South Burnett Timber Industry Museum’s 20th Birthday Historical Photograph Competition

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The South Burnett Timber Industry Museum located in Wondai turns 20 years old this November!

To celebrate, Discover South Burnett are hosting an Historical Photograph Competition portraying the region’s timber industry. The photo competition will showcase the history and evolution of the timber industry over the past 100 years in the South Burnett.

We are looking for photos that depict the historical reality of the timber industry over time and build a digitized image collection for generations to come.

Do you have photos of timber getters or bullock teams? People at work or much-loved places in the South Burnett tied to the timber industry? The photos can be artistic, gritty, smiley or candid. No matter their condition, if you have them, we would love to see them.

How to enter:

  • Find photos of the South Burnett timber industry over the past 100 years. All photos must be captured in the South Burnett region.
  • Fill in the Historical Photograph Competition Entry Form
  • Include a title and short description of the people and places depicted in the photograph and their relationship with the South Burnett timber industry
  • Submit the scanned photo, short description and entry form by emailing info@sbrc.qld.gov.au with the subject line including “Attn: Tourism Officer – Historical Photograph Competition November 2021”.
  • Alternatively, visit the South Burnett Timber Industry Museum at 80 Haly Street Wondai to submit your photos and entry form.
  • Submit all entries by 5pm Monday 22 November 2021.

Winners will be announced at the South Burnett Timber Industry Museum’s 20th Birthday celebration in Wondai on Wednesday 24 November 2021. The winner will receive a locally handmade timber bowl valued at $100.

All entries will be published in an historical photo album to be displayed at the Wondai Timber Museum.

For full terms and conditions, see below;

Entry Form – Historical Photograph Competition

For further information contact Council’s Tourism Officer on 1300 789 279, 07 4189 9100 or email info@sbrc.qld.gov.au.

Discover the South Burnett – Three Free Ideas

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Road trips are about discovery and freedom. Take the road less travelled and you’ll find an unexpected gem, something that sparks your interest or leads you into adventure.  And if it doesn’t add to the travel budget, all the better.

Here are a few discovery activities you can do free or for very little in the South Burnett.

WALK THE WALK                                                                      

Visitors to the Bunya Mountains can choose from 35km of walking tracks ranging from 500m to 10km through rainforest, bushland, grassy hills, nearby waterfalls and views as far as the eye can see.  Reward yourself with coffee or lunch afterwards at one of the cafes.

For a simpler outing, you can take a short drive through Murgon to Boat Conservation Park. A bird and wildlife haven, with tracks ranging from 370m to 2.2km leading to Daniel’s Lookout at its peak.

I WANT TO RIDE MY BICYCLE                                            

BYO bicycle and get out into nature on the region’s rail trails. A natural track runs from Blackbutt in the south, while the bitumen trail between Kingaroy and Kilkivan can be accessed from either end or anywhere along the way. 

Cyclists looking for more challenging rides can build their own routes between towns on country roads or highways, and mountain bikers should head to the 426-hectare Wondai Trails at McEuen State Forest, where the local mountain bike club has developed a number of trails of different length and difficulty. 

NEVER STOP LEARNING                                                                                                                                                                  

Did you know tennis legend Roy Emerson was born in the South Burnett?  Find out more at the Roy Emerson Museum in Blackbutt, Emerson’s birthplace. Further along the highway, the military display at Yarraman’s Heritage Centre includes moving stories of service and loss in wartime, while you can track the history of energy from early generators to modern power stations at Nanango’s South Burnett Energy Centre.

Did you know that some of Queensland’s best known and well-regarded wood cutters in the early 1900’s were women?  The Lynch sisters – Nell, Mary, Kate and Rose Lynch – often gave demonstrations at local shows and were invited to Brisbane to display their skill.  Find out more at the South Burnett Timber Industry Museum in Wondai.

Please call into any of our Visitor Information Centres for more details or contact Council by phoning 4189 9100 or email info@sbrc.qld.gov.au.

