ImbilImbil
IMBIL has been called the "jewel of the Mary Valley" and it is not hard to see why.
Lake Borumba is set like a gleaming sapphire in a band of green rolling hills.
Imbil is the largest town in the valley, a village that grew out of a strong timber industry and still boasts one of the few remaining hoop forests in Australia. The lake is the centre of many leisure activities in the valley - fishing, water skiing, jet skiing, sailing and canoeing - and the forests surrounding the dam are alive with deer. Inquire about deerhunting in the hills.
Imbil is perched on the banks of Yabba Creek and you can camp on the water at the camping grounds in town, or for a whole range of options and great views try one of our B&Bs that dot the landscape. Visitors to the town can experience the historic wonder of the Imbil Museum, or enjoy a picnic on the village green where the historic Timberman's Walk weaves between age-old jacaranda trees.
The green comes alive on Sundays when the Imbil Country Markets open for trade, and look for the larger-than-life statue of a timbercutter near the information centre at the Imbil Railway Station.
The country hotel and cafes along the main street provide fine fare, and you can get swept into the past with the twice-weekly visit of the Valley Rattler steam train. Take a casual turn at golf on the unique course at the railway station, or shout yourself dinner at the local bowls club on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Be sure to take in the sights from the Imbil Lookout, at an elevation of 240 metres, which offers spectacular views across the valley.
If you are planning a visit, remember that the Mary Valley Show and Rodeo will be held on August 22 this year.
For more information on Imbil have a look at www.imbil.net.au