A quaint town not too far from the Queensland New South Wales border, St George offers visitors a taste of country living. Dubbed the best inland fishing spot in Queensland, the town’s Balonne River and Beardmore Dam are home to species including Murray Cod, Yellow Belly, Carp and Blue Claw Yabbies, making it the perfect place for those who love to throw a line. For those with interests outside of fishing, opt for an afternoon on the green at the St George Golf Club or discover the history of the town on foot with a walk around the Balonne river bank. Visiting here on a holiday across the Southern Outback? Browse our top spots to visit in your Hertz rental car for an unforgettable escape.
Wine and Dine
When travelling, it’s always exciting to discover the flavours of a new region, and Riversands Wines is the top spot to do just that in St George. Wine connoisseurs and foodies alike are encouraged to delve into the vineyard’s expansive wine portfolio and selection of light meals. When it comes to reds, whites and sparkling, Riversands offers award-winning table grape and wine varieties, and tastings across all flavour portfolios, including the vineyard’s renowned Golden Liqueur Muscat and vintage port. Upon arrival at the cellar door, you’ll be greeted with warm hospitality and embark on a personalised wine tasting that samples Riversands’ full range. Here, you can also browse locally-made honey and preserves to take home. When it’s time to satisfy your appetite, soak up the ambience of Queensland’s outback while dining among the verdant vines at the Garden Cafe. Treat your tastebuds to a cheese or ploughman’s lunch platter while sipping a refreshing glass of wine or beer.
Tours of St George are also on offer at Riversands, meaning you won’t have to travel far in the rental car to get a dose of local history. For those interested in agriculture and wine production, the half-day Cotton Farm Vineyard Tour is for you. Guided by a local cotton farmer, you’ll visit their farm and learn about the cotton farming process and its impact on the economy. Following this, a vineyard tour deep dives into the grape growing and harvesting process, finishing with lunch and a wine tasting in the gardens. History buffs can delve into the region’s past on the St George Heritage Tour. With a visit to the Anchorage Homestead and Heritage Centre, you’ll learn all about local history and hear stories from the past, plus, wine tasting and lunch await upon your return to the vineyard. Riversands is highly recommended for an exquisite way to spend the day in St George. When partaking in wine tastings, remember to appoint a designated driver.
Local Adventures
Just under an hour south of St George, art enthusiasts can take to the road and discover the small town of Thallon. Part of the Australian Silo Art Trail, admire the magnificently painted GrainCorp Silos, depicting ‘The Watering Hole’ mural. Continuing on the art theme, The Watering Hole Heritage Art Trail includes four steel sculptures scattered throughout the town commemorating the construction of the town’s railway line. At the Thallon Town Park, it’s hard to miss the giant William the Wombat statue paying homage to the endangered Hairy-Nosed Wombat that’s local to the area. Also in town, stop by the Thallon Coffee Shop and General Store for a slice of local living. Looking to unearth a bit of history before heading back? Just a bit further south, right on the Queensland New South Wales border is the One Ton Post in Mungindi. This heritage-listed survey marker was used by JB Cameron in 1881 to pinpoint the end of a three-year-long survey of the region - a fascinating piece of history that’s still standing today.
Indulge with moments of quiet luxury on your holiday with a day trip to the Mitchell Great Artesian Spa. A two-hour drive from St George, natural mineral waters are derived from the Great Artesian Basin, offering patrons a relaxing and nourishing spa experience. Also on offer here are yoga classes and a gym. Unwind at the Spa Java Cafe with brunch favourites and nourishing meals on the menu after a refreshing dip in the spa. Also in town, the Heart of Trees fishing spot provides ample opportunity for moments of solitude for anglers, and the Kenniff Monument is a must-see for culture seekers.
When it's time to connect with family and friends and embrace the beauty of the land, your blissful and relaxing rural getaway awaits in St George.
