irvinebank where there are hot showers and toilets for a gold coin donation
- A new shop has opened in Irvinbank all run by volunteers. It’s great to support these people. They have second-hand clothes if you forgot anything, snacks, drinks, pies, chips etc. The ‘Progress Association’ can organise a lavish Morning Tea for you. Before your ride contact Di on M: 0407 581 192. These kind ladies can also organise a dinner for you if you are staying overnight in Irvinebank. They are usually open 10.00am to 2.00pm. The shop is located on the left as you peddle into town from Herberton. Just before the ‘T’ intersection. Find them on Facebook at Irvinbank Buy, Swap, Sell and Public Notices.
Accommodation in Petford
- The Petford Valley Outback Escape (the old school) in Bamford street (T: 07 40948331; M: 0488 230 694; E: h.walther1960@gmail.com). Talk to Helen in advance about catering.
Special Notes
You need food and water for the day that can be obtained in Irvinebank or Herberton. We recommend at least 3 litres of water just for the Irvinebank to Petford leg.