Museums & Heritage Centres
The South Burnett region boasts a rich cultural heritage, celebrated through various museums and historical collections. These institutions serve as a testament to the agricultural, social, and cultural evolution of the area, as well as the enduring legacy of its early settlers. Visitors to the region can explore a diverse array of exhibits and artifacts that highlight the region's unique history and the significant contributions made by those who came before.
Museums in the South Burnett region offer insights into various aspects of local life, including:
Agricultural Heritage: Exhibits showcasing the evolution of agriculture in the region, from the pioneering days to modern farming practices. This may include displays of historic farming equipment, photographs documenting the growth of the agricultural industry, and interactive exhibits explaining the importance of agriculture to the local economy.
Social History: Collections that delve into the social fabric of the community, exploring topics such as early settlement, community life, and significant social movements. Visitors can learn about the daily lives of early settlers, the development of towns and communities, and the challenges and triumphs experienced by residents over the years.
Early Settlers' Contributions: Special exhibits dedicated to honoring the achievements and contributions of the region's early settlers, who played a pivotal role in shaping its history and laying the foundations for future generations. These displays may feature personal artifacts, documents, and stories that offer insight into the lives and experiences of these pioneering individuals and families.
Cultural Diversity: Museums and collections that celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of the South Burnett region, highlighting the contributions of Indigenous peoples, immigrants, and various ethnic groups to the area's identity. These exhibits may include traditional crafts, music, dance, and culinary traditions that reflect the multicultural makeup of the community.
55 Million Years Ago Museum & Art Gallery
The recent completion of a state-of-the-art cultural centre - “55 Million Years Ago” the Murgon Country Creative Association initiative features a local art gallery and fossil museum, housing replicas of some of the incredibly significant archaeological finds from the region.
Roy Emerson Museum
Blackbutt was also the birthplace of Australian tennis legend, Roy Emerson. The Roy Emerson Museum is situated on Bowman Road, adjacent to the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and contains many photos and stories about Emerson as well as the life-size bronze statue situated at the Nukku Nook precinct. The former Nukku State School was where Emerson attended primary school and also holds memorabilia from the days of local timber cutting, early schooling, farming and the building of the railway.
Yarraman Heritage Centre
A snapshot of life in the early 1900’s is in store for visitors to Yarraman Heritage Centre. The centre comprises eight historic buildings experience a guided tour of the Heritage House complex, craft shop, Museum, Community Radio and to the historian about pioneer families. Visitors will also find the Yarraman Railway Station, Arthur Brown’s Butcher Shop, a typical slab hut circa-1921 , and a farmer’s cottage circa-1930. Take in the Military Memorbilia and marvel at the rail display.
South Burnett Energy Centre
The South Burnett Energy Centre and Nanango Visitor Information Centre on Henry Street is also worth a visit if you enjoy learning about the early days of both small country townships and electricity. Open seven days a week, the Energy Centre is home to the original engines that supplied energy to Nanango for the first time in 1933. You can also learn about the different forms of energy by using pedal power to generate enough electricity to deliver a sweet treat for your efforts.
Kingaroy Heritage Museum
The Kingaroy Heritage Museum, South Burnett Visitor Information Centre and Regional Art Gallery are all conveniently located together on Haly Street and will provide the whole family with fascinating peanut and pioneering history. Formerly the Kingaroy Power House (1925-1952), the Kingaroy Heritage Museum showcases the history of the Kingaroy region under the themes of 'People, Power and Peanuts'.
Kumbia Federation Heritage Centre
The Kumbia Federation Heritage Centre on Bell Street is home to a treasure trove of historical photographs, local historical records and artefacts relating to the early residents of Kumbia. The collection features an extensive pictorial history of the Kumbia district and is open Sunday afternoons or by appointment.
Wondai Heritage Museum
The Wondai Heritage Museum also offers an insight into the district’s history, with artefacts and memorabilia spanning over 120 years. Military memorabilia and social & governmental development is the main theme, which features the relocated 1910 Wondai Hospital operating theatre houses implements and history of a medical nature and makes up the hospital complex. On a larger scale, the MACHINERY SHED houses many meticulously restored items, from Sulkies and threshers to the extensive "Vince Miller" collection of timber tools, and that grand old octogenarian the "Dennis Fire Engine".
South Burnett Timber Industry Museum
The South Burnett Region Timber Industry Museum is well worth a visit for its impressive timber structure and bullocky team sculpture alone. The museum is a testament to the timber industry, which played a major role in the early settlement of the region and its development. The building also features the Wondai Visitor Information Centre with a gift shop stocking locally produced timber items created by South Burnett artisans.
The Ration Shed Museum
People can reflect on Cherbourg’s problematic history as well as the community’s great achievements at the Ration Shed Museum. This is the original building where locals would receive their weekly food rations from the government. Open during weekdays, the museum offers an insight into what life was like on the reserve as well as several interesting stories from community leaders and activists as well as some of Cherbourg’s most well known sports men and women.
The Queensland Dairy & Heritage Museum
The Queensland Dairy and Heritage Museum is just outside of Murgon. Step back in time and marvel at how the local timber and dairy industries have progressed since the early days of hand-churned butter. Butter-making can even be arranged at the Dairy Museum for groups for a small charge.
Boondooma Homestead
Bursting with incredible pioneering history Boondooma Station once totalled an impressive 1,000 square miles with 500,000 sheep. Now the historically listed site is home to the annual Scots in the Bush festival in the third week of August. The festival is a tribute to Boondooma Station’s founding fathers - three young Scotsmen, the Lawson brothers and Robert Alexander who settled there in 1847.
Bicycle Building School & Museum
In the heart of the South Burnett Rail Trail take a rest and be immersed in the history of bicycles in the small town of Tingoora. A truly unique experience - the opportunity for you to build your own Penny Farthing bicycle or steel bicycle frame. Explore the Museum, and learn the origin of cycling.