South Burnett Travel Guide: Wine, Country Towns & Tiny House Escapes in Queensland
Foggy mornings in the South Burnett region.
A Slow Travel Escape to Queensland’s South Burnett Region
I recently spent a long weekend exploring the South Burnett, and honestly? It surprised me in the best possible way.
Located inland from the Sunshine Coast, Australia, and roughly 3 hours from Brisbane, this region is all about country hospitality, historic towns, and Queensland’s oldest wine region. It’s the kind of place where you take your time, pull over for bakeries and road side stalls you didn’t plan on visiting, and end your day watching the sun melt into the horizon with a glass of local wine in hand.
If you’re craving a road trip from South East Queensland that feels relaxed, and authentic, this one’s for you.
Getting to the South Burnett (and Why the Drive Is Half the Fun)
Brisbane to Kingaroy: ~3 hours (210km)
Brisbane to Nanango: ~2.5 hours
Brisbane to Moffatdale wine region: ~3 hours
Sunshine Coast to Kingaroy: ~2.5 hours
My biggest tip? Don’t rush the drive. The magic of the South Burnett starts along the journey.
We stopped in Blackbutt, grabbing coffee at the Blackbutt Bakery, where the hospitality alone was worth the detour. Along the way you’ll pass through small towns dotted with historic pubs, quirky museums, old-school bakeries and shops that feel really wholesome.
Things to Do in the South Burnett
Sip Your Way Through Queensland’s Oldest Wine Region
You wouldn’t expect it, but the South Burnett punches well above its weight when it comes to wine.
Clovely Estate (Moffatdale) - A Must-Visit
This was hands-down my favourite winery of the trip.
✔ Beautiful countryside views
✔ Exceptional hospitality
✔ Mediterranean-style wines
✔ Incredible value tastings
We ordered the Mediterranean wine flight, but before we’d even started, we were offered a complimentary pét-nat (yes please). Then came an extra tasting of a wine no longer on the flight menu… an Argentinian Verdelho that quickly became our favourite.
By the time we left, we’d enjoyed:
Our paid tasting
Multiple complimentary pours
A tasting of their cleanskin red
We walked away with a 6-pack of cleanskin reds for $50 and a bottle of Verdelho, and honestly could have taken home half the cellar. The service at Clovely Estate alone makes this winery worth the drive.
Good to know:
Wine tastings start from around $10–$20, depending on the flight.
Wine tasting and great hospitality at Clovely Estate.
Dusty Hill Wines
Located at their vineyard, Dusty Hill offers one of the best value tastings I’ve seen.
6 wines for $6
Choose your own selection
Friendly, relaxed service
I couldn’t decide what to try, so they generously poured a few extras so I didn’t miss out. We left with a couple of bottles and zero regrets.
Wine tasting at Dusty Hill Wines.
Other Wineries to Add to Your List
If you have more time (or a designated driver), also look into:
Lunch with a View: Prendergasts Irish Tavern
Right in the heart of the wine region, this Irish tavern is popular for a reason.
✔ Country pub classics
✔ Beautiful setting
✔ Busy on weekends, book ahead
The nearby lake is also worth a wander, especially if you enjoy birdlife and peaceful scenery.
Waterfalls, Swimming Holes & Nature Fixes
Coomba Falls (Maidenwell)
A local favourite, and for good reason.
Easy access (stairs from car park)
Refreshing swimming hole
Perfect for picnics
When we visited Coomba Falls, they were more of a trickle, but the waterhole itself was still stunning. People arrived early, picnic blankets and floaties in tow, clearly planning to spend the day.
Tip: Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds, especially in Summer.
More Nature to Explore
Benarkin State Forest
McEuen State Forest
Yarraman State Forest
Boat Mountain - Murgon
Mt Wooroolin - Kingaroy
Nanango Fauna Reserve
Stargazing
Coomba Falls is a popular swimming spot near Maidenwell.
The Bunya Mountains
Just a short drive away, the Bunya Mountains National Park is well worth adding to your itinerary.
Scenic lookouts
Forest walks
A variety of hikes
Even if hiking isn’t your thing, the views alone make it worthwhile. Staying overnight here lets you explore without rushing.
Explore the Country Towns
Kingaroy
Known as Australia’s peanut capital (and yes, there is a giant peanut), you need to stop at the iconic Peanut Van.
Selling peanuts since 1969, they have loads of flavours, but the salted caramel peanuts were surprisingly addictive.
Other things to do in Kingaroy:
Cafés & bakeries
Country pubs
Historic peanut silos
Stock up on supplies
Nanango
Historic buildings
Country pubs
Go-Kart Track (popular and looked like heaps of fun, sadly closed when we returned)
Maidenwell
The Trading Post Café & Store (perfect for a post-swim stop)
The town of Blackbutt.
Potique Lavender Farm Stop
There’s also a lavender farm with café and gift shop just outside Kingaroy.
While you can’t wander lavender fields, if you love lavender you’ll see:
Soaps
Candles
Hand creams
Antique and vintage pieces
Country style cafe
It’s a lovely, low-key stop on a road trip day.
Where to Stay: Tiny House Magic in the South Burnett
We stayed just outside Runnymede at Kalmya Farm Retreat, a tiny house by Tiny Away, and it was absolute magic.
Why We Loved It
Off-grid and peaceful
Perfect central location (20-30 mins to wineries & Kingaroy)
Fire pit with fairy lights (beautiful sunsets and evenings)
Wildlife everywhere
We were surrounded by:
Kangaroos & wallabies
Parrots & cockatoos
Willy wagtails and kookaburras
They even provide bird seed, firewood, and BBQ spices… small details that make a big difference.
Kalmya Farm Retreat tiny house by Tiny Away.
Slow Travel Tip
Tiny houses force you to slow down. Pack light, ditch the extras, and embrace simple living.
And whatever you do, wake up with the sun. The sunrises and sunsets here were genuinely epic.
Discount code: Get 10% off Tiny Away stays with code TOURISTTOTRAVELLER10
The magical fire pit at Kalmya Farm Retreat by Tiny Away.
Other Accommodation Options in the South Burnett
The Firebreak - Private cabin with sweeping views, fireplace, and outdoor bath (my top pick)
Best Time to Visit the South Burnett
The region can be visited year-round, but the sweet spots are:
Spring: Wildflowers, mild days
Autumn: Perfect winery weather
Winter: Fire pits, cosy nights, crisp mornings
Summer is doable (we went then), but it does get quite hot… air-conditioning is your friend.
Golden sunrises in the South Burnett region.
Where to Eat
Prendergasts Irish Tavern (wine region)
Blackbutt Bakery
Trading Post Café (Maidenwell)
Country pubs - don’t skip these, and the opportunity for a yarn with the locals
Why the South Burnett Region Is Worth Your Time
The South Burnett isn’t flashy or well known, and that’s exactly its charm.
It’s a region made for:
Slow road trips
Wine without the crowds
Real conversations with locals
Nature without the noise
Wholesome country hospitality
If you’re looking for a long weekend escape from Brisbane that feels authentic, and relaxed, add the South Burnett to your list.
Disclosure: This blog includes affiliate links. I will be paid a commission if you use these links to make a purchase.