Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Kingaroy, Australia

This rural town is situated in Queensland‘s South Burnett Region, characterized by its rich agricultural landscape.

The presence of three silos prominently placed in the center of town serves as compelling evidence of the significance of agriculture in Kingaroy.

These imposing silos were constructed during the mid-20th century for the storage of the region’s principal crop, peanuts.

Kingaroy is often referred to as the “Peanut Capital of Australia,” featuring a modest peanut van in town that sells hundreds of tonnes of peanuts annually.

The elevated terrain in South Burnett provides cooler nights and reduced humidity, creating an optimal environment for cultivating warm climate wines. Additionally, there are several cellar doors located just outside the town.

1. Kingaroy Heritage Museum

The Kingaroy Heritage Museum, central to the town’s cultural precinct, showcases the history of Kingaroy.

Housed in the former Power House, constructed in 1925 and operating until 1952, the museum emphasizes the local peanut industry. Visitors can learn about the innovation and adaptability of local farmers who created their own threshing equipment in the absence of specialized peanut-harvesting machinery.

The collection features unusual machinery, photographs, tools, household items, signage, and appliances that offer insight into a captivating chapter of Kingaroy’s history.

2. The Peanut Van

Located in front of a Holden dealership, The Peanut Van represents a remarkable success story in Kingaroy, selling approximately 300 tonnes of peanuts each year.

Since its establishment in 1969, it has played a significant role in promoting tourism in South Burnett.

It is the ideal location to sample the product that underpins the local economy.

The menu includes over 20 varieties of savory and sweet peanuts, such as Kingaroy Kurry, Tangy Lime, and Hickory Smoked.

In addition, a selection of peanut products, including peanut paste, peanut oil, and unshelled peanuts, are available for purchase.

3. South Burnett Wine Region

Although Queensland is not as widely recognized for its wines as New South Wales and Victoria, the high altitude and fertile soils around Kingaroy create favorable growing conditions for various grape varieties, including Verdelho, Merlot, Semillon, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay.

The initial vineyards emerged in the 1990s, and South Burnett is home to Queensland’s largest winery, Clovely Estate.

The region’s red wines, particularly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, are typically medium-bodied with hints of sweet berry flavors.

While South Burnett features numerous wineries accessible from Kingaroy, it is a delightful area to explore, with vineyards cascading across its verdant slopes.

4. Local Heritage

The Kingaroy Information, Art, and Heritage Precinct encompasses several historic buildings and includes the Regional Art Gallery, which will be discussed later.

This collection features Carroll Cottage, the first structure in Kingaroy, built in phases from 1900 to the 1930s.

The same family established the Carrollee Hotel, dated 1904, which had to be rebuilt in a Federation style following a fire in 1913. Moreover, the iconic peanut silos tower over Haly Street and the CBD.

Constructed between 1938 and 1951 by the Queensland Marketing Board, these three monumental structures bear witness to a local industry that dates back to 1901.

5. Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail

The old Nanango Rail Line, originally a narrow-gauge railway, commenced as a branch line extending west from Theebine to Kilkivan following the discovery of gold and copper.

The line eventually connected to Kingaroy in 1900, while the section from Kingaroy to Theebine was decommissioned in 2011. Over the last decade, the tracks have been removed, paving the way for an 88-kilometer trail leading to Kilkivan.

For those starting from Kingaroy, the initial 44 kilometers of the route is sealed with bitumen, extending to Murgon, with an unsealed track thereafter.

In the vicinity of Kingaroy, visitors can enjoy picturesque wine country, with nearby villages easily accessible.

For a short excursion, individuals can walk or cycle to Crawford (5.3 km) or Memerambi (11.1 km) while engaging with interpretive boards detailing the railway’s history.

6. Kingaroy Observatory

Due to its low light pollution, South Burnett features night skies that are significantly darker than areas located 150 kilometers away along the Queensland coast.

This characteristic makes it an ideal location for an observatory, where visitors can view celestial bodies through three Meade 14-inch telescopes at night.

Viewing sessions are categorized into two themes: Stars and Planets, featuring star clusters, nebulae, the Milky Way, and other galaxies, or Moon and Planet nights, which focus on observing the Moon and planets in remarkable detail.

Day visitors can access the air-conditioned Star Theatre, which accommodates 70 individuals and displays the Sun’s surface in stunning detail.

The optimal period for visiting the observatory extends from autumn to spring, as it typically experiences less cloud cover.

7. Apex Park and Lookout

Apex Park, located in the north-western part of town, occupies the site of Kingaroy’s first public hospital.

While the grounds underwent redevelopment in the 1960s, the mature trees in Apex Park date back to the hospital era.

Accessible via Coral Street, which bisects the park, there is a platform that offers a breathtaking view of Kingaroy and its silos, framed by the beautiful Bunya Mountains.

