St George Travel Guide

Explore St George, Queensland, Australia's beautiful natural attractions, delicious cuisine, rich culture and heritage with the best travel guide. Get travel tips, itineraries, places to visit, where to stay, and more!


Introduction to St George

St George is a picturesque town situated in the heart of the Darling Downs region in Queensland, Australia. Set on the banks of the Balonne River, St George offers a unique combination of natural beauty, history, and a vibrant local culture.

Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, St George has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to this charming town.

List of Places to Visit in St George

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Unique Egg

Located in the town’s main street, The Unique Egg is an egg carving art gallery, showcasing the work of resident artist, Steve Margaritus. This gallery is a must-visit attraction, with its stunning collection of intricately carved emu, ostrich, and goose eggshells, depicting Australian wildlife, landmarks, and more.

Nindigully Pub

Established in 1864, historic Nindigully Pub is Queensland’s oldest hotel that has been continuously operating. Located near St George, this iconic pub is famous for its great live music, food, and beverages. The pub has a fascinating history, with a collection of memorabilia, including old photos, licenses, and antique bar equipment, adorning its walls.

Riversands Vineyards

Riversands Vineyards is a family-owned organic winery situated just outside St George. The estate boasts lush gardens, a cellar door tasting room, and a bush tucker garden, promoting the use of native Australian ingredients. Touring the vineyards and indulging in some of their award-winning wines is a great way to soak up the region’s unique local culture.

St George Heritage Centre

St George Heritage Centre takes visitors on a journey through the region’s rich history and culture. The museum includes a vast collection of artifacts, depictions of early pioneer life, Indigenous Heritage, and the history of the Balonne Shire.

Natural Attractions of St George: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Balonne River

The Balonne River offers exciting experiences for anglers, kayakers, and other water enthusiasts, with its wide expanse of crystal clear waters. The river is also home to the rare freshwater cod, making it a prime spot for fishing.

Beardmore Dam

Beardmore Dam is a recreational destination for camping, boating, water skiing, and fishing. Surrounded by natural beauty, the Dam spans out over 14 km² and holds over 144,000 megaleeters of water, providing a perfect spot for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Wild Dog Fence

The “Wild Dog Fence” is the longest fence in the world, stretching over 5,600 kilometers across the Australian outback. It was built to protect the sheep in the Darling Downs Region of Queensland from wild dogs and dingoes. The fence is truly a sight to behold, and visitors to St George can visit it to appreciate its historical significance.

Hiking/Biking Routes of St George

The dramatic and varied landscapes of St George make it a popular destination for hikers and bikers to explore and appreciate nature. Some of the popular hiking/biking routes and trails in the region include:

  • River Walk: This easy walk along the Balonne River takes visitors through the town, showcasing local flora and fauna.
  • The Bullamon Loop: This scenic route explores the natural beauty of the surrounding farms and grazing land, offering breathtaking views along the way.
  • Old Nine Mile: This historic trail follows a route used by early pioneers to transport supplies. The route passes through diverse landscapes, and there are many stunning photo opportunities along the way.

Best Things to Do in St George: Activities and Tours

Goolburri Cultural Heritage Tours

Goolburri Cultural Heritage Tours offer visitors the chance to experience Aboriginal culture firsthand. Their guided tours include a cultural presentation, boomerang and didgeridoo demonstrations, and a chance to experience bush tucker. The tours are not only educational but also an excellent way to immerse yourself in local Indigenous culture.

Sunset cruise on the Balonne River

A Sunset Cruise along the Balonne River is a not-to-be-missed experience in St George. The cruise offers visitors the chance to enjoy the natural beauty along the river, soak up the calm and peaceful environment, and capture stunning views of the sunset. It’s truly a memorable experience.

Balonne River Jazz Cruise

Held annually in October, the Balonne River Jazz Cruise is a two-day jazz extravaganza, with jazz bands, musicians, and enthusiasts from across Australia gathering to enjoy music, food, and drinks on board a paddle steamer. If you’re a jazz lover, you won’t want to miss this unique event.

Aerial sightseeing

A breathtaking highlight of St George visiting is taking a scenic flight over the Balonne River and the surrounding region. This unique aerial perspective offers a bird’s eye view of the stunning landscape while experiencing the thrill of flying.

