Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Springs Blackbutt to Life

WORDS: Steve Hunt PHOTOGRAPHY Brian Usher - [email protected]

Discovering South Burnett

Its most famous exports are avocados and tennis great Roy Emerson, but don’t be deceived by thinking there’s not much to do in this small historic town in the South Burnett Shire.

Located on the D’Aguilar Highway near the Benarkin State Forest, Blackbutt is a great place to base yourself to explore this naturally blessed township and its surrounds.

The region, only one-and-a-half hours from Brisbane, has come alive in recent years thanks to the growing popularity of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) which draws thousands of cyclists, hikers and horse riders to the area.

Because of its elevated position at more than 450 metres above sea level, Blackbutt also can be slightly cooler for riders and hikers in summer; and is the perfect winter destination.

We stayed at the closest AIRBNB to the 170-kilometre-long BRVT, a quaint little three-bedroom retro cottage overlooking the showgrounds and Roy Emerson museum which pays homage to Blackbutt’s most famous son, one of Australia’s most acclaimed tennis players.

The cottage has a self-contained kitchen, fireplace, outdoor fire pit, and a shed to lock up bikes and charge e-bikes. Only a two-minute walk to the main street – home to the famous Blackbutt Bakery and the local pub.

From the cottage, you can kit up and be on the BVRT heading in both directions in seconds – heading north-west across rolling hills to the town of Yarraman less than 20 kilometres away or southeast to Moore and further into the Brisbane Valley towns of Toogoolawah and Esk.

For the adventurous, you can venture off the rail trails into endless trails in the surrounding state forests and old stock routes that can connect you to towns like Nanango.

Visit the Cooma Falls water hole to cool off in the heat of summer, or the nearby Bunya Mountains or explore the burgeoning South Burnett Wine region for some wine tasting.

Blackbutt’s bakery is a treat, drawing people from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and the surrounding area to sample the incredible assortment of pies, cakes and slices.

On a good day, 2000 pies are sold at the bakery, such is its popularity. The local golf club is quaint and offers an honesty box payment system if no one is manning the club. It’s a minute drive from the main street.

After exploring the region, we absolutely loved our little cottage – replete with everything you need and a soccer net and swing in the yard and games and books inside for the kids.

Or sip a glass of wine watching the sun going down in front of the fire pit; retreat indoors for a nice home-cooked curry with a wine in front of the indoor fireplace.

The cottage is dog friendly; enjoy sitting on the deck and watching the wide array of birdlife nesting in the trees nearby.

Blackbutt has regular local markets and don’t forget the annual AvoFest – Blackbutt’s annual  Avocado Festival which draws thousands of people every year, to be held this year on September 14.

For more information on what to do in Blackbutt visit the South Burnett Region’s website.

For more information Google the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail’s website. https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/bvrt

For information on the Airbnb we stayed at click on the QR code below.https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/1099489062258581406?check_in=2024-06-15&check_out=2024-06-20&guests=1&adults=2&s=67&unique_share_id=ea6016f0-bedb-4f74-8188-81763bc123e0