The mother of all nature escapes in the South Burnett Region
Holidays at the beach are great, but have you ever eaten breakfast with wallabies at your window? Woken up to views of endless vineyards? Fallen asleep under the stars with a lake lapping at your door?
These country breaks prove that slowing down, embracing local life and getting back to nature are the best ways to relax and get to know a place. Here’s our guide on what to do in the South Burnett region when you’re looking for a getaway full of nature and good old country charm!
While this region’s enjoyable anytime, in summer in the countryside is abundant or you can plan your trip around one of the many festivals and activities, like the Avocado Festival and BaconFest in spring, Goomeri Pumpkin Festival in winter or get amongst it at one of the many country musters and sporting events happening throughout the region year round.
Wake up to wallabies in the Bunya Mountains
The lush forests and bushland of the Bunya Mountains sits 1100 metres above sea level and overlooks the farming plains of the Western Downs and South Burnett. Up here life revolves around nature and within Queensland’s second oldest national park, you’ll find plenty of walking trails, panoramic views and the world’s largest stand of Bunya pines. But best of all you don’t need to rush off, there are some great places to stay from rustic mountain cabins to camping within the wild national park.
Expect to find cute red-necked and black-striped wallabies hanging about beneath ancient Bunya pines, especially at dawn or dusk when they venture out in droves looking for a feed. For more places to get up close to the wildlife try the Wooroolin Wetlands and the Nanango Fauna Reserve for bird watching.
Experience life in a country town, pitch a tent or book a self-contained cabin
Escape to the countryside where bright starry nights, wide open spaces and incredible nature await. The South Burnett is home to a wide range of accommodation options to suit any budget, from camping to affordable hotel motels and cosy private bed-and-breakfasts and farm stays to luxurious mountain chalets and charming country cabins.
Almost every township has offers camping and there are several affordable caravan parks with camping and cabin options available including sites at Lake Boondooma and Bjelke-Petersen Dam.
Spend a few romantic days between the vines
Warm summers, mild winters and rich soils makes the South Burnett region ideal for grape growing. Don’t just drop by to taste the tannins, take some time to experience the regions wineries and cellar doors that are putting this part of Queensland on the (wine) map!
Sleep under the stars by a lake
The only thing better than camping out beneath a starry sky? Levelling that up by camping beside a lake or dam too. Those that love boating and fishing will have a field day at the campsites and cabins at Lake Boondooma or Bjelke-Petersen Dam.
Pitch a tent in classic Australian bushland, park the camper beneath towering gums or book yourself into a cosy cabin at a B&B or farmstay. Don’t forget to bring your camera – with no light pollution, eager photographers can try shooting star photos under clear night skies. Magic!
While you’re here, level up on the adventure
The South Burnett is not short of action and activities either, so if you’ve recharged your batteries then load up the gear and head to one of these adventure destinations:
- Mountain Biking in the McEuen State Forest or at Gordonbrook Dam
- Explore a Rail Trail - the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail passes through Linville, Benarkin, Blackbutt, Nukku and Yarraman or lace-up for the South Burnett Rail Trail, a 43.5km recreational bitumen trek between Kingaroy and Murgon.
- Fishing, Boating and Skiing on Bjelke-Petersen Dam and Boondooma Dam
- Nature walks at Boat Mountain Conservation Park and Coomba Falls
And for the night owls among us - don’t miss out on a night time star-gazing experience at South Burnett's own observatory.
