Things to do in South Burnett’s autumn

0 Comments / in , , , , , , / by

Experience the exciting festivities and changing colours, as the temperatures cool and the region comes alive in South Burnett’s autumn.

Join the festivities at a local show

Each year in March, the annual show season kicks off in the South Burnett. These local shows play host to a variety of agricultural activities. From rodeo, stockman’s challenge, horse jumping, rides, food stalls, trade stalls and the grand parade, there is something for everyone.

Alongside the traditional pastoral, agricultural and horticultural exhibitions, you’ll find plenty of arts, crafts, and homemade wares that show off the talent of the region.

Proston, Murgon, Nanango, Kingaroy and Blackbutt will all take part in this year’s autumn show season.

13 March 2021 – Proston Show

20 March 2021 – Murgon Show

10 April 2021 – Nanango Show

1 May 2021 – Kingaroy Show

15 May 2021 – Blackbutt Show

Take a road trip around the region

An autumn road trip through South Burnett is the perfect way to see the picturesque landscapes as the colours change before your eyes. One of the most unique experiences is the Mt Wooroolin lookout, only a short drive from the centre of Kingaroy. A delight for nature lovers and photographers, there is a short window when the sunrise captures the peanut silos in the background.  There are a range of walking tracks on offer, with some being very steep so wear a sturdy pair of shoes.

Take in the scene at a local Campdraft

Campdrafting is a uniquely Australian horse sport that puts the skills of both horse and rider to the test. Campdrafting involves two main stages; firstly “The Camp” or cutout yard where the rider selects his beast, separates it from a mob and works it, and “The Course” or arena, where the rider guides his beast in a pattern. Sounds intriguing!

If you have never seen a campdraft, you can catch all the ringside action on

19 March – 21 March 2021 Golden Spurs Campdraft (Proston Showgrounds)

2 April – 4 April 2021 Kumbia Charity Campdraft (Kumbia Showgrounds)

South Burnett Unpacked 7

0 Comments / in , , / by

Autumn has arrived and the change in season brings the opportunity to experience the comfort and serenity of the South Burnett country side. With the cooler weather upon us,  explore the region’s best country walks, taste fresh seasonal produce and locally-made wines, and stay in cosy charming accommodation.

The South Burnett is the place to visit this Autumn and we want to show you the best of the region.

Discover South Burnett is  kicking off the Autumn Tourism Season with a party to launch the new look South Burnett Touring Guide in Blackbutt on Saturday the 30th March.  Everyone is invited and we welcome you to join us and celebrate everything that is great about the South Burnett. We want you to spread the word and make this a celebration to be remembered;  with live entertainment, demonstrations, competitions and prizes and local food and wine.

This will be a great family day out with jumping castles and face painting for the little ones. Join us on Saturday 30th March  at Blackbutt Hall from 9am to 1pm. For more information call Sarah or Stacey on 4189 9100

Become a tourist in your own town.

Off and Racing!

in , , , , , / by

Did you know that horse racing in the South Burnett dates back to early 1850.

Pastoral stations of Taabinga, Tarong and Nanango had their own tracks and breeding programs. The first reported race meeting was held at Nanango Station on Boxing Day 1859.

Now we know the Melbourne Cup is a two mile race. Well the Nanango Cup (formally known as the Nanango Plate) was a three mile race. Yes you read right three miles! That’s three times around the current day track. The winner of the first Nanango Cup was Pat McCallum on his horse Pilgram. Unlike the millions of dollars todays’ jockeys and trainers get, pat received a winner’s cheque of £40. Which was worth a year’s pay!

For those wondering, racing began in Wondai around 1907 and were put on hold during WW1 and WW2. In 1958 the South Burnett Race Club was formed in Wondai with the first race meeting held on 4th April 1959. Racing in Wondai continues today with three races held each year.

Sadly Kingaroy’s racing history was a short one – just like the height of a jockey. Races were conducted at the Kingaroy showgrounds for various beneficiaries including the School of Arts. Racing in Kingaroy finishes before the Second World War.

