Third Time, Still Charming
We made a quick overnight stop in Dirranbandi on the way out of Lightning Ridge — a little detour well worth it for the bakery alone. Their apple pies are the stuff of legend! We hit the road again feeling very pleased with ourselves (and full of apple pie!)
Some towns keep calling you back — and for us, St George is one of them. This was our third visit, and it cemented its place as our favourite jumping-off point for exploring Queensland’s south-west. There’s something easy and familiar about rolling into town, knowing exactly where to pull up and where to get a good coffee.
We spent a couple of relaxed days here, soaking in the sunshine and catching up on a few essentials. A stop at Golders is almost a