Getting to the South Burnett

Getting to the South Burnett

The South Burnett is pure driving country, and half its pleasure is the approach. From Brisbane the classic route runs up the D’Aguilar Highway and over the pretty Blackbutt Range — bakery stop compulsory — into Kingaroy in about two and a half hours. From the west, the Bunya Highway links the Darling Downs and the Bunya Mountains to the wine country. There’s no quick way in and no need for one: the roads are good, the scenery builds as you climb, and the region starts the moment you leave the motorway behind.

Which Way In?

From Brisbane — the D’Aguilar Highway (about 2.5 hrs). North to Caboolture, then west through Woodford and Kilcoy and up the Blackbutt Range, the prettiest of the climbs, into Nanango and Kingaroy. The Blackbutt bakery is the traditional halfway pause. This is the route most visitors take, and the one our tours use.

From Brisbane — the Brisbane Valley (scenic alternative). Via Ipswich and Esk through the Brisbane Valley, joining the D’Aguilar Highway near Yarraman. A little longer, a little quieter, and lovely in its own right — a good return route to vary the trip.

From the Darling Downs — the Bunya Highway. From Dalby and Toowoomba the Bunya Highway runs north-east to Bell, Kingaroy and the wine country, the natural approach if you’re touring the Downs first or arriving via the Bunya Mountains’ western side.

No car, or would rather not drive it? Our guided South Burnett tours depart Brisbane and handle the whole journey — including the tastings the drive home would otherwise rule out.