Location: central Queensland

Rising 150m above the cultivated plains to the south of the central Queensland town of Biloela, Mount Scoria is a striking local landmark protected in Mount Scoria Conservation Park. Formed by volcanic activity 20–26 million years ago, this volcanic plug features many-sided basalt columns. When the mountain was formed, the volcano's crater clogged with lava that cooled slowly to create the unusual basalt columns, which erosion has since revealed. Mount Scoria Conservation Park and its unusual columns are culturally significant to the Gangulu people. Mt. Scoria means 'Place of Fused Metals'.
The mountain's nickname - Musical Mountain - is derived from the long six-sided basalt columns on the mountain that project outwards like fingers. They sound musical notes when struck by another rock.
Mount Scoria Conservation Park, in Queensland’s brigalow belt, contains open woodlands with poplar box, Moreton Bay ash, forest red gums, silver-leaved ironbarks and small patches of brigalow. An open semi-evergreen vine thicket growing on rocky slopes towards the summit and around the base of the mountain is a relict of much wetter times. This vegetation is now uncommon in central eastern Queensland.
A walking track with information signs at the mountain’s base offers great views of the mountain and gives insight into Mount Scoria’s significance to the Gangulu people. There are no walking tracks to the peak and climbing the mountain is discouraged as Mount Scoria’s unstable scree slopes are dangerous. Climbing can damage the mountain’s unique rock formations. Care must also be taken not to damage these unique rocks.
Mount Scoria Conservation Park is only a short distance along a sealed road that is signposted from the Burnett Highway at Thangool. As you enter Thangool travelling south from Biloela, take the first turn to the right at Winston Street and follow it past the school, aerodrome and racecourse to a T-junction. Turn left and follow a bitumen road for 5km to Mount Scoria. Access to the park is suitable for conventional vehicles.

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