Top Travel Tips for 2021

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Every year travel trends come and go, with 2021 set to be one of tourism’s most significant years to date. As we slowly recover from COVID-19, we expect travel to look a little different than it did pre-pandemic. 

Although nobody knows exactly what will happen, one thing is clear; we won’t be able to travel as freely as we used to…at least for the foreseeable future. To that end, Tourism Australia has forecasted travel trends for 2021.

Trend 1: Naturally wide-open and remote destinations
After spending more time at home last year than ever before, we are developing a new appreciation for being out in nature.  What better place to experience what nature has to offer than Yallakool Caravan Park

Abundant wildlife and idyllic bushland surrounded by rolling views are just some of the images that come to mind when staying at Yallakool Caravan Park.  Situated on the banks of the Bjelke-Petersen Dam, Yallakool Caravan Park is located approximately 8km from Murgon.

Trend 2: Safety is key
Perfectly located two hours’ drive north-west of Brisbane or 90 minutes west of the Sunshine Coast, the South Burnett region is the perfect destination post-COVID-19.  Isolated from the large populations yet close enough for a weekend getaway.

Trend 3: Travel as a force for good  
Today’s travellers are increasingly seeking out experiences that are not only good for them, but good for the local community.  Good news for our region as local markets continue to host the best local produce, arts, crafts and delicious homemade treats.

https://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Updated-South-Burnett-Markets.pdf

Trend 4: Indigenous experiences on the rise

The Year of Indigenous Tourism has been extended from 2020 into 2021, with more travellers actively seeking Indigenous tourism experiences.  Located five minutes from Murgon, the Ration Shed Museum allows visitors to connect and learn more about Australia’s First Nations people. 

https://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/towns/cherbourg/

Trend 5: Travel to regenerate
Wellness travel has been growing in popularity over the past few years, with the pandemic only increasing the desire for this style of holiday.  The South Burnett boasts many retreats and relaxation experiences waiting to be discovered.

https://www.discoversouthburnett.com.au/accommodation/

Wondai Country Running Festival

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The Wondai Country Running Festival kicks off again on the weekend of 22/23 June after the great success of previous years.  The festival has over 100 stalls, kids entertainment, dingoes, food outlets and much more to keep you entertained all day. Get on your blue suede shoes and rock the afternoon away with the ‘Las Vegas in Wondai’ Show in the Town Hall. Entry includes afternoon tea and a guarantees rock-in good time with all your old time favourite tunes.

The running events start Saturday and after the resounding success of last years festival we have incorporated two new events- a ‘Dash for Cash’ and ‘All Abilities’ event. These events will form part of the existing family fun run, forest trail and endurance events which include the almighty marathon located on the fully sealed rail trail.

Entries for the running festival are online ( except the family fun run) . This a family friendly festival which is free to everyone – we look forward to seeing you there. For more information contact the Wondai Art Gallery on 4168 5926 or running festival secretary Claire on 0432 180 064

www.wondaicountryfestival.com.au

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Wondai Autumn Garden Expo

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20 Apr 2019 to 21 Apr 2019

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The 2019 Autumn Garden Expo on the 20th and 21st of April will be the 22nd Autumn Garden Expo.

Saturday 8am – 4-30 pm.  Sunday 8am. – 1pm.

Expo Admission:  Adults $5-00 per day  or   $8.00 for 2-day pass , Under 15 free

  • Free parking
  • Disabled Parking
  • Plant Transport & Cloakroom
  • No Dogs allowed

Quality Stalls of All Descriptions for Garden and Home

 Horticultural Show, Photography Competition and Special Display

  MultiDraw Raffle  with Great prizes!

 Guest Speakers & Entertainment On Both Days

 plus

The South Burnett Orchid Society Annual Show

Saturday  20th. April from 9.30am – 3-00pm.

Wondai RSL Hall, Mackenzie St.

Show Admission $3-00 per person. Contact 4168 1695

 and

The Wondai Regional Art Gallery April Showing

 

Off and Racing!

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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

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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