The Wimberley & Co Bookstore is in the tourist friendly town of Goomeri, ranging books & gifts but also serving takeaway coffee.
The Wimberley & Co Bookstore is not your ordinary bookstore. It's a friendly place that is a little quirky and a little different, full of things that make you smile.
A visit can be an adventure full of fun and nostalgia yet delightfully unexpected. The bookstore invites readers of all ages to slow down, explore, and rediscover the simple joy of getting lost in a good book.
Located in the heart of Goomeri, Lightning Tree Wines Cellar Door is a delightful little boutique shop offering tastings and sales of their premium, fruit forward wines.
Plenty of locally made produce, art and crafts make this a fun and zany stop. Lightning Tree Wines is a proud supporter of the annual Goomeri Pumpkin Festival, held every year in the last Sunday in May.
Discover the natural beauty of Kinbombi Falls, a hidden waterfall escape on the outskirts of the Gympie Region.
Located near Goomeri, this picturesque spot features a series of cascading falls surrounded by rugged bushland and rocky cliffs. Visitors can enjoy short walking tracks leading to scenic lookouts, where sweeping views of the gorge and falls provide perfect photo opportunities. The area is also popular for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and picnicking, with facilities nearby for a relaxed day out. For those wanting a longer stay, the Kinbombi Falls rest area offers basic camping options right beside the waterhole.
Plan a visit to Kinbombi Falls and experience the tranquillity and scenic charm of this Gympie Region gem.
55 Million Years Ago is a multidimensional visitor experience including an interactive Fossil Museum, Art Gallery, Fossil Gift Shop, Visitor Information Centre and Workshop Area surrounding a central Ancient Garden.
The museum is unique as the land surrounding Murgon is the only area in Australia to date, that contains fossils of mammals from between 70 and 25 million years ago – bridging a large gap in the fossil record that had puzzled palaeontologists for decades and giving the attraction its unusual name.
The perfect stop for travellers on their way to somewhere else to drop in and discover Murgon's secrets - ancient and everlasting.
Bjelke-Petersen Dam, also known as Lake Barambah or BP Dam, is just 15 kilometres from Murgon, at Moffatdale in the South Burnett. It is a popular and well-equipped area for recreational freshwater fishing, birdwatching, boating, picnicking and camping/caravanning. Picnic areas, barbecues, a general store, a caravan and recreation park and a boat ramp with a large car park make this the ideal place to relax for a day or extended stay.
Bjelke-Petersen Dam covers 2,500 hectares and holds 1,450,000 megalitres of water, which is used for irrigation and water supply to Murgon and Cherbourg's towns.
Koalas, wallabies and kangaroos can be seen around the lake, while the birdlife includes black swans, ducks, pelicans and cormorants.
Bjelke-Petersen Dam is a popular freshwater fishing spot. A stocked impound permit is required to fish. The dam is routinely stocked with Golden Perch (or Yellowbelly), Australian Bass and Silver Perch, and you can also catch red claw (no permit required). Yallakool Camping and Recreation Park offer several accommodation options from powered and unpowered campsites to cabins and villas.
The Kilkivan Shire Museum contains a comprehensive display of ore and mineral samples common to the district, photographs and documents relating to mining, forestry, dairying and town, school and family histories of Goomeri, Kilkivan, Widgee and Woolooga.
The main building has rooms furnished in the style of yesteryear, for example, a parlour, bedroom, general store and barber shop. Fettler's barrack houses a schoolroom and kitchen. Large slab shed contains buggy and wagon, mining, farm and forestry tools. A genuine stockman’s hut, made from slabs of laundry and containing original contents, has been relocated to the museum grounds.
There is an unmanned Visitor Information Centre in the front of the main building, which is open every day to visitors and tourists for approximately seven hours.
Looking for a shady place to have lunch or let the children run free for a while? Dingo Creek Park, on the northern outskirts of Wondai, is the ideal spot. With lots of open space, shady trees, a covered children's play area, free electric barbecues, covered tables and benches, it is a great place to picnic or to take a break from driving. In good seasons the creek runs, attracting lots of bird life.
On public holidays, over long weekends and during school holidays, a Driver Reviver station operates in the park. The park also serves as a gateway to Wondai's walking trails, inviting visitors to explore the natural beauty of the region.
Extending over 1,600 square metres, and divided into several differently themed environments, the Wondai Heritage Museum offers an uncluttered insight into the development, and the people, of the Wondai town and district spanning 120 years.
Military memorabilia and social development is the theme of the Formal Museum, which features, in particular. the bugle captured by local resident Jim Houston and played by him at the 1945 Japanese surrender at Morati.
The relocated 1910 Wondai Hospital operating theatre houses implements and history of a medical nature, and makes up the Hospital Complex.
