60+ historic photos of North Burnett and South Burnett

Dive into the rich history of North and South Burnett with 60+ rare photographs.

Burnett Historic Photos

North Burnett and South Burnett have a vibrant history shaped by pioneers, agriculture, and community spirit.

This collection of 60+ rare photographs paints a picture of the region’s journey through time, from its earliest settlements in the 1800s to pivotal moments in the 20th century.

These snapshots offer a window into the landscapes, buildings, and the lives of the people who called the Burnett home.

Look through the gallery to explore the rich heritage and see how the region’s history continues to shape its identity today.

The Burnett Inn, Nanango, originally established as Goode’s Inn in 1848, marks the founding of Queensland’s fourth oldest town. Renamed the Burnett Inn by 1855 and Nanango in 1859, this historic site also served as a post office in its early years. Source: State Library of Queensland

Taabinga Homestead, built between 1842 and 1846, showcases the legacy of French-born brothers Charles and William Haly. Located just south of Kingaroy, it remains a treasured piece of early Queensland history. Source: Unknown, ca. 1880s

Early landscapes of the intersection at Kingaroy and Haly Streets, looking south. Source: Glady Hood, Gary Colquhoun

A snapshot of early Kingaroy Street, capturing the essence of this historic town. Source: The Lost Images of Kingaroy/Nanango and Surrounds

Horse riders and staff gather outside the iconic Royal Hotel in Murgon, a lively meeting place of the era. Source: QldPics

Waldock and Zerner Garage on the corner of Lamb and Macalister Streets, Murgon, showcasing Ford cars and trucks in a thriving early motor sales hub. Source: QldPics

Kingaroy Street as it appeared in the early 1900s, a time when the town was steadily growing into its modern form. Source: Glady Hood, Gary Colquhoun

Taabinga Village Dam, a stark reminder of resilience during the 1902 drought, as captured by local photographers. Source: Glady Hood, Gary Colquhoun

John and Fanny Coulson at Coolabunia Portion, an early 20th-century glimpse into life in this rural community. Source: Glady Hood, Gary Colquhoun

Mr Archibald Blue, the Kingaroy Herald’s founding manager, seated in a French Darracq car alongside staff in front of the paper’s building. Source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland, ca. 1910s

The Governor of Queensland, Lord Chelmsford, visits Kingaroy in 1909, seated with his chauffeur in Kingaroy Street, as residents gather to mark the occasion. Source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

Coronation Hotel in Nanango, standing tall as a cornerstone of the community in 1911. Source: State Library of Queensland

Kingaroy Railway Station in 1912, an essential lifeline for the growing town and its people. Source: Unknown

Approaching Murgon in 1912, capturing the journey into this historic community as it began to flourish. Source: Unknown

School of Arts under construction in Murgon, 1912, marking the beginning of a cultural and educational hub for the town. Source: QldPics

Hotel Cecil, Wondai, ca. 1912. This iconic establishment served as a social hub for the local community. Source: State Library of Queensland

A. Bell’s Jewellery Store, Kingaroy, ca. 1913. A snapshot of the town’s early commercial ventures and charm. Source: State Library of Queensland

Kumbia Hotel, ca. 1913. A cornerstone of the Kumbia community, welcoming locals and travellers alike. Source: State Library of Queensland

Blacksmiths pose in front of Waldock’s Blacksmith Shop in Murgon, ca. 1913. Wearing leather aprons and holding tools, the smithies showcase the trades that shaped the region’s early industry. Source: QldPics

Murgon’s first bank, the Queensland National Bank, Lamb Street, ca. 1914. A vital institution in the town’s economic growth. Source: QldPics

Post & Telegraph Office, Murgon, ca. 1914. A hub of communication and connection for the growing community. Source: QldPics

Kingaroy’s exhibit at the Brisbane Exhibition, winning 3rd place in B Grade. A display to the region’s pride and agricultural achievements. Source: Unknown

Club Hotel and railway yards, Blackbutt, 1915. This intersection of commerce and travel was central to the town’s development. Source: Unknown

Waldock’s Motor Garage at the lower end of Lamb Street, Murgon, ca. 1918. Selling Ford, Fiat, and Mitchell cars, it sat alongside a blacksmith shop, blending old and new industries. Source: QldPics

Herald Building in Kingaroy, ca. 1919. The second Herald building, with staff proudly standing in front, highlights the growing prominence of local media. Source: Unknown

Laying of the Foundation Stone for the War Memorial, Murgon, ca. 1919. A significant moment captured as crowds gather in Lamb Street to commemorate the sacrifices of local servicemen. Source: QldPics

Kingaroy Hospital Extension Opening, 13 September 1919. A pivotal event marking progress in the region’s healthcare facilities. Source: Unknown

The Busy Bee Cafe in Kingaroy, ca. 1920s. A beloved spot for locals, reflecting the growing vibrancy of the town. Source: Glady Hood, Gary Colquhoun

Royal Hotel, Blackbutt, ca. 1920. A key meeting place in the heart of the town. Source: State Library of Queensland

Unveiling of the Murgon War Memorial on Anzac Day, 1920. Returned servicemen, a marching band, and local residents gather for a procession along Lamb Street to honour the fallen. Source: QldPics

