Originally inhabited by the Wakka Wakka people, Nanango is one of the oldest towns in Queensland. It was first settled by European pastoralists in 1847 and flourished on the back of the beef, dairy and timber industries before a boom in population with the 1867 discovery of gold at the Seven Mile Diggings.
Things to do in Nanango
One of the town’s most charming buildings is the Nanango Butter Factory Building, which was constructed in 1927 to serve the surrounding dairy farmers. It’s now listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, with a gabled roof and a single-story engine room on its side. A short walk south takes you to Buttery Factory Park with its all-inclusive playground and kid-friendly bike track.
You can take a step back in time at Ringsfield House, which was designed by Robin Dods as a family home in the early 20th century. Over the decades, it has served as a maternity hospital and a shelter before being converted into a local history museum. Wander through the period-furnished rooms and admire the historic school building, then relax with Devonshire tea on the verandah.
Nanango makes an ideal base for exploring Bunya Mountains National Park, a rugged landscape that protects the largest stand of ancient bunya pines in the world. Browse the ecological exhibits at the visitor’s centre, then stretch your legs along the hiking trails that wind through the park’s rainforests and grasslands while keeping your eyes peeled for native birdlife.
Getting around Nanango
Nanango is around 2.5 hours’ drive from Brisbane and Brisbane Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses connect from Caboolture to Nanango and the town is small enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of exploring the surrounding region.