South Burnett, Queensland

Queensland

A Queensland Winery Tour offers a unique and scenic exploration of Australia’s emerging wine regions, blending boutique wineries, mountain views, and warm hospitality. While Queensland is better known for its beaches and reef, it also produces award-winning cool- and warm-climate wines, especially in elevated inland regions where grapes thrive in cooler temperatures.

About South Burnett, Queensland

South Burnett, located in southeastern Queensland, is a scenic and agriculturally rich region known for its warm-climate wineries, historic towns, peanut and crop farms, and tranquil country landscapes. Often overlooked by mainstream tourists, South Burnett is an emerging boutique destination for wine lovers, foodies, and nature seekers who want a peaceful and authentic outback-meets-vineyard experience—just 2.5 to 3.5 hours’ drive from Brisbane.

South Burnett Wineries

South Burnett is one of Queensland’s key wine regions, offering a warm, welcoming wine country experience with a mix of family-run vineyards, boutique cellar doors, and scenic countryside. Located around the towns of Kingaroy, Moffatdale, Murgon, and Wondai, South Burnett is known for warm-climate varietals, relaxed tastings, and a growing reputation for quality wines.

The history of wine in South Burnett

Best Wineries in South Burnett

The South Burnett region, located inland from the Sunshine Coast, has long been a fertile area with volcanic soils and a temperate climate. These conditions proved ideal for early European settlers who established farms growing crops like peanuts, maize, citrus, and stone fruits.

Kingaroy, now the region’s largest town, became especially famous for its peanut industry.

While some farmers experimented with grapevines for table grapes and personal winemaking, wine grapes were not a major focus in this early agricultural phase.

The concept of producing wine in Queensland was met with scepticism during much of the 20th century due to the state’s hot climate, which was traditionally viewed as unsuitable for quality wine grape production.

In the 1960s, a few small, experimental vineyards were planted in the South Burnett. These trials were mostly private and not yet part of a commercial effort.

In the 1970s and 1980s, winemakers in Queensland began studying cooler microclimates—especially areas at higher elevations like Moffatdale (near Murgon) and parts of Kingaroy.

However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that the industry began to take hold in earnest.

South Burnett’s wine industry has matured steadily, though on a smaller, boutique scale compared to regions like the Granite Belt or Barossa Valley.

Climate and soils in South Burnett, Queensland

The South Burnett region, located inland from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, enjoys a warm, subtropical climate with moderate elevation, making it one of the state’s most suitable areas for viticulture. The region experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters, with cooler night-time temperatures in elevated areas such as Moffatdale and Kingaroy. These cooler nights are especially important in winemaking, as they help retain acidity in the grapes, balance sugar levels, and slow the ripening process—resulting in more flavorful, aromatic wines.

Seasonal rainfall is generally low during the winter, which helps reduce the risk of vine diseases. Summer storms, although occasional, can bring vital water during the growing season. The combination of long hours of sunshine, a low-humidity climate, and stable weather patterns offers reliable vintage conditions year after year. This climate supports a variety of warm-climate grapes such as Shiraz, Verdelho, Cabernet Sauvignon, Saperavi, and emerging Mediterranean varietals like Tempranillo and Fiano.

The soils of South Burnett are predominantly red volcanic soils (ferrosols) and sandy loams, particularly around Moffatdale, Kingaroy, and Murgon. These soils are typically well-draining and moderately fertile, which are ideal traits for grape growing. The red ferrosols—formed from ancient volcanic activity—are rich in iron and provide excellent structure for vine root systems. They allow deep rooting, which helps vines remain resilient during dry spells and improves nutrient uptake from the subsoil.

Sandy loams found in parts of the region further contribute to good drainage and ease of root penetration. Because these soils do not retain excessive water, they reduce the risk of vine stress and disease, while encouraging controlled vine vigor. This allows growers to manage yields and flavor concentration with precision. Combined with the region’s favorable climate, these soils contribute to fruit-forward, well-structured wines that reflect the unique terroir of South Burnett.

Leading wine styles in South Burnett

Best Wines in South Burnett

The South Burnett region of Queensland may be a boutique wine area, but it’s steadily gaining recognition for its fruit-driven, warm-climate wines with bold character and excellent drinkability. With fertile volcanic soils and long sunny days, the region produces a diverse range of high-quality wines, especially from less common grape varieties that thrive in warmer conditions.

Chardonnay

Fresh and citrusy or lightly oaked depending on the winemaker’s approach. Often bright and fruit-forward with good texture and balance. Clovely Estate, Dusty Hill Vineyard.

Verdelho

Aromatic, crisp, and tropical with notes of pineapple, citrus, and honeysuckle. Verdelho thrives in warm climates and retains good acidity. South Burnett’s expressions are vibrant and food-friendly.

Shiraz

Ripe and spicy with blackberry, plum, and black pepper notes; often soft and smooth in texture. Warm days help ripen Shiraz fully, creating bold but balanced wines with soft tannins.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Rich and full-bodied with blackcurrant, mint, and cedar; sometimes blended for balance. South Burnett produces ripe Cabernets that are approachable young or can be aged

Saperavi

Deeply colored, earthy red with bold fruit and excellent aging potential. This Georgian grape suits South Burnett’s climate well and adds a unique, bold red to the lineup.

Rosé & Sparkling Wines

Fresh, fruity, and easy-drinking styles using Shiraz, Verdelho, or blends. Ideal for Queensland’s climate—light, chilled wines for summer sipping.

Things to do in South Burnett

Here’s a detailed overview of the best things to do in South Burnett, Queensland, offering a rich mix of nature, wine, heritage, and rural charm for all types of travelers:

🍷 Explore the South Burnett Wine Trail

One of the top attractions in the region is the South Burnett Wine Trail, which winds through the towns of Kingaroy, Moffatdale, Murgon, and Wondai. Visitors can enjoy tastings at boutique wineries like Kingsley Grove Estate, Clovely Estate, and Dusty Hill Vineyard, which offer a range of warm-climate wines including Verdelho, Shiraz, and alternative varietals like Saperavi and Vermentino. Many cellar doors also provide gourmet platters, picnic spots, and vineyard accommodations, making the wine trail perfect for a relaxed country getaway.

🌳 Discover the Bunya Mountains

For nature lovers, a visit to the Bunya Mountains National Park is a must. Just a short drive from Kingaroy, this lush highland park features ancient rainforest, towering bunya pine trees, and abundant wildlife like wallabies and native bird species. There are walking trails for all fitness levels, scenic lookouts, waterfalls, and cool mountain air—ideal for hiking, photography, and picnicking. Visitors can also explore charming mountain chalets and local cafes serving bunya nut delicacies.

🏛️ Dive into Local History & Culture

South Burnett offers a strong sense of Queensland’s rural heritage. The Kingaroy Heritage Museum showcases the town’s legacy as the peanut capital of Australia with old agricultural equipment and local stories. In Wondai, the Regional Art Gallery displays works from local artists and regularly hosts exhibitions and workshops. Nearby towns like Nanango, Goomeri, and Proston feature charming historic buildings, vintage shops, and community markets.

Whether you’re sipping award-winning wines, walking through ancient rainforests, or enjoying a quiet lake picnic, South Burnett offers a down-to-earth and enriching travel experience just a few hours from Brisbane.

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