Originally the Wakka Wakka aboriginal people used Nanango as a gateway to Bunya Nut gatherings and the name is derived from their language. Today it is mostly known for the Tarong Power Station 16 km to the south and the beautiful Bunya Mountains 53 km to the south west, but we were here to see it’s impressive Wall Murals and Chainsaw Sculptures.
Artist Will Nelson brought the town’s history to life in a series of 22 wall murals Australia style. He incorporated residents and their lives in his artworks, giving extra meaning to the murals.
Established in 1933 Flemings garage is one of the immortalised institutions.
We met Ray Fleming when photographing the murals inside his garage. He is shown as a child in the pedal car, holding brother John with brother Barry standing behind. The Buick is Ray’s and the three men are a worker Con Myers, Jack Fleming (Ray’s father and founder of the garage) and Dan Rafferty.
You can see the murals inside the building below. Artist Will Nelson.
Birch Family Home Mural Nanango.
The home was originally a hall and shop. The mural features members of the current owners living in the home which is now situated outside of town in Old Esk North Road.
A tribute to Ted Franey, the last Smithy in Nanango.
These three wall murals are part of five depicting Nanango’s Dairy Industry and it’s History of Cream.
Nanango Queensland Little Drayton Street Murals. Artist Unknown.
Former Nanango Mayor Reg McCallum. The hill paddocks were mustered by horse as they still are today. Artist Will Nelson.
Contents
Where to eat.
Nanango Country Bakehouse.
Some locals pointed us toward this bakehouse which didn’t disappoint. Their scones are delicious and they make sandwiches and wraps to order and have some ready to go. I wished it was lunch time so I could have indulged. The service was friendly and look at the orange booth seats…
Chainsaw Sculpture.
I can only imagine how talented you would have to be to sculpt with a chainsaw.
Nanango Tourist Information
Before hitting the streets drop in at the Tourist Information Centre at the South Burnett Energy Centre in Henry Street. Whether you want to play a game of tennis, go fossicking, mural hunting, learn about Energy technology or see the Sports Wall of Fame this is the place to be. They’ll even give you a pamphlet listing the mural locations.
Nanango Markets are held from 6am to 12 noon on the first Saturday of the Month at Showgrounds.
Population is approximately 4,500.
Nanango Caravan Park and Budget Options
Right in the centre of town across from the IGA Supermarket (with murals) is the Nanango RV and Caravan Park. This park is convenient and has a budget option. $10 per site per night for fully self-contained Caravans and RV’s. (Add $5 per person per night for full amenities).
South Burnett Regional Council operates a free 24 hour caravan stop at D’Aguilar Hwy. It is a lovely 1km walk from town with clean amenities and children’s playground and BP Service Station nearby.
Nanango weather?
June/July/August are the coldest months with minus temperatures overnight with November to February being the summer months. For a more in depth analysis click here.
Where is Nanango?
175 km NW of the Queensland Capital of Brisbane (on the D’Aguilar Highway). It lies at the beginning of the Burnett Highway, a beautiful inland road forming part of Australia’s Country Way.
We drove the full 542 km distance of the Burnett Highway (grey route), in the reverse direction (it seems we always do) from 7km south of Rockhampton Queensland to Nanango.
You might be interested in these other relevant Burnett Highway posts on Dululu, Cania Gorge and Monto.
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Very cool murals – and you were able to meet one of the subjects of the murals, which is even cooler. Nanango looks like a fun place to visit.
You nailed it. My perfect outing would be this one. I adore murals of the past and there is nothing better than a scone to my way of thinking. Loved this one!!!
Hi, Jan. The murals and the chainsaw sculptures are fascinating. Love the colors in the murals. I’m with you in wondering how you produce a sculpture with a chainsaw. I had to laugh when I read about the IGA grocery store. That was our go-to supermarket when I was a kid. Probably not the same owners, though 🙂 Thanks for co-hosting this week. #TPThursday
I’ve never been to Nanango, but like so many outback places in Queensland this place looks like it packs a punch.The street murals are incredible.