On a larger scale, the Machinery Shed houses many meticulously restored items, from sulkies and threshers to the extensive “Vince Miller” collection of timber tools, and that grand old octogenarian the “Dennis Fire Engine”.
The 1930’s Slab Barn, complete with authentic shingle roof, is a fine example of pioneer construction, and now houses tools used by blacksmiths, cobblers, shearers and horsemen.
For so long the hub of Wondai, the 1920’S Oddfellows Hall houses a display of intricate lodge regalia, but principally featuring theatrically-styled settings depicting, schoolroom, laundry, kitchen, bedroom, cinematic and printing room in a sauntering walk back through time.
And did they mention it's fun! Yes it is!
Coronation Park is part of Wondai's attractive streetscaping. Situated in the centre of Wondai Central Business District, the Park is well utilised by both residents and visitors.
There are gardens, covered picnic tables, benches, a public toilet (with disabled access), a bus shelter and a covered pavilion area. Enjoy a break here before exploring the heritage attractions of Wondai.
The Wooroolin Wetland is located at the township of Wooroolin, 16 kilometres north of Kingaroy along the Bunya Highway. Wooroolin Wetlands was declared a fauna sanctuary in 1973, now classified as a palustrine wetland, a non-tidal, inland, seasonally flooded, vegetated swamp. After successive floods in 2011 and 2013, the wetland burst its banks and Wooroolin was flooded for the first time in recorded history.
A bird hide and two walking trails have been established for naturalists to fully appreciate resident and migratory fauna. However the walking trails are only accessible during dry periods and can be accessed from Wooroolin Sports Ground. Over 25 different birds have been sighted including nankeen kestrels, striated pardalotes and golden-headed cisticola.
Over two kilometres of endangered vegetation has been fenced to help restrict access and protect the local and regional species. Revegetation is taking place in this eucalypt woodland and particular attention is being paid to the endangered Queensland Blue Gum.
Wooroolin State School planted 80 native trees in 2003 and will continue with an annual tree-planting program. Nesting boxes have been provided as alternative habitats for sugar gliders and possums. Interpretive signage has been erected to promote project achievements, local information, wildlife and tracks.
Gordonbrook Dam is the sole water supply for Kingaroy and a peaceful spot to unwind. Originally built in 1941 as a water supply for the Royal Australian Air Force Training Base during WWII, the dam wall was raised in 1987 to inundate an area of 229 hectares - the dam we have today.
Take in the beautiful dam views from the viewing platform or a variety of walking tracks along the waters edge. Enjoy a picnic at the tables provided and use the wood fired barbecues.
The dam provides a haven for over 100 different species of birds. Bring your binoculars and camera to record sightings. The area is a significant migratory water bird site with sightings of Jacanas, White Breasted Sea Eagles and Pygmy Geese as well as the more common water birds such as Black Ducks and Egrets.
Camping is not permitted at the dam along with swimming, fishing, sailing and low horse-power boating due to blue/green algae in the water.
A peaceful rest stop, Apex Park was the site of the first public hospital in Kingaroy and was developed by the Apex Club in the mid 1960s. The large trees you see today are the original plantings from the hospital grounds. A resident of the area donated the steam engine in the centre of the park.
There is a memorial in the park in recognition of the great contribution of Matron Norma McDiarmid (1915-1944) erected by Kingaroy Past and Present Nurses Association.
A walking track through native bush takes you to the lookout on Coral Street. The viewing platform affords panoramic vistas of Kingaroy and surrounds including the iconic peanut silos, Tarong Power Station and Coolabunia Hill (home to the late Joh and Lady Florence Bjelke-Petersen). Towards the south-west, are expansive views of the Bunya Mountains.
There is a large playground and towering shade trees perfect for relaxing under. Bring a picnic and enjoy a pleasant afternoon in the peaceful surroundings.
All play equipment is on rubber-based soft fall material designed to reduce impact. There is a wood barbecue under the sheltered picnic area and toilet amenities available.
On the eastern side of Kingaroy, Rotary Park offers a large covered picnic table and barbecue providing a welcome area for travellers to break their journey. Travel east along Haly Street until the lights at Fisher Street. The park is just through the lights on the right.
The park is ringed by tall shady trees, which provide welcome shade on hot days. Children delight in playing on the modern play equipment and there are wide grassed areas to play in.
Toilet facilities with disabled access are available here as well.
South Burnett Rail Trail
Welcome to Queensland's first sealed rail trail, a 43.5km recreation trail between Kingaroy and Murgon in the beautiful South Burnett, only 2.5 hours from Brisbane.
Whether you choose to cycle, run or walk the South Burnett Rail Trail is suitable for all ages. Dogs on leads are welcome, please clean up after your pet.
The South Burnett Rail Trail starts at O'Neill Square in the centre of Kingaroy and progresses north. Visitors travelling the trail will enjoy picturesque surrounds and welcoming, country towns.
