Location
BLACKBUTT / BENARKIN
What it is?
A small country town with: a golf course with overnight camping for self-sufficient caravans. Rest areas along the main road just before the town. Benarkin state forest with Emu Creek camping and day use area, and Clancys camping and day use area. A yearly Avocado Festival; Roy Emerson Museum; a bullock wagon in the main park next to the information centre; a first settlers hut, a bakery, pub, IGA and fuel.
What it offers?
The golf course has parking for caravans looking down the valley so you can watch as the sun sets, a really beautiful little spot. A water standpipe (metered), an IGA, bakery, bank, pub and fuel. Blackbutt has a history of timber and agriculture, but is now known for avocadoes, macadamias and olives. Benarkin has free camping, toilets and a general store. It is a very small town and the SBRC website says it has a population of 60.
Wheelchair Access?
Yes
What we did?
We visited the Benarkin state forest and got lost; walked around the main street; had a pie that, to be honest, I did not enjoy.
Highlight?
Dora, our GPS took us exploring when we were trying to find Emu Creek camp ground. We got totally lost
Would I do it again?
What do you need?
As a couple: Pre-downloaded maps on your phone (reception is patchy); water bottles; stainless steel coffee cup; healthy snacks; wide brim hat: sunscreen; bug spray; good sturdy shoes; picnic and picnic blanket.
With Kids: water; snacks; wide brim hat; sunscreen; bug spray; good sturdy shoes.
With Pets: State forest allow dogs on lead. Please keep your dog on a lead at all time, even if you are the only person in the area, this not only protects your furbaby, but local wildlife nearby. Remember to clean up after your pets.
Yearly Events
Avocado festival or Avofest was formally known as the Bloomin’ Beautiful Blackbutt Festival, the name was changed in 2016 to better highlight the regions famous avocadoes – second Saturday in September
The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail festival of Cycling (May).
Blackbutt Show – mid-May
Blackbutt Country Markets – Les Muller Park – third Sunday of the month (6am-12noon)