South Burnett Energy Centre

    The South Burnett Energy Centre reflects the past, the people and the energy technology that developed the region and continues to mould their future. The visually exciting displays are located in a building formerly owned by Tarong Coal and incorporate a number of time lines and interactive displays as well as the original engines that supplied energy to Nanango for the first time in 1933.

    Come along to experience and discover the history of power generation in the South Burnett…

    Power up your very own virtual power station. Peddle a bike to generate all forms of energy with the ultimate result of a “gobstopper”. Ponder over the original working motors which provided the first reticulated power to Nanango in 1933.

    LOCATION:

    41 Henry Street, Nanango
    4615, QLD

    Lions Park – Nanango

      Lions Park is a lovely stop just off the D’Aguilar Highway, on the south side of the township of Nanango.

      Facilities include toilets, a barbecue, a playground for the kids, shelter and tables. This park is alongside Tipperary Flat, which is a tribute to the Pioneer Days. The Peanut Wagon is also located nearby.

      LOCATION:

      41 Henry Street, Nanango
      4615, QLD

      LOCATION:

      D'Aguilar Highway, Nanango
      4615, QLD

      Benarkin State Forest

        Benarkin State Forest on the Blackbutt Range is a great spot to picnic, fish, spot platypus or hike or ride on forest trails.

        Explore the unsealed 16 kilometre scenic forest drive, which leads off the D’Aguilar Highway, through rainforest, hoop pine plantations and eucalypt forests containing blackbutt, tallowwood, white mahogany, gums and ironbarks to small flats beside the inviting waters of Emu Creek.

        Spend the night here in one of two camping areas and camp beside Emu Creek (a tributary of the Brisbane River). Find a site that suits your needs as sites cater for a range of camping experiences from tents to caravans and motorhomes.

        You can bring your family pet (on a leash) to Clancys camping area. You can walk or ride mountain bikes, or horses on the Bicentennial National Trail, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail or on formed roads and tracks; except where signed or when access is restricted due to timber harvesting activities. You can also ride trail bikes in some parts of the park.

        Image credits: Qld Govt

        LOCATION:

        41 Henry Street, Nanango
        4615, QLD

        LOCATION:

        D'Aguilar Highway, Nanango
        4615, QLD

        LOCATION:

        D'Aguilar Highway, Nanango
        4615, QLD

        Ringsfield House & Museum, Nanango

          Ringsfield House is more than just a large Queenslander; it has a link to thousands of people in the South Burnett, and home to many stories as the sunshine state’s fourth oldest town.

          Ringsfield House began as a magnificent family home designed by the well-known Architect Robin Dods. From 1908 until 1942 when the family aged and moved away. When the house was first built it had open verandahs. The original owners, Mr and Mrs James William Davies Graham would attend to their children using a secret passageway through the cupboard in the main bedroom which lead to the nursery.

          From 1942 to 1970, it became a four-ward maternity hospital. Some 3,000 – 4,000 births were registered at Ringsfield House. Hundreds of those people still live in the local area.

          By 1973 the house was a Lifeline refuge for deserted wives and their children and continued in this capacity for a further 20 years, it then became derelict.

          In 1992 to 1996, the then Nanango Shire Council, restored Ringsfield House as a Museum and Historical Centre. From November 2017, Ringsfield House operated as a museum, a cafe, a tourist destination, a restaurant, and an events venue.

          It continues to draw people far and wide to experience the beauty, peace, and tranquillity that Nanango has to offer.

          LOCATION:

          41 Henry Street, Nanango
          4615, QLD

          LOCATION:

          D'Aguilar Highway, Nanango
          4615, QLD

          LOCATION:

          D'Aguilar Highway, Nanango
          4615, QLD

          LOCATION:

          41-45 Alfred Street, Nanango
          4615, QLD

          Attractions – for more in the South Burnett

          • THE LAVENDER FARM AT POTTIQUE

          For more attractions in the South Burnett click here

           

          For more Accomodation in the South Burnett

          • ACCOMMODATION
          • ACCOMMODATION
          • ACCOMMODATION
          • ACCOMMODATION
          • ACCOMMODATION
          • POTTIQUE
          • DINING

          For more Accomodation in the South Burnett click here

          Ringsfield House & Museum

          Currently Ringsfield House is CLOSED to the public until further notice

           

          Ringsfield House is more than just a large Queenslander; it has a link to thousands of people in the South Burnett, and home to many stories as the sunshine state’s fourth oldest town.

