SearchLiving and working in the South Burnett
There are lots of reasons to live and work in the South Burnett:
Lifestyle
The South Burnett has a great cafe culture, with wineries and locally produced food. There's also plenty to do for those who like to enjoy the outdoors, including:
- Rail trails, walking tracks and mountain biking
- Parkrun and social running group
- Fishing, boating, water skiing and kayaking
- Golf and go-karting
- Stargazing, with a local observatory
- Museums and art galleries
Family
The area boasts wonderful public and private schools, and is only two hours away from major centres like Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast. There are also over 20 day care centres across the region.
Healthcare careers
There are 12 general practices across the region with modern facilities that support the health of people through all stages of life, as well as opportunities to work and train at Kingaroy Hospital.
Learn more at Visit South Burnett or through the South Burnett Regional Council website.
Welcome to the Towns in the South Burnett!
The South Burnett
With 8,382 square kilometres of country to explore, you can fit New York City into the South Burnett ten a half times and still have some regional landscape to spare.
With eight towns, six villages, several national forests and nature conservations, three picturesque dams and a range of stunning waterways in between, the South Burnett is a wonderful place to call home.
Blackbutt
Blackbutt, once known as the region’s timber town, is now a picturesque gateway, celebrated for its avocado production and annual Blackbutt Festival. Alongside its proud sporting heritage, the town offers cultural attractions such as the Railway Gallery, it blends history, agriculture, and art into a unique destination.
Photographer: Nancy Jayde Photography
Cherbourg
Cherbourg is a vibrant Indigenous community made up mostly of the Wakka Wakka people. The town has a rich cultural heritage, with ample opportunity to learn about Indigenous history, art, and traditions. Cherbourg features scenic landscapes, including rolling hills, forests, and waterways.
Crawford
The first small town stop along the South Burnett Rail Trail was named after engineer Hugh Ralston Crawford, who oversaw construction of the Wondai–Kingaroy railway line. Visitors can explore its railway heritage and nearby Booie Range, known for scenic country drives and the quirky chainsaw-carved peanut sculptures celebrating the region’s peanut industry.
Photographer: Nancy Jayde Photography
Goomeri
Goomeri is a much-loved neighbour of the South Burnett, famous for its heritage charm, renowned French bakery, and the annual Goomeri Pumpkin Festival, which draws thousands for the iconic “Great Australian Pumpkin Roll.” Just outside town, Kinbombi Falls offers a scenic spot for hiking, free camping, and cooling off in its natural pools after rainfall.
Hivesville
Hivesville is home to the historic Hivesville Hotel, first built in 1911, and hosts lively country markets each month featuring fresh produce, crafts, and family-friendly activities. It’s also the last fuel stop before heading to Boondooma Station or Boondooma Dam, making it a handy and welcoming stop along the way.
Kingaroy
Famous for its red soil and peanut heritage, it offers much more than farming history. Enjoy sweeping views from Mt Wooroolin, the Regional Art Gallery or gliding at the Kingaroy Airport. Discover the vibrant street art, quirky landmarks like the Big Peanut, and the annual Queensland Winter Craft Festival.
Photographer: Nancy Jayde Photography
Kumbia
Nestled at the foothills of the Bunya Mountains, it is known for its long-standing stone fruit farms. The town’s golf course, built around the local racetrack, offers a scenic 18 holes with stunning views of the Bunyas. History enthusiasts can explore the Kumbia Federation Heritage Centre, which houses photographs, records, and artefacts showcasing the district’s early pioneers.
Maidenwell
Maidenwell, a classic South Burnett dairy town, is best known for its historic pub and welcoming country charm. The Maidenwell Hotel, originally built in 1913 by town founder John King, still retains its early features such as timber walls, picture rails, verandas, and its original two-sided fireplace. It’s also famous for its monthly pig-on-a-spit dinners and a few friendly ghost stories.
Moffatdale and Barambah
The South Burnett’s great winery region, Moffatdale and Barambah make up the majority of the region’s vineyards. Moffatdale is also home to Bjelke-Petersen Dam. More affectionately called BP Dam, the dam plays a major role as the main water source for the local agricultural industry. The popular water sports venue is also renowned for its superb freshwater fishing.
Photographer: Nancy Jayde Photography
Murgon
A lively country town rich in history and natural beauty, with strong ties to the dairy and timber industries. Explore the Queensland Dairy Museum and discover the town’s fascinating fossil legacy at the new cultural centre. Boat Mountain Conservation Park offers excellent birdwatching, while Bjelke-Petersen Dam is the perfect spot for fishing, picnicking, and soaking in the scenery.
Nanango
Queensland’s fourth oldest township, it blends rich Indigenous history with modern cultural and natural attractions. Visit the South Burnett Energy Centre, or catch a show at the long-running local theatre. As a gateway to the Brisbane Valley and South Burnett Rail Trails, Nanango also offers scenic cycling routes, birdwatching at the Fauna Reserve, and a vibrant arts scene.
Photographer: Nancy Jayde Photography
Proston
Proston is a welcoming country town in the South Burnett, known for its agricultural heritage, community spirit, and nearby natural attractions like Boondooma Dam - perfect for fishing, camping, and water sports. Visitors can explore local history at Boondooma Homestead, enjoy panoramic views from Proston Lookout, and unwind at the Community Labyrinth.
Photographer: Nancy Jayde Photography
Tingoora, Memerambi and Wooroolin
Wooroolin, known for the South Burnett’s first commercial peanut crop, offers a scenic stop with its wetlands and free 24-hour camping, and even served as a filming location for Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan. Nearby, Tingoora charms with its rail trail views and historic pub, while Memerambi provides a peaceful rest spot with new amenities and a lovely nursery en route to Gordonbrook Dam.
Photographer: Nancy Jayde Photography
Wondai
Wondai is a vibrant South Burnett town where history, art, and nature meet—explore heritage sites, museums, and the Wondai Regional Art Gallery, or relax in Coronation Park with its interactive Musical Tractor and visitor amenities. Families can enjoy Dingo Creek Park and scenic walking trails, while art lovers will appreciate the colourful Blue Pole installations scattered throughout town.
Photographer: Nancy Jayde Photography
Yarraman
Yarraman, though technically part of the Toowoomba region, shares deep ties with the South Burnett through its rich timber heritage, showcased by seven mysterious carved timber heads and a rearing horse sculpture honouring its name’s origins. Visitors can explore the scenic Yarraman State Forest with its hoop pine plantations, rainforest trails, and Rogers Park picnic area—perfect for birdwatching, four-wheel driving, and quiet reflection.