Visitors can also spot Coolabunia Hill, the residence of John and Florence Bjelke-Petersen, the former Premier and First Lady of Queensland.

Apex Park features a playground for children, along with ample shaded areas provided by the grand trees, perfect for picnicking.

8. Mount Wooroolin Lookout

This summit, located four kilometers west of Kingaroy, was designated as a reserve and lookout in 1988 to commemorate Australia’s Bicentenary.

Spanning 65 acres, the reserve primarily showcases dry vine forests and eucalypt woodlands.

Facilities include picnic tables and barbecue areas, while the lookout at the peak of Mount Wooroolin is accessible via a ramp.

From the summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views in all directions, with clear vistas of the Bunya Mountains, the Tarong Power Station to the south, Coolabunia Hill to the southeast, and the scenic Gordonbrook Dam to the northwest.

Notably, Tarong Power Station provides one-fifth of Queensland’s energy supply, while Gordonbrook Dam serves as Kingaroy’s primary water source.

9. Kingaroy Regional Art Gallery

Located beneath the shadow of the towering silos on Haly Street, the Kingaroy Regional Art Gallery resides within the Art Deco Shire Council Chambers, constructed in 1938. It serves as an engaging venue for experiencing the regional art scene, boasting a dynamic schedule of exhibitions, events, and activities throughout the year.

The gallery features three exhibition spaces displaying a diverse array of artistic media.

Visitors should not miss Shop 38, a retail outlet showcasing works from over 40 talented local artists and artisans.

10. Crane Wines

Situated just a ten-minute drive from Kingaroy, Crane Wines is located in a charming colonial homestead.

Positioned in the Booie Range, the winery benefits from cool nighttime temperatures and offers breathtaking views of the valley to the east.

Visitors have the option to stay overnight in the beautiful homestead, which includes a B&B with stunning valley vistas from the verandah.

Crane Wines produces sweet, dry, sparkling, and fortified wines, all of which can be sampled at the rustic cellar door alongside the winemaker.

The estate also offers a selection of homemade jams, chutneys, and organic cosmetics produced on-site.

11. Kingsley Grove Estate

Located to the southwest of Kingaroy, Kingsley Grove Estate emphasizes its self-sustaining winery concept, with all grapes utilized for their range grown on the premises.

Initially planted in 1998, the vineyard was ready for its first commercial vintage in 2002.

The winery employs state-of-the-art equipment, allowing the winemaker to create wines that blend traditional methods with innovative techniques suitable for Kingaroy’s humid subtropical climate.

The cellar door is open daily for tastings, featuring a selection of reds such as Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah, and Shiraz, alongside warm white varietals like Verdelho and Semillon, as well as various rich fortified wines.

12. Pottique Lavender Farm

Another product that thrives in Kingaroy’s fertile soils is lavender, and Pottique Lavender Farm, located just outside of town, specializes in cultivating this herb.

The farm’s shop offers a wide range of lavender products, including oils, soaps, jams, chutneys, and dried lavender.

In addition to the shop, Pottique Lavender Farm features an antiques warehouse and a café that serves Devonshire tea accompanied by delightful lavender scones.

The optimal times for visiting are May, June, and July, when the lavender fields are in full bloom, and visitors are welcome to pick stems by the bunch.

13. Kingaroy Visitor Information Centre

A primary advantage of the visitor information centre is its strategic location, positioned opposite the silos and adjacent to both the regional art gallery and heritage museum.

For individuals seeking guidance on optimizing their visit to South Burnett, assistance is readily available.

The centre provides numerous complimentary services, including personalized advice, accommodations, tour information, and brochures for events and attractions.

Volunteers staffing the centre possess a profound knowledge and passion for their local area.

Additionally, the centre’s shop features many items mentioned in this article, including local wines and peanut products.

14. Ringsfield House Museum

A short drive to Narango leads you to Ringsfield House, an elegant homestead constructed in 1908 by renowned Queensland architect Robin Dods.

This residence has served various purposes over the years, initially functioning as a family home before transitioning to a maternity hospital (where nearly 4,000 babies were born between 1942 and 1970), later becoming a refuge for Lifeline, and finally evolving into a house museum in 1992. Ringsfield House is characterized by its expansive verandahs and spacious bedrooms.

The interior features period furnishings and historical exhibits, complemented by a café offering light meals and hot beverages in a refined atmosphere.

15. Nanango Country Market

On the first Saturday of each month, Nanango hosts an extensive market, recognized as the largest of its kind in South East Queensland.

The Nanango Country Market features an ever-evolving selection of up to 320 stallholders, ensuring unique offerings with each visit.

Visitors can find seasonal fresh produce, honey, seafood, meats, poultry, cheeses, plants, furniture, jewelry, toys, homewares, arts and crafts, and pet supplies.

With numerous food and coffee outlets, be sure to come with a hearty appetite.