The three 43 metre high silos are
landmarks you can't miss in Kingaroy. I was thinking of them as full of
peanuts but at this time of year they were probably empty, just a
rather grand reminder of the upcoming peanut crop.
Kingaroy is known as the "Peanut Capital of Australia" because Australia's largest peanut processing plant is located here.
The name Kingaroy is derived from the aboriginal word for "Red Ant" (Kingaroori) because of a unique species of ants found in the area
which have adapted to the natural colour of Kingaroy's distinctive rich red soil.
Droughts
and uncertainty surrounding the region's annual peanut crop has led some
farmers to diversify from peanuts and grow grapes. The rich volcanic soil, hot dry
summers and cold winters has proved to also be ideal conditions for grapes.
I didn't know that or would have tried a drop of the local brew. Kingaroy often records some of the coldest temperatures in Queensland during winter. And spring, too, from my experience. The night I stayed there the temp dropped to 4C.
The region is quite picturesque with extensive farmlands interspersed with low rolling hills. I'd love to see it after rain.
In most of the small towns I passed through quite often the oldest and best preserved buildings were the pubs. Kingaroy was no exception. This one was my favourite.
Kingaroy has a prosperous, almost cosmopolitan feel while still appearing to be a relaxed, friendly and informal country town. The delightful lass who served my breakfast chatted away like I was an old friend. Asked me was I a Grey Nomad (a retired person who travels independently and for an extended period, particularly in a caravan or motor home). Oh, how I wish!!
A little later I was standing near the silos, it was still before 9 am on a weekday morning. Rush hour.
The evening before when I'd ventured out to find somewhere to eat it wasn't the food but the sunset that caught my attention. Can't remember what I ate, can still remember that sunset.