Seng’s Blacksmith Shop, ca. 1920. A glimpse into the vital trade that supported local agriculture and transport. Source: Glady Hood, Gary Colquhoun

Bank of New South Wales, Lamb Street, Murgon, ca. 1921. Now located at the Dairy Museum, this building was once a cornerstone of Murgon’s financial services. Source: QldPics

Shops in Lamb Street, Murgon, ca. 1921. A snapshot of the town’s main street during the early 20th century. Source: QldPics

Haly Street, Kingaroy, 1922. Capturing the heart of a town steadily growing and modernising. Source: Unknown

Cotton from Te-Whare in the Wondai District, featured in the 1923 Queensland Agricultural Journal. Source: Fryer Library, UQ

Mundubbera Hospital, officially opened in October 1923. A milestone in the region’s healthcare development. Source: Unknown

Motor and horse traffic in Lamb Street, Murgon, ca. 1924. A striking contrast of old and new modes of transport. Source: QldPics

Cars for hire at Kingaroy, 1926. Townson and Heaslop Cars and Garage, situated at the corner of Kingaroy and Alford Streets, reflect the town’s embrace of the automotive age. The School of Arts with its bell tower is visible on the left. Source: Unknown

Kumbia wins the tug of war at Kingaroy on St. Patrick’s Day, 1928. A spirited moment of local rivalry and celebration. Source: Unknown

Fire at the Royal Hotel, Murgon, 1928. A devastating blaze that marked the end of a local landmark. Source: Unknown

The Royal Hotel, Murgon, destroyed by fire in 1928. Source: State Library of Queensland

Murgon-Gayndah Road, featured in the 1929 Queensland Agricultural Journal. Source: Fryer Library, UQ

Waldock and Zerner staff with a roadster, Murgon, 1930. Mechanics pose proudly outside the garage, which had been a hub of automotive services since 1916. Source: QldPics

A day out at the Kingaroy Rifle Range, 1930. A popular recreational activity showcasing local skill and camaraderie. Source: Unknown

Competitors at the Kingaroy Rifle Club, 1930. A testament to community spirit and friendly competition. Source: Unknown

Kingaroy Rifle Club, 1930. This image highlights the town’s social and sporting traditions. Source: The Lost Images of Kingaroy/Nanango and Surrounds

Members of the Kingaroy Croquet Club, 1935. A snapshot of leisure and camaraderie among local enthusiasts of the sport. Source: Unknown

Webber’s Bridge (Wooroonden), 1936. The old bridge stands in the background as the framework for the new structure takes shape, reflecting the region’s evolving infrastructure. Source: Unknown

Group of Kingaroy axe-men, Kumbia, 1936. A proud team showcasing their skill and strength in the heart of the timber industry. Source: Unknown

Burnett River during a flood at Gayndah, North Burnett, 1937. A reminder of the region’s connection to the river and its challenges. Source: Unknown

Cars outside Waldock and Zerner’s Ford dealership, Murgon, 1937. A scene of modern mobility and the dealership’s role in transforming regional transport. Source: QldPics

Wondai Town Band, 1938. Contestants in the Queensland Championship held in Maryborough, showcasing the region’s musical talent. Source: Unknown

Rich agricultural land in the Murgon district, 1938. A display of the fertile soils and farming success of the South Burnett. Source: QldPics

Boonara Hotel and the ruins of the Grand Hotel, Goomeri, 1939. A contrast of resilience and loss in this historic town. Source: State Library of Queensland

Kingaroy’s Broadway Hotel, 1939. A centrepiece of the town’s social life and hospitality. Source: Unknown

Victory Celebrations, World War II, 1945. The community gathers in unity to mark the end of the war. Source: Glady Hood, Gary Colquhoun

Kingaroy Hospital, 1950. Serving the South Burnett with modern facilities, the hospital averages 70 daily attendances. Nurses are seen leaving duty to return to their quarters within the hospital grounds. Source: Unknown

Swains Road, Murgon District, flooded for six months, 1955. A striking image of nature’s impact on regional connectivity. Source: Unknown

Ferguson’s Sawmill Float at the Kingaroy Peanut Festival, ca. 1965. Featuring a steam-powered sawmill with traction engines, the float celebrates the region’s timber and peanut industries. Source: Glady Hood, Gary Colquhoun

Royal Hotel, Mundubbera, 1965. A local landmark that remained a hub of activity for the community. Source: Unknown

A group of race patrons at Burrandowan, 1967. This image reflects the enduring tradition of country racing events. Source: Arthur Hansen

Western side of the Kingaroy and Haly Street intersection, looking south, ca. 1975. A view of the bustling town centre before the installation of traffic lights transformed the flow of movement. Source: Glady Hood, Gary Colquhoun

Condoleon’s Store, Moreton Street, Eidsvold, 1979. A cherished local business, reflecting the community’s charm and entrepreneurial spirit. Source: Unknown

Moreton Street, Eidsvold, 1979. A snapshot of small-town life in the late 20th century, capturing the essence of a close-knit community. Source: Unknown

Nobby’s Corner, Nanango, 1986. A well-known landmark in the heart of Nanango, rich in local history and memories. Source: Unknown