A Queensland town famous for its peanuts and former premier is preparing to go the whole hog next month with the return of its beloved BaconFest.
After a two-year hiatus, and of a lot of grunt work by volunteers, Kingaroy BaconFest on August 19-21 is sure to be anything but, er, boring.
Among those showcasing their talents will be chef and TV personality Miguel Maestre. He'll be joined by popular Queensland foodie Matt Golinski, with the pair primed to host cooking demonstrations during the three-day event.
"Kingaroy BaconFest is all about celebrating all things pork-inspired," said chief baconeer Kristy Board. "We're expecting record-breaking attendance numbers this year, well over the 16,000 we saw through the event in 2019.
"There'll be bacon-eating competitions, a Rasher's Run fun run, the Miss BaconFest pin-up pageant is returning, and of course, we can't forget the SunPork Barbecue Alliance Smoke-off competition."
The Bacon Community Artisan Market is a new addition to the festival, while the Burnett Inland Produce Market will enliven the tastebuds of all who visit.
"There will even be helicopter rides for those who want to see what it's like for pig-lovers to fly."
BaconFest will kick off with a Wine and Swine event on the Friday evening, followed by an action-packed weekend of activities and tasty bacon-infused treats like candied bacon, bacon jam, bacon rocky road, bacon doughnut with maple glaze and more.
For tickets (starting at $6) or to see the full program, go to kingaroybaconfest.com.au
If you go...
Besides BaconFest, there are plenty of great things to so and do while in Kingaroy and the South Burnett Region. Here are just some of them.
Visit a winery. Plenty of quality verdelhos, tasty semillons and beautiful expressions of shiraz are grown around here. A great place to check out is Give Crane Wines a go. It's in the Booie Range and is the oldest winery in the area. Clovelly Estate is another worth trying; it's a boutique cellar specialising in rose.
Get starry-eyed: Kingaroy Observatory. is the largest self-funded astro-tourism business in Queensland. It's located just five minutes from the Kingaroy CBD. A night tour with James "StarMan" Barclay is a must. Not only will you we wowed by the sky, you'll be in the company of an expert with 68 years of science under his belt.
Enjoy lavender-infused scones. Call in for morning tea at the Pottique Lavender Farm and then try a sweet lavender wine. The garden setting is divine.
Stop by at the Kingaroy Peanut Van. Experience at nutty taste explosion. If you're a history buff then perhaps pay a visit to the Kingaroy Heritage Museum and learn all about the town's agricultural history.
Visit Lake Boondoomba. Camp overnight and throw a line in, take a dip, swim and sail - it's up to you. There are also self-contained cabins, caravan sites and camping available by the lake.
While you're there...
Glamping is available at Bethany, the historic family home of late premier Joh Bjelke Petersen and his wife Flo, over the BaconFest weekend.
Held by the family for 105 years, today it is run by their son John and his family.
Bell tents range in size from 4-5 metres, with the top package including a double height queen size air mattress , linen, doonas, blankets, pillows, cushions, side table, chair, floor mats and internal lighting.
The property, located eight kilometres outside of Kingaroy, also has four self-contained, dog-friendly cottages at the top of the hill.
There are long easy walks and many opportunities to view birdlife and wildlife in their natural habitats.
A two-night minimum stay is $490, $490, $570 or $650 for two depending on the size of the tent.
To book a glamping experience, call 0431-330-800 or email info@belltenthireco.com
To learn more about the historic property, book a tour or taste Flo's famous scones visit bethany.net.au.
