Blackbutt and Benarkin real estate: life on the range

Blackbutt and Benarkin sit on the D'Aguilar Highway, up on the Blackbutt Range, about two hours' drive from Brisbane (Department of Transport and Main Roads). They're 5 km apart, and the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail joins them.

The rail trail

The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail follows the old railway line from Wulkuraka, near Ipswich, to Yarraman. At 161 km, it's the longest rail trail in Australia. It's open to walkers, bike riders, and horse riders. The Benarkin to Blackbutt section has compacted gravel and suits families and people with low to moderate fitness. Blackbutt to Yarraman is another 19 km. The section from Linville up to Benarkin is rougher and steeper (TMR).

A bit of history

European settlement began on the range in 1842, when the Scott family opened Taromeo Station near Benarkin. The homestead is heritage-listed (South Burnett Regional Council heritage schedule). Blackbutt was home to tennis great Roy Emerson, who went into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1982. There's a bronze statue of him at the old station site, along with the historic railway station (TMR). At Benarkin, First Settlers Park has a free overnight campsite for trail users, with toilets, barbecues, and drinking water.

Living here

The range has remnant hoop pine rainforest, big grass trees, and wide views over the Brisbane Valley. Buyers come up for that mix: a small community, room to move, and Brisbane within a couple of hours. Nanango is the nearest bigger service town.

Homes and land

I've sold in the area before, including on Crumpton Drive in Blackbutt North. Blocks up here range from town lots to acreage, and the questions are the usual rural ones: water, access, fencing, and what the zoning allows.

If you're buying

Drive the range in both directions at the times you'd travel. Check internet and mobile coverage at the address, and ask about tank water and septic if the property isn't on town services.

If you're selling

Tree-change buyers from Brisbane and the coast often find these towns through the rail trail. So mention it, show the views, and give clear facts on the land. My $0 up-front marketing offer is open to the first 10 homeowners who list with me this spring.

See current listings on my Buy page, or contact me to talk about your property on the range.

Sources: Department of Transport and Main Roads (Brisbane Valley Rail Trail brochures and trail map); South Burnett Regional Council heritage schedule. Sales details are from my own listings on juliangregson.com.au. General information only.