Kingaroy
Postcode: 4610
Kingaroy is an agricultural town in Queensland, Australia, approximately 209 kilometres or about 2.5 hours drive northwest of the state capital Brisbane. The town is situated on the junction of the D’Aguilar and the Bunya Highways. At the 2001 census, Kingaroy had a population of 7,147.
It is known as the “Peanut Capital of Australia” and the “Baked bean Capital of Australia” because the Australian headquarters of both the peanut and Navy bean industries are located in the town.
Its name is derived from Wakka Wakka aboriginal words for ‘Red Ant’ or possibly ‘Hungry Ant’.
Kingaroy is famous for being the home town of controversial former Premier of Queensland, Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen.
Kingaroy itself is the largest town in the South Burnett and the region’s commercial centre, offering all the services, shopping facilities and many of the industries generally expected in much larger centres. The town has its own hotels, motels, caravan parks, bed and breakfasts and cabins; supermarkets and convenience stores; and a range of restaurants, fast food outlets and petrol stations. Kingaroy also has a commercial aerodrome a few kilometres from the centre of town and is regularly served by major bus lines.
Kingaroy has the most cosmopolitan feel of any South Burnett township but it’s still a relaxed, friendly and informal country town at heart. It has the typical low-humidity climate of all South Burnett townships and is surrounded by extensive (and very picturesque) farmlands interspersed with low rolling hills. The Booie Range, home to several wineries and cellar doors, lies immediately north-east of the town and the Bunya Mountains about 55km to the south-west. The township is situated in the middle of some spectacular scenery, and is popular for bushwalking.