You've
made it.
Welcome to Gargett — the Pioneer Valley's worst-kept open secret, just past the bend after the second bend.
Bazza's Famous
Flood Line Tour
"He just points at things and tells you how high the water got. It's surprisingly good."
Local identity Barry "Bazza" Pritchard has been generously sharing his unsolicited expertise on regional flood events for the better part of seventeen years. Tours depart from the front of the pub and last anywhere from twenty minutes to four hours, depending on whether Bazza runs into anyone he knows.
Tours include commentary on at least four (4) historical flood events, two (2) personal grievances with the local council, and one (1) story about his brother-in-law that may or may not be relevant. Children welcome. Bring water. Don't ask about the mangoes again.
More Than Just the Tour
A bridge. It goes over the creek. People come from as far as Pinnacle to look at it. Best viewed in the late afternoon when the light is, frankly, doing a lot of work.
Look in any direction. Now look the other way. That's also sugar cane. During the burn, it gets a bit dramatic — bring tissues and an opinion on the smell.
Iconic local paddock. Sometimes contains cattle. Sometimes contains a single, contemplative galah. Henderson asks that you do not stop. Henderson's wife asks that you wave.
More than just fuel. The servo functions as Gargett's de facto town hall, post office, lost-and-found, and unofficial bird sanctuary (one cockatoo, named Geoffrey). Pups currently available for pats, not adoption.
Up the range, you'll find platypuses and a much better view. We don't recommend this. Stay here. Talk to Bazza. The platypuses will still be there next time.
What People Are Saying
"Came for petrol, stayed for the flood tour. My partner is now somewhere in Mirani. Genuinely lost track of time."
— K. Fairweather, Toowoomba
"Bazza correctly identified that I was 'not from around here' within 14 seconds of arrival. A masterclass in observational tourism."
— D. Liu, Brisbane
"I asked about the mangoes. I will not be returning. The town remains lovely."
— Anonymous, Cairns
"Took the kids. They learned what a chest freezer is, what a hectare is, and why you don't park under that particular tree. Educational."
— The Tomlinsons, Yeppoon
Practical Details
- Getting Here
- 47 min from MackayLonger behind a cane train, which will happen.
- Best Time to Visit
- Whenever Bazza's freeGenerally Tuesdays. Never Sundays.
- What to Bring
- Cash, hat, low expectationsAn opinion on the council helps.
- Accommodation
- Mirani has optionsYou're not staying in Gargett, mate.
- Mobile Reception
- Surprisingly fineOne specific spot near the silo. You'll know.
- Emergency Services
- 000, then call BazzaHe has a ute and a winch.