Week-Long Itinerary for St George

Day 1: Arrival and River Walk Day 2: Visit Nindigully Pub and Beardmore Dam Day 3: Explore the town’s history St George Heritage Centre and The Unique Egg Day 4: Experience Goolburri Cultural Heritage Tours and Sunset Cruise on the Balonne River Day 5: Visit Riversands Vineyards and enjoy their wine and bush tucker Day 6: Take an Aerial sightseeing tour Day 7: Relax and enjoy time outdoors, with your choice of hiking/biking routes, fishing, or other water-based activities

Food and Drink Scene of St George

Must-Try Dishes

The Balonne Burger

The Balonne Burger is a staple in St George, combining juicy beef, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies, served with your choice of sauce.

Steak Sandwich

The iconic Australian Steak Sandwich can be found in most Australian pubs, and St George is no exception. Enjoy a satisfying steak sandwich with a refreshing beer in an authentic outback atmosphere.

Damper with Jam and Cream

Damper is a traditional Australian bread baked in hot ashes. It has a crispy crust on the outside and a soft texture on the inside. Enjoy it with some fresh jam and whipped cream.

Local Beverages

Riversands Vineyards Wine

Riversands Vineyards is a popular winery located just outside of town offers red and white wines that celebrate the unique flavors of the region. Enjoy a glass or two of their organic wines while admiring the beautiful vineyards

XXXX beer

XXXX beer is an Australian beer, and the Gold variety is a popular drink in St George. Enjoy an ice-cold XXXX in the outback with friends and locals.

Where to Stay in St George: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Unique Egg Guesthouse and Brocante: A unique and delightful accommodation themed around the artist’s work that run the gallery and shop within the property.

  • Cecil Plains Hotel: This historic hotel has been providing accommodation for travellers since the 1800s and offers a range of room options.

  • Balonne River Motor Inn: Located next to the Balonne River, this convenient and modern motor inn provides a comfortable and relaxing stay in St George.

What to Buy in St George: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • The Unique Egg Hand-Carved Ornament: These wonderful hand-carved egg shells make a unique and authentic Australian gift to bring home.

  • Aboriginal Art: You can purchase authentic Aboriginal artwork in many of the shops in and around St George, bringing home a piece of the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Local Culture and Customs of St George

St George is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage, with residents proud of their unique Indigenous history and heritage. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, and dress appropriately.

Best Time to Visit St George

The best time to visit St George is during the warm and dry months between April to October. The weather is comfortable, ideal for outdoor activities, and festivals and events occur throughout the region.

Do’s and Don’ts of St George

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Take the time to explore the town’s heritage and culture.
  • Enjoy outdoor activities and the unique natural beauty.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural environment.
  • Disrespect Indigenous culture and heritage.
  • Leave valuables visible in unattended vehicles.

Safety and Health

Safety in St George

St George is considered a safe destination for visitors, but it is still important to use good judgement and take precautions. When traveling in remote areas, always carry plenty of water, sunblock, and insect repellent.

Health in St George

St George has a medical center, and visitors can seek medical attention there if required. The town is famous for its rural feel, and disease risk is limited, hence no specific vaccination is required.

Getting to St George: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near St George

The closest airport to St George is Roma Airport, approximately 2.5 hours away by car. From there, visitors can opt to rent a vehicle or take a bus to St George.

Bus Stations Near St George

Greyhound Australia and Bus Queensland operate services from Brisbane to St George, taking approximately ten hours.

Other Options

Driving to St George from Brisbane takes around seven hours. This car trip offers scenic views and a gateway to exploring outback Queensland.

How to Get Around in St George

The town’s compact size and slow pace make it easily navigable on foot and perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. Visitors can also rent a car from several local car hire companies to venture out into the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from St George: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Cunnamulla: A four-hour drive from St. George, Cunnamulla offers visitors an authentic outback experience, with highlights including the Cunnamulla Fella statue, local arts and crafts, and the Warrego River.

  • Goondiwindi: A three-hour drive from St George leads to Goondiwindi, situated on the Macintyre River. Explore local indigenous history at the Waggamba Cultural Center or visit the Goondiwindi Golf Club for a round of golf.

Conclusion

St George is a charming and vibrant destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and rich local culture. From exploring the town’s history to indulging in outdoor activities and immersing yourself in Indigenous culture, St George has something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, a trip to St George is sure to be an unforgettable experience.