KINGAROY VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

Welcome to the Centre

Dig into local history, discover a wealth of local knowledge, and delight in the fresh local produce and unique handmade items available at the Kingaroy Visitor Information Centre.

The thriving township of Kingaroy is nestled in the heart of Queensland’s tranquil South Burnett region. The rich, red volcanic soils of the area helped plant firm foundations for the growth of this friendly farming community, which has earned a reputation as ‘Australia’s Peanut Capital’. Vineyards are also sprouting up around the region, giving visitors plenty of reasons to raise a glass and celebrate the areas agricultural bounty, in a region brimming with country hospitality.

The welcoming team at Kingaroy Visitor Information Centre are on hand to answer your questions, provide directions, and offer expert local tips to help you make the most of your visit to the beautiful South Burnett. Pop in for a chat, learn about local history and agricultural industries, and peruse the enticing variety of local produce and handmade gifts on offer.

The Kingaroy Heritage Museum adjoins the visitor centre, forming part of the town’s well-preserved historic precinct. Next door, the Kingaroy Regional Art Gallery showcases the artistic talents of local and visiting artists.

From historic insights to cultural and culinary delights, there’s plenty of reasons to drop by and say hi at the Kingaroy Visitor Information Centre.

What’s On Offer

Volunteers at the Kingaroy Visitor Information Centre delight in sharing their local knowledge and helping visitors unearth the many hidden gems of the region. They offer a one stop travel information shop, including an extensive range of maps, brochures and itinerary planning advice - a great first port of call on your next visit to Kingaroy.

The centre rests in the shadows of three heritage-listed Peanut Silos – an iconic local landmark in their own right. These silos are owned and operated by the Peanut Company of Australia (or PCA, the nation’s leading supplier of locally grown peanuts for over 90 years. They were bought by Bega Foods in 2017. As you head towards the entrance of the centre, a sculpture of a giant red ant sits to the right of the four or five stairs which lead to the centre’s entrance. This unique species is endemic to the area, and is understood to form the origin of the town’s name, derived from the local Indigenous Wakka Wakka word ‘kingaroori’, meaning red ant.

Tantalise your tastebuds with the variety of farm-fresh local produce available for purchase, including jams, chutneys, and of course, a range of flavoured peanuts sold raw or in their shell. There’s also a thoughtfully chosen selection of local handmade items and souvenirs for sale, allowing a great shopping opportunity for purchasing some treasured mementos or gifts for family and friends back home.

Gain a glimpse into the history and harvesting processes of the peanut industry in the TV room, or watch peanuts being processed or even take a trip to the beautiful Bunya Mountains with our exciting virtual reality experience.

Behind the centre is an Interpretive Arena – an open park landscape planted with local crops and vegetation. Sit in the inviting covered seating area and soak in the relaxed ambience, surrounded by historic buildings which house many memories of the town’s past.

Local History and Art

Delivering a delightful blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions and culinary delights, Kingaroy invites you to stay a while, scratch beneath the surface, and unearth it’s hidden gems.

Along with its rich agricultural heritage and friendly locals, Kingaroy is also known as the home of prominent Queensland political figures, Sir Joh and Lady Flo Bjelke-Petersen. During Joh’s long-standing political career with the National Party, Queensland saw some significant economic growth, particularly within the agricultural industry. While clouded by some controversy, his 19-year tenure as Premier is the longest serving Premier in Queensland in Australian political history.

Head up the ramp from the Visitor Information Centre to enter the Kingaroy Heritage Museum. This treasure trove of insights and artifacts showcases the region’s history under the themes of ‘People, Power and Peanuts’. The museum itself is housed in what was once the town’s powerhouse from 1925 to 1952. Naturally, the peanut industry is a strong focus of the collection, with a range of locally engineered processing equipment on display. Given that machinery for processing peanuts was not available in the early days, these local inventions and adaptations testify to the ingenuity and inventiveness of local farmers and tradespeople. Tours and talks on the history of Kingaroy are also available on request.

On the opposite side of the Visitor Information Centre you’ll find the Kingaroy Regional Art Gallery, housed in an iconic art deco building which once served as the Shire Council Chambers. It’s a great space to discover local and emerging artists, or to purchase creative keepsakes from your Kingaroy visit. ‘Shop 38’ is named in honour of the year the building was first opened, and features an ever-changing curated collection of South Burnett art and high-end craftwork for purchase. Art enthusiasts, craft connoisseurs and lovers of all things local are sure to delight in its offerings.

Regional Highlights

With it’s abundance of natural beauty, fresh new flavours and wide open spaces, there’s plenty of great reasons to visit Kingaroy and the surrounding South Burnett region.

Disconnect from the busyness of life and reconnect with the ones that matter most as you embark on unforgettable adventures in nature. Meander along forested paths to spectacular lookouts, or get up close to majestic king parrots on the ancient towering peak of the beautiful Bunya Mountains. Enjoy a picnic or barbecue at spectacular Mount Wooroolin Lookout, just four kilometres north of Kingaroy. This popular vantage point boasts breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding rural countryside. Bike or hike your way along the region’s Rail Trails, or take to the water to wash away your worries with water sports and fine fishing spots at Boondoomba and Bjelke-Petersen Dams.

Of course, no trip to Kingaroy would be complete without sampling the savoury, salty goodness of the region’s prized peanuts. Drop in to the famous Peanut Van to purchase a range of flavourful nuts and peanut-inspired tasty treats and discover some exciting new taste sensations. You can’t miss it – it’s right across from the town’s very own ‘Big Peanut’ sculpture. Or discover Queensland’s newest wine region as you visit the vineyards and cellar doors of small family wine producers along the South Burnett Wine Trail.

South Burnett truly serves up a feast for the senses!

Accessibility

The large country town of Kingaroy is in Queensland’s beautiful South Burnett region, on the edge of the Great Dividing Range. It’s an easy two-hour drive from the bustling capital city of Brisbane, and directly west of the Sunshine Coast. Coaches provide a carefree mode of transport to and around the region. Translink trains run to Caboolture, and Pursers coaches run services three times per week from CabooltureStation to the South Burnett region, with stops including (but not limited to) Yarraman, Nanango, Kingaroy, Wondai and Murgon. Please visit www.purserscoaches.com.au for the latest timetable and ticketing information. Please note that in Kingaroy township, only taxis are available for public transport.

The Kingaroy Visitor Information Centre is located at 128 Haly Street, within the beautiful historic precinct of town. At the time of publishing this audio guide, Kingaroy Visitor Information Centre’s opening times were 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm on weekends. However, please visit discoversouthburnett.com.au, or call 07 4189 9555 to confirm current opening hours.

The Kingaroy Visitor Information Centre offers street parking and is wheelchair accessible. There is a ramp to the left of the stairs at the main entry. An accessible bathroom is located at the back of the visitor information centrefor your convenience.

If you’re travelling with an assistance animal and are looking for a grassy area suitable for their toileting, head out the back of the visitor centre where you’ll find a covered area with tables and chairs, overlooking beautiful gardens.