Nanango facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nanango Queensland
Drayton Street, the main street of Nanango, 2010
Nanango Location in Queensland
Population	3,679 (2021 census)
• Density	117.92/km2 (305.4/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4615
Elevation	355.0 m (1,165 ft)
Area	31.2 km2 (12.0 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	24.4 km (15 mi) SE of Kingaroy 138 km (86 mi) N of Toowoomba 187 km (116 mi) NW of Brisbane
LGA(s)	South Burnett Region
State electorate(s)	Nanango
Federal Division(s)	Maranoa
Mean max temp Mean min temp Annual rainfall 25.4 °C 78 °F 10.4 °C 51 °F 790.0 mm 31.1 in
Localities around Nanango: Barker Creek Flat Barker Creek Flat Glan Devon Kunioon Nanango East Nanango Brooklands South Nanango South East Nanango

Nanango is a country town and area in the South Burnett Region of Queensland, Australia. In 2021, about 3,679 people lived in Nanango. It's known for its rich history and friendly community.

Discovering Nanango's Location

Nanango is located about 190 kilometers (118 miles) north-west of Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland. You can find it where the D'Aguilar Highway and the Burnett Highway meet.

A creek called Sandy Creek flows through the town. This creek is part of the larger Burnett River system. The land around the creek is very fertile, which means it's great for farming.

A Journey Through Nanango's History

Early Days: Aboriginal Heritage

The first people to live in the Nanango area were the Aboriginal Australians from the Wakka Wakka (or Waka Waka) group. This land was important for their travels to special "bunya nut" festivals. Aboriginal people would come from far away to gather and feast on nuts from the bunya trees.

The name "Nanango" comes from the Wakka Wakka word "nunangi." People aren't sure exactly what it means. It might have been the name of an important meeting place, or it could mean "large watering hole." Some say it was the name of a local Aboriginal elder.

European Settlement and Growth

The first Europeans arrived in 1847. John Borthwick and William Oliver from Ipswich started raising sheep here.

The very first business in Nanango was Goode's Inn, opened by Jacob Goode in July 1848. This inn was a stop for travelers coming from Brisbane and Ipswich. It quickly became a meeting spot for people living on nearby farms. The town of Nanango grew up around this inn.

Nanango claims to be the fourth-oldest town in Queensland. This claim is based on when the first business, Goode's Inn, opened. After Goode's Inn, the post office opened in 1852. It was first called Goode's Inn Post Office, then Burnett Inn, and finally Nanango in 1859.

Schools and Industries Develop

Nanango State School first opened its doors on January 1, 1866. It later added a high school section in 1955. Eventually, Nanango State High School opened as a separate school in 1982. St Patrick's Catholic Primary School was also established in 1912.

In the early days, Nanango's main industries were:

• Raising cattle for beef and dairy.
• Timber, especially valuable red cedar trees.

In 1867, gold was discovered nearby at the Seven Mile Diggings. This caused a "gold rush" and many people moved to Nanango, including about 700 miners, some of whom were Chinese. However, there wasn't much gold to be found.

Railways and Modern Growth

Nanango saw another big growth spurt when the railway line was extended to nearby Yarraman in 1911. On November 13, 1911, Nanango railway station became the end of a train line that branched off from Kingaroy. A planned railway link between Nanango and Yarraman was never built.

After World War I, Nanango's growth slowed down. But in the 1970s, the building of the Tarong Power Station caused another population boom.

The Nanango War Memorial, unveiled in 1920

The Nanango War Memorial was unveiled on January 29, 1920, to honor those who served.

What's Nanango Like Today?

Population and Heritage

Nanango has grown steadily over the years. In 2006, about 3,083 people lived there. By 2021, the population had grown to 3,679.

The town has several important historical sites that are protected:

• The old Nanango Butter Factory Building.
• The Nanango Court House.
• Ringsfield House, a beautiful old country home built in 1908.

The historic Nanango Court House, 2010

Nanango's Economy

Nanango's main industries today include:

• Coal mining and power generation (from the Tarong Power Station).
• Agriculture, like growing crops and raising beef and pork.
• Dairy farming and milk processing.
• Timber production.
• Small farms growing various crops.
• Art, craftwork, and tourism.

Education in Nanango

Nanango has several schools for young people:

• Nanango State School: A government primary school for students from Early Childhood to Year 6. In 2018, it had 438 students.
• St Patrick's Primary School: A Catholic primary school for students from Prep to Year 6. In 2018, it had 77 students.
• Nanango State High School: A government high school for students from Year 7 to Year 12. In 2018, it had 522 students.

Nanango State High School, 2024

All these schools offer special education programs to support students with different learning needs.

Community Facilities

Nanango has important services to keep the community safe and healthy:

• Nanango Police Station: Located on Henry Street.
• Nanango Fire Station: Located on Alfred Street.
• Nanango SES Facility: The State Emergency Service helps in emergencies.
• Nanango Hospital: A public hospital on Brisbane Street, with a heliport for emergencies.
• Nanango Ambulance Station: Provides emergency medical services.
• Nanango Cemetery: The local burial ground.
• Nanango Aerodrome: A small airport for planes.

Fun Things to Do in Nanango

Nanango is a lively town with lots of cultural and sporting activities. You can find:

• Several potteries and an art gallery.
• Many craft shops.
• Clubs for sports like cycling, darts, golf, lawn bowling, and archery.
• 13 well-kept parks where you might spot some of the 250 different bird species.
• The Nanango Golf Club has an 18-hole golf course.
• The South Burnett Regional Council runs a public library in Nanango.

Exploring the Area

Nanango is a great base for day trips to nearby places. You can visit:

• The Grapes and Gourmets Drive, a route for food and wine lovers.
• The beautiful Bunya Mountains.
• Coomba Falls.
• Go "fossicking" (searching for minerals) at Seven Mile Diggings.

The Nanango Country Markets are held on the first Saturday of every month. They are known as the biggest country markets in South-East Queensland!

Exciting Events in Nanango

Nanango hosts many fun events throughout the year:

• Live Entertainment: Local theater and music groups often perform.
• Horse Races: The Lee Park race track holds about eight race meetings each year.
• International Criterium Bike Race: A cycling race held in February.
• Nanango Show: A big agricultural show in April.
• Nanango Medieval Fest: A fun festival in August where you can step back in time.
• Nanango Arts Fest: A week-long celebration of art in October.
• Nanango Country Music Muster: A country music festival in September.
• Mardi Gras: A week-long celebration in October.
• Christmas Carnival: A festive event in December.

Nanango's Weather

Nanango has a climate similar to nearby Kingaroy. It tends to be cooler in winter and a bit more humid overall.

Famous Faces from Nanango

• Darcy Ward is an Australian former motorcycle speedway rider who grew up in Nanango.