Blackbutt is a small town in south east Queensland, Australia. It takes its interesting name from the many Blackbutt trees found in the area and lining the roads into town. Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis) trees are common across much of South Eastern Australia. The tree takes the name from the black rough bark at the lower part of the trunk.
This writer has passed through many times on the trip between Bunya Mountains and the Sunshine Coast. We remember it well, for the trees and the colourful and strong smelling lantana along the road edges. It’s now well known for the avocados growing in the area and the locals are spreading the word.
Blackbutt Avocado Festival
Mark the date in your calendar – 8th September 2018 – and head for the Blackbutt Avocado Festival. If your only experience with this creamy fruit is ‘smashed’ on toast, prepare to have your eyes opened and your taste buds tickled.
What’s on offer?
Food using avocado, of course, features. There’ll be many stalls offering a variety of different offerings, in the Food and Wine Alley. But the festival is more than that, it’s a great way for visitors to enjoy a cultural slice of rural Queensland. There’ll be a street parade, cooking demonstrations and displays & advice for visitors wanting to grow their own trees.
Look out for buskers and the Cherbourg Dancers, guaranteed to be lively and fun. They even have woodchops! You can contact the organisers by emailing Charles at [email protected].
For the most up to date information, follow the Avofest at their Facebook page.
Getting there
Within South East Queensland:
If you’re travelling from elsewhere in South East Queensland, the easiest way to get to Blackbutt is to drive. Whichever route you take , you’ll have a pretty journey, passing through a variety of different types of country.
From the Sunshine Coast, leave the Bruce Highway at Beerwah (think Australia Zoo), or Caboolture, heading west along the D’Aguilar Highway. Out of Brisbane, head west on the Warrego Highway and turn north at Ipswich on to the Brisbane Valley Highway.
From overseas or further away:
Fly in to the Sunshine Coast Airport on daily flights from Sydney and Melbourne. The airport is located in Maroochydore and used to be called Maroochydore airport. Car hire is available at the airport.
Brisbane Airport has more flights, including international services from many countries. Why not plan your visit to Queensland around this great festival, and further explore the lovely Sunshine Coast and the South Burnett Region around Blackbutt.
Nearby
Kilcoy is located about half way between Caboolture and Blackbutt and is one of Queensland’s ‘Tidy Towns’. Its mysterious Yowie is said to be seen in the bushland around the town. Yowie is just one of several names used for creature living in the ‘Outback’, generally less populated ares of the country, well away from the coast. With 30% of sightings around Australia recorded by some groups,
Kilcoy is a good spot to take a break. Plan for a picnic at the camping ground at nearby Sandy Creek and see if you have an extra guest.
The yowie is common in Aboriginal legends. Most people describe it as being ape-like and hairy. It walks upright and is tall, between 2 and 3.5m, according to some sightings.
Another great place to visit is the Bunya Mountains – keep heading west after you’ve enjoyed the AvoFest. You can stay overnight to give you time to enjoy all the busy walks in the area. The Mt Kiangarow walk is a great place to see ancient grass trees. In Dandabah, the small town in Bunya Mts, you’ll need to watch for wandering wallabies, but you can buy bird feed at the shops and enjoy the company of the colourful parrots.
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