Choose your own adventure, there's plenty to see and do as you journey through Kingaroy, Crawford, Memerambi, Wooroolin, Tingoora, Wondai and Murgon. Short distances between towns means a spot to refresh is never too far away.
Enjoy a break and recharge with coffee at the cafes along the route or experience lunch at an authentic country pub.
The South Burnett Rail Trail allows families to enjoy the great outdoors safely and encourages people of all ages to be active and enjoy fresh country air and a healthy lifestyle.
Kingaroy's fascinating Heritage Museum is housed in what was the town's powerhouse from 1925 to 1952, and is now part of the Kingaroy Information, Art and Heritage Precinct.
As Kingaroy is the Peanut Capital of Australia, the history of the local peanut industry is a focus of the collection, with exhibits of agricultural machinery showing the ingenuity and inventiveness of the local farmers and tradespeople. Machinery for farming peanuts was not available in the early 1920s, so farmers invented their own. The first being a bicycle powered thresher built in 1909, then a local farmer converted an American-made wheat thresher to thresh peanuts. In the late 1920s. Mr Harry Young designed and built his very own dinosaur – a stationary peanut thresher.
These machines are on display in the museum along with other prototypes of peanut harvesting machinery designed and built by local inventors. Some of their ideas are still in use today.
The entry to the Museum can only be accessed through the Kingaroy Visitor Information Centre.
With more than 350 recorded species, the South Burnett is a bird watchers dream. The region is known for the Black-breasted Button-quail and Glossy Black-Cockatoo, but expect to see the likes of the Red-rumped Parrot, Regent Bowerbird, Rainbow Bee-eater, Dollarbird and Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater too.
A diverse array of habitats from dry rainforest and hoop pine forests, to expansive water masses, open woodlands and soft vine scrub, ensures prolific bird life year round.
Try these local hot spots: Lake Barambah, Nanango Fauna Sanctuary, Mudlo Conservation Park Kilkivan, Wooroolin Wetlands; Gordonbrook Dam; Boat Mountain Regional Park, Bunya Mountains National Park. Viewing platforms, lookouts and walking tracks are great vantage points, but keep your eyes peeled wherever you are, as you can spot birds along quiet country roads, in parks and urban areas.
The South Burnett is ideally situated two and a half hours from Brisbane, the Sunshine and Fraser Coasts. It is fringed by the pine-clad Bunya Mountains to the south-west, the hoop-pine covered Blackbutt Range to the east and the historic Burnett Range to the north.
Pack your walking shoes, picnic, hat, bird book and binoculars and record your own list of sightings in the South Burnett.
Kingaroy Regional Art Gallery is the place if you're looking for beautiful local art or a creative keepsake of your travels. It's the oldest public art space in the South Burnett and has a growing reputation as one of Southeast Queensland's most dynamic arts hubs.
The gallery is run by not-for-profit Kingaroy Arts Team Inc, a group of art lovers intent on giving a diverse programme of exhibitions and events throughout the year. They delight in hosting exhibitions which break new ground, and can be fun, thought provoking or just plain quirky
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The Gallery is supported by the South Burnett Regional Council which maintains the heritage-listed Art Deco building it occupies within the Kingaroy Information, Art and Heritage precinct (directly opposite the town's iconic peanut silos).
'Shop 38' is the Gallery's surprise package for locals and out-of-town visitors, as it presents a constantly changing showcase of South Burnett art and high-end craftwork. Shop 38 takes its name from the year the Art Deco-style former Shire Council Chambers were opened. The building is a destination in itself, retaining many handsome Deco features.
Regular highlights include the biannual David Bryce Rural Art Award, the Queensland Winter Craft Festival June and July, Christmas pop up shop late November-December. KAT Members Art Show.
Kingaroy's beautiful Memorial Park is located near the heart of town and is the major formal park in the Shire. The War Memorial is located in the park and is a band rotunda constructed of eight classical columns, supporting a frieze and a domed roof. The frieze contains the names of the areas where the armed forces fought in World War I. Sir Thomas William Glasgow dedicated the memorial on 29 June 1932. To the west of the rotunda is the Stone of Remembrance honouring those who served from World War I to Vietnam. All ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day services are held there.
The park has extensive flower gardens, paved paths, modern play equipment, picnic tables, barbecue facilities (coin-operated on William Street side) and amenities that also have disabled access. The park also offers an off-leash area for dogs on the Alford Street side.
The Kingaroy swimming pool is beside Memorial Park on William Street and this adds to making the park a pleasant place to stop and have a quiet break and relax while taking advantage of the facilities.
You'll find great views from Mount Wooroolin Lookout, just over four kilometres west of Kingaroy. Established in 1988 as a bicentennial project by Kingaroy Shire Council, the area features a grassed area with picnic tables and wood barbecues.
