September 30, 2014
Taabinga Homestead will be holding an Open Day during the October long weekend, providing a rare opportunity for visitors and locals alike to view this historically significant property.
The Homestead played a central role in the early history of the South Burnett, and is part of the National Estate.
It was built in 1846 as one of the area’s pioneering properties.
Over the next 60 years a bustling and vibrant village (Taabinga Village) steadily grew up near it, becoming one of the first important settlements in the region.
But the arrival of the railway in Kingaroy in 1904 – which spelled the start of that town – also spelled the decline of Taabinga Village.
And today the Homestead is all that remains.
It is, however, one of Queensland’s oldest, continuously lived in rural homes and survives as a working cattle property and B&B, situated amidst beautiful mature gardens with walking trails, a large dam, a cemetery, a vineyard and abundant native wildlife.
Apart from the Homestead, many other outbuildings survive. They include the stables, a dairy, and the blacksmith and butcher’s shops.
The Homestead also periodically runs cultural events such as concerts and performances by classical musicians, and its Open Days allow visitors to wander the grounds and buildings and absorb the tranquillity of a bygone age.
Taabinga Homestead is owned and managed by Libby Leu and Colin Marshall.
Libby’s family has owned and lived at the Homestead since 1887, when it was sold by its previous owner Thomas Alford after a fall from a horse left him unable to manage the property.
Admission to the Open Day – which will run from 8:30am to 1:00pm – is $5 (primary school aged children and toddlers are free).
There will be guided tours of the historic homestead and outbuildings, and light refreshments such as tea, coffee and slices will be available for purchase as well.
- You can find out more about Taabinga Homestead on their website
- You can book places at the Open Day (not mandatory) by phoning the Homestead on (07) 4164-5531 or emailing them