Kumbia Races began in 1922 with intervals during war years and between 1953-1956. Racing began in earnest from 1956 to present day. Would you believe that there used to be eight race meets a year. Now there is only one held on Melbourne Cup day earning Kumbia the title of “The Flemington of the Bush”.

What about Blackbutt? Well there were races held up and down the Brisbane Valley and the Brisbane River Valley Blackbutt “Timbertown” Picnic Race Club Inc. is still an active and registered group, but haven’t held races for many years.

Who can forget about the legendary Burrandowan Picnic races, which have been held since 1922. Back in the day soldier settlers would gather together and the tradition still continues today, with the races held in May of each year.

This SUNDAY 4th December, the Nanango Race Club will be holding it’s last race meet for the year. Will this become a new trend? Some places in Australia have races everyday of the week! Time will tell as racing meanders through the 21st Century. So if you’re looking for a break from Christmas shopping grab some friends, throw on your glad rags and head to the Nanango Racecourse.

The Best of Horses on the Best of Country Courses!

 

Horse Racing at Tarong Phot - D Clapperton

Horse Racing at Tarong
Photo – D Clapperton

Pass the finishing post at Nanango Races

Pass the finishing post at Nanango Races

Wake Up in Wine Country

in , , , , , , , , , , / by

There’s no better feeling than escaping the city on a Friday afternoon for a weekend away discovering the cellar doors, restaurants and cool natural places of Southern Queensland Country’s wine trails. Here is a weekend intinary taking in the South Burnett Wine Trail.

It’s so easy to wake up in wine country!

Friday

Take an early mark and hit the highway out of town. En route stop in at Blackbutt’s famous Wood-fired Bakery for some crusty bread and a sweet treat and Taste South Burnett in Kingaroy to stock up on  local goodies – olives, olive oil, caperberries and their hand-made fudge.

Check in at Crane Wines B&B overlooking the cool Booie Range. Do a cellar door tasting with winemaker Bernie and select a bottle to enjoy with dinner.

Settle in and cook your own barbecue (Crane’s BBQ packs include beef, chicken or Barkers Creek Pork, salad, potato bake and dessert).

Retire to your verandah to enjoy the twilight views over the vines. Star gazers may like to book a night sky tour with Kingaroy Observatory. 

Saturday

Head into Kingaroy for a hearty country breakfast at  local favourite Utopia Café.

After breakfast, pop into Kingaroy Art Gallery to catch an exhibition by local artists and don’t miss their gallery shop, a hub for artisan jewellery, ceramics, textiles and woodwork.

En route to lunch, drop into local icon The Peanut Van for a range of delicious locally grown flavoured peanuts.

Lunch is 10 minutes out of town at Kingsley Grove Estate, which offers cellar door wine tastings with winemaker Simon,  delicious house-made wood-fired pizzas and delectable wine ice cream handmade by Pat – the perfect finish!

For the afternoon head back to Cranes to relax on your verandah with a good book or put on your walking shoes and head for the trails of Yarraman State Forest.

For dinner take a lead from the locals who rave about the views and food at Cassis at Booie, just a few minutes’ drive or 10 minutes walk from your cottage (take a torch if you plan to walk!)

Sunday

Relax on your verandah overlooking the vineyards while you cook your own breakfast;  Crane’s breakfast pack includes country cured bacon, local sausages, eggs, tomatoes and mushrooms.

Mid-morning check out and make your way home via the northern South Burnett Wine Trail visiting the cellar doors at Clovely Estate, Moffatdale Ridge, Bridgeman Downs and Dusty Hill Wines.

On the way home:

  • Nature lovers may like to visit Wooroolin Wetland – a brilliant walking and birdwatching spot. Photographers will love the eerie stands of trees in the tea tree-stained water.
  • Ask Cranes Winery to pack you their famous Lazy Lunch Picnic Basket brimming with local gourmet goodies and a bottle of house bubbles, then make for Lake Barambah which offers peaceful waterside picnic spots and great freshwater fishing.
  • Other lunch options include a top counter meal at The Wondai Hotel, lunch overlooking  the vines at Dusty Hill’s Pendergast’s Tavern.

Take your time and savour the South Burnett.

Enjoy!

WORDS: Jane Hodges