We were very lucky to stumble upon a piece of Australian history on our drive from the Gold Coast to Hervey Bay, just off the Bruce Highway at the Traveston turnoff before Gympie you’ll find the Matilda Service & Truck Stop.

A fantastic place for families to break up a long drive, refuel the car and tummies. There is a service centre, Mc Donalds, shaded and fenced children’s playground featuring swings, slides, spring rockers and climbing equipment to stretch the legs, BBQ facilities, surprisingly clean public toilets, sheltered picnic tables and of course the giant 13 metre tall Kangaroo Matilda, the 1982 Commonwealth Games mascot.