South Burnett

The South Burnett wine region is centred on Kingaroy, with the Stuart and Booie Ranges running from south to north through the centre of the district. Kingaroy is known as the ‘Peanut Capital of Australia’ due to the peanut silos that dominate its skyline. Kingaroy is 220 kms, or less than a three hour drive from Brisbane, and is only two hours from the Sunshine coast.

The name Kingaroy comes from the local tribe’s – the Wakka Wakka - word for 'Red Ant' and the Kingaroy Rugby League team is also known as the Red Ants. Kingaroy is also famous for being the home town of the colourful Premier of Queensland, Joh Bjelke-Petersen.

European settlement of the area began in 1843 when explorer Henry Russell arrived, but it was not until the 1850s, when sheep were brought into the area, that people entered in any numbers. The Markwell brothers established the 'Kingaroy Paddock' in the 1870s and 1880’s at what is now the town of Kingaroy. But Kingaroy town itself did not occur until 1904 when the railway’s arrival saw its rapid development. Previous to that, the local centre had been nearby Taabinga, which quickly declined until it was a ghost town by the end of World War I. Today all that is left is the original Taabinga Homestead.

The first planting of grapes seem to have occurred in the early 1900s, though mainly for local consumption. It was only in 1993 that South Burnett’s modern wine history began with a report on the winery viability of the South Burnett region. South Burnett in this report was compared favorably with the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales and the way was open for a new phase in the district’s history.

The South Burnett region has mild winters and warm summers - a sub-tropical climate - but this climate, combined with relatively high altitudes of around the 500m mark, makes for some excellent growing conditions.

The geography of South Burnett is defined by its many mountain ranges, with the Blackbutt and Coast Ranges to the east, and the Great Dividing Ranges themselves in the west. The northern parts of the regions are flatter and through it flows the Burnett River. Finally, the Stuart and Booie Ranges run from south to north through the centre of the South Burnett region, separating two areas of relatively gentle land on either side through which run the Stuart and Boyne Rivers on the west and Barkers Creek to the east.

The South Burnett region produces Verdelho, Chardonnay, Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot. And while smaller than the Granite Belt region in terms of total production, South Burnett region is home to Queensland’s largest vineyard, the 175 hectare Clovely Estate. However, apart from this estate, most of South Burnett’s wine makers are small, family operated vineyards. South Burnet also has around 15 cellar doors.

Clovely Estate is located in the centre of the South Burnett and was established in 1998, when the historic Murgon Cheese Factory was converted into a state of the art winery. It now produces 2,000 tonnes a year, making it the largest winery in Queensland.

Perhaps not as big in tonnage but just as big in terms of its welcome is Captain's Paddock. Captain's Paddock is just 8km north of Kingaroy and is named after 'Captain', a long-term resident who just happened to be a horse. Captain's Paddock has 10 acres of grape vines, a cafe and a cottage where visitors can stay if they wish.

Dusty Hill Estate also takes its name from a feature of the landscape, in this case the fact that, as a drought was in progress when the Prendergasts were attempting to plant, the land was exceedingly dusty. Dusty Hill Estate is on Lake Barambah near Moffatdale, from where you can enjoy great views. A café and accommodation are available.

A great way to enjoy what South Burnett region has to offer is to attend the Tarong Mine Wine & Food In The Park Festival at Kingaroy in March. The festival includes great wine, food cook-offs and live music. Of course Kingaroy wouldn’t be Kingaroy without its Peanut Festival, this is held every year in September.

While in Kingaroy one of the places worth visiting is Kingaroy Cheese, established in 2002, it is to be found in the Old Butter Factory. Inside you will find not only great cheeses but a selection of regional wines as well as nuts and oil products. Visitors can also enjoy tours that explain the production and history of the products available.

Key varieties of South Burnett are Verdelho, Chardonnay, Semillon, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. As in the Granite Belt region, the Verdelho of South Burnett is winning a reputation as some of the best Verdelho in Australia, while the Semillon of South Burnett is quick developing and soft in style. The region is excellent for Shiraz and its warm climate produces a smooth, light wine.