Known as the 'Peanut Capital' of Australia, this town has a past going back farther than this. Settlements in the area go back to 1843. Although a man called Russell supposedly was the first to realise the potential of the area, it was two brothers, the Haly's who brought the first sheep to the locality. Two other brothers, the Markwells, took up land in 1878, and this became known as the Kingaroy Paddock by 1883. The vicinity suffered a terrible drought in 1902, which ended in 1904, the year Dan Carroll built the first hotel in the town. He had constructed the first house. Then, between the years of 1904 and 1907, four more hotels, a store and a butter factory were opened.


Museums

The Peanut Heritage Museum is the only peanut museum in Australia. It has exhibits of some of the earl machinery used in the industry, along with photographs and video presentations. A Mr. Samuel Long is accredited with introducing peanuts to the area, gaining the seeds from Chinese market gardeners in 1901. His success prompted others in the locality to follow suit. By 1922 production was in excess of 246 tons. In 1926 the Peanut Marketing Board was established. These days crops average 35,000 tons per annum, with some 32,000 hectares taken up with the crop. The industry now contributes $30 million to the economy.

Heritage

Carroll Cottage is the original first house built in the town by Dan Carroll in 1901. It has been furnished in the decor of the its early days.

Natural Attractions

Carroll's Nature Reserve is off Haly Street and set in natural bushland. The reserve offers visitors magnificent views of both the town and Bunya Mountains. Mt Wooroolin is a mere 3km west of Kingaroy. Here, you can once again be treated to wonderful views of the red and green hues of surrounding farms, and of the town itself. Superb sightings of the Bunya Mountains, Gordonbrook Dam and Tarong Power Station.

Nature's Gallery is 5 km out of the town, along the Bunya Highway. It has over 100 herb plant varieties, as well as a whole range of other plants, like bush house plants and perennials. There is a selection of local ceramics, needlecraft, woodwork and other handcrafts on display. The Gallery also has information on fossicking and exhibits of fossils, crystals and minerals.

Other Attractions

The Bunya Mountains National Park is 60 km from Kingaroy and an ideal place for a day trip. The mountains stretch as high as 1100 metres into the sky in places, and the park has many wonderful natural features. These include rainforest, waterfalls, and an abundance of flora. Every day at 4pm, the king parrots, currawongs and other birds are fed, quite a spectacle to witness.

Festivals in Kingaroy include the Peanut festival, which is held every two years in March or April. The festival includes the Peanut Ball, art show, a heritage day, concerts and lots more besides. In May there is the Burrandowan Picnic Races, the site of the districts oldest sheep station.

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