The elevated viewing platform offers 360 degree panoramic views of the surrounding countryside: Coolabunia Hill, the Bunya Mountains, Queensland's second oldest National Park and Tarong Power Station, which generates approximately one fifth of Queensland's power. To the northwest is pretty Gordonbrook Dam, the source of Kingaroy's water supply.
The ramp to the viewing platform is smooth for disabled access, but care needs to be taken, as it's quite steep. The nature reserve is 160 acres of endangered eucalypt woodland and dry vine forest. Bird watchers are often rewarded with sightings of Regent Bower Birds, Black Breasted Button Quail and Eastern Shrike-tit.
Visitors are advised to take care while ascending or descending the narrow sealed road to the top; it's not suitable for cars towing caravans or trailers.
Kingaroy Lions Park is located in Kingaroy Street, near the heart of town. It is a pleasant small park with roofed picnic tables, play equipment, a coin operated barbecue and disabled toilet facilities. This park is a good place to break your journey to relax and plan your drive around the South Burnett. Children will love the colourful playground equipment and the fun photo cut out frames of a peanut and a navy bean! Both crops have contributed much to the development of the Kingaroy area.
Kingaroy's famous Peanut Van is beside the park and what better way to finish off your meal than by sampling local produce. Lions Park is also the location for South Burnett Regional Council's dump point for caravans.
Adjacent to Lions Park is Bjelke-Petersen Recreation Area - a large green open space with walking and cycle paths, centred on Kingaroy's Town Common. It was developed on reclaimed land created by the town's flood mitigation scheme in the early 1980s.
Discover the rugged beauty of Brooyar State Forest, a hidden adventure playground in the Gympie Region.
Located just northwest of Gympie, this forest is renowned for its striking sandstone cliffs, tall eucalypt forests, and sweeping lookouts. Popular with rock climbers, campers, and bushwalkers, Brooyar offers a true escape into nature with opportunities to explore walking tracks, spot native wildlife, or camp beneath the stars at sites like Glastonbury Creek. Scenic drives wind through the forest, leading to hidden gems such as Eagles Nest and Point Pure Lookout, where panoramic views stretch across the surrounding countryside.
Plan your trip to Brooyar State Forest and experience camping, climbing, and breathtaking views in the Gympie Region's wild outdoors.
Step back in time at Dickabram Bridge, an iconic heritage-listed landmark spanning the Mary River in the Gympie Region.
Built in 1886, this rare combined road-and-rail bridge is a testament to 19th-century engineering and remains one of the few of its kind in Australia. Visitors can admire its timber and steel structure from the banks of the Mary River, enjoy riverside picnics, and capture striking photographs of the bridge framed by the surrounding countryside. The area is also popular for fishing, birdwatching, and leisurely walks along the river, offering a mix of history and natural beauty in one picturesque setting.
Visit Dickabram Bridge to experience a piece of Gympie Region history and enjoy the scenic riverside surroundings.
Encounter the bridge's enduring legacy, marvel at its sturdy construction, and relish the picturesque views of the river. With its historical importance and recent enhancements, the Dickabram Bridge and its surrounding park promise an enriching and scenic visit for tourists seeking a glimpse into Queensland's past. Stop for lunch at the Historic Theebine Hotel closeby for a great day out.
Kingaroy Observatory is Queensland's largest self-funded public outreach stargazing attraction, located 250M along Geoff Raph Drive up from the airport terminal.
They have three, Meade 14 inch telescopes to show you the Universe and Planets up close!
One of these telescopes is et-up Equatorial for both Visual and Astrophotpgraphy.
They also have Qld's very first electronic digital colour eyepiece , called a SMARTEYE that shows everything in colour.
During your night visit, the astronomer points out various constellations and stars using a registered green laser pointer, and gives an ongoing commentary of what you are viewing in the telescopes.
The observatory has a ramped entrance, making it easy for walking, wheely walkers and wheelchairs. Each telescope can be adjusted up and down to suit any height, including those in a chair.
Bookings are essential. Book online from their website's calendar, seen on the home page.
The observatory is owned and operated by retired Research astronomer, James aka Dr Jim Barclay who has over 65 years in Astronomy. His passion and knowledge of the Universe will astound you !
This facility has plenty of off-street and roadside parking.
They conduct Basic to Advanced Astro-photography and Astronomy workshops and the Astronomer can be hired out for School visits and community events.
Just ten minutes out of Nanango, the peaceful Nanango Fauna Reserve offers many different environments to explore, from seasonal waterholes to eucalypt woodland, acacia scrub, and dry vine scrub.
It is a bird watcher's delight with a variety of species to be found including the Yellow-Faced Honeyeater, Australian Darter, Varied Sittella, Nankeen Night Heron, and Little Black and Little Pied Cormorant.