          Ringsfield House began as a magnificent family home designed by the well-known Architect Robin Dods. From 1908 until 1942 when the family aged and moved away. When the house was first built it had open verandahs. The original owners, Mr and Mrs James William Davies Graham would attend to their children using a secret passageway through the cupboard in the main bedroom which lead to the nursery.

           

          From 1942 to 1970, it became a four-ward maternity hospital. Some 3,000 – 4,000 births were registered at Ringsfield House. Hundreds of those people still live in the local area.

           

          By 1973 the house was a Lifeline refuge for deserted wives and their children and continued in this capacity for a further 20 years, it then became derelict.

           

          In 1992 to 1996, the then Nanango Shire Council, restored Ringsfield House as a Museum and Historical Centre. From November 2017, Ringsfield House operated not only as a museum but also a cafe, a tourist destination, a restaurant, and events venue, supporting both the local and the broader communities.

           

          It continues to draw people from far and wide to experience the beauty, peace, and tranquillity that Nanango has to offer.

           

          Legends of the South Burnett

          Legends of the South Burnett – Boxing Legend: Arthur Cripps

          When you think of boxing one name comes to mind… Muhammad Ali. Well sorry to disappoint but there was another boxing great who came from the South Burnett… Arthur Cripps.

          Born in 1879 Arthur Cripps started his sporting career playing rugby. He played in one game for Queensland – a “dramatic” 25-11 win over New South Wales in 1901 (see even back in the early 20th century Queensland were beating New South Wales!) But footy just wasn’t meant to be for Arthur who turned to professional boxing in early 1902.

          Arthur was trained by “Big” Jim Austin, who was said to be one of the cleverest trainers of the time. He claimed that because of this training he never suffered a black eye or bloody nose.

          In 1903 Arthur Cripps claimed the Australian Middleweight crown. He would then win this title on and off between the years 1903 to 1909.

          A property at Broadwater (Nanango) brought Arthur, his wife Mary and their daughter Violet to the region to begin a farming life. Arthur held boxing fund raising activities and assisted many young men in gaining expertise in the boxing arena such as Bill Ewart of Nanango.

          In 1916 at the age of 35 (which was not the norm as the average age of men enlisting was 26) Arthur enlisted as a driver in the Engineers. This grabbed the attention of Australians with newspaper headlines reading “Arthur Cripps gone to the front!” (16 May 1917). He also made headlines again upon his return in August 1919.

          After the war Arthur returned to Nanango where he was the Post Office Hotel Proprietor, Chairman of the local football club (1923to 1925) and Director of the Dairy Company (1923). However, before his daughter Violet was 21 years old he decided to move the family to Brisbane.

          In 1934 Arthur Cripps passed away.

          A mild-mannered man – a home lover – an ace high husband and father – and a wonderful glove fighter!

          Arthur Cripps 3

          Arthur Cripps with his wife Mary and daughter Violet (dress in white with pig tails)

          Arthur Cripps dressed in his army uniform

          Arthur Cripps dressed in his army uniform

          South Burnett Wine and Food in the Park Festival

          The South Burnett Wine and Food in the Park Festival is on again this Saturday 11th March at Memorial Park, Kingaroy.

          This is the festival’s 18th year and is a great way of showcases the best of South Burnett wine and food. The event starts at 12 noon and runs till 8:30pm and will have eight hours of live entertainment including street performers and top music acts.

          Kevin Liepins a freelance writer has wrote a great article for Weekend Notes on the festival. CLICK HERE to read.

          Entertainment at South Burnett Wine and Food in the Park Festival - image from the South Burnett Wine and Food in the Park Festival website

          Entertainment at South Burnett Wine and Food in the Park Festival – image from the South Burnett Wine and Food in the Park Festival website

          Enjoy wine tastings at the South Burnett Wine and Food in the Park Festival - image from the South Burnett Wine and Food in the Park Festival website

          Enjoy wine tastings at the South Burnett Wine and Food in the Park Festival – image from the South Burnett Wine and Food in the Park Festival website