Benarkin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Benarkin Queensland
General store
Benarkin Location in Queensland
Population	61 (2021 census)
• Density	14.52/km2 (37.6/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4314
Area	4.2 km2 (1.6 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
LGA(s)	South Burnett Region
County	Cavendish
State electorate(s)	Nanango
Federal Division(s)	Maranoa
Localities around Benarkin: Blackbutt North Benarkin North Benarkin North Blackbutt Benarkin Moore Blackbutt South Cherry Creek Cherry Creek

Benarkin is a small rural town in the South Burnett Region of Queensland, Australia. It's very close to the town of Blackbutt, and people often call them the "twin towns" of Blackbutt-Benarkin. In 2021, only 61 people lived in Benarkin.

Where is Benarkin Located?

Benarkin sits on the Balfour Range, which is a mountain range. It's about 3.5 kilometres (2.2 miles) east of Blackbutt. The main road, the D'Aguilar Highway, goes around the town. To the east and south of Benarkin, you'll find the Benarkin State Forest, a large area of trees.

Benarkin's History

Benarkin was first known as Well Holes. The name "Benarkin" comes from the Dungibara language. The word Benarqui means "blackbutt tree," which is a type of Eucalyptus tree common in this area.

When the railway station for Blackbutt was built in 1910, it was a bit far from the main town. So, they decided to name this new station "Benarkin." A small settlement then grew up around the railway station, taking its name. Because Benarkin and Blackbutt are so close and their histories are connected, they are often called the "twin towns."

Early Schools and Post Office

The first school in the area was called Macnamara's Camp Provisional School. It opened on 4 July 1910. A few months later, in November 1910, it moved to Well Holes and was renamed Well Holes Provisional School. In 1911, it became Benarkin Provisional School. Can you believe the school started in a tent?

Benarkin State School, with its new building and old tent, in 1913.

In March 1913, a proper school building was finished. On 1 April 1913, it officially became Benarkin State School. The school closed for a while in 1920 but reopened on 4 September 1935.

Benarkin also got its own Post Office by March 1911, making it easier for people to send letters and parcels.

Hill 60 Memorial

On 11 November 1996, a special memorial was built in Benarkin. It remembers two groups of people:

• Soldiers who fought in the Battle of Hill 60 during World War I.
• The first forestry workers who helped develop the timber industry in the area.

This memorial is located on Hill 60 Road, inside the Benarkin State Forest.

Postcode Change

On 1 February 2018, Benarkin's postcode changed from 4306 to 4314.

Who Lives in Benarkin?

In 2011, the towns of Benarkin and Blackbutt together had a population of 1,055 people. By 2016, the population of Benarkin alone was 61 people. In the most recent count in 2021, the population of Benarkin remained 61 people.

Historic Places

Benarkin has one site listed as a heritage-listed place, meaning it's important to history:

• Taromeo Homestead: This old homestead is located off the D'Aguilar Highway.

Education in Benarkin

Benarkin State School in 2024

Benarkin State School is a government primary school for students from Prep (the first year of school) to Year 6. Both boys and girls attend this school, which is located on Scott Street. In 2017, the school had 27 students and 6 teachers.

There isn't a high school in Benarkin. Students who want to continue their education after primary school usually travel to nearby towns like Nanango, Toogoolawah, or Kilcoy.

Fun Things to Do

The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail goes right through Benarkin! This trail follows the path of an old railway line. It's a great place for walking and cycling. Remember, no cars or motorbikes are allowed on the trail, just people-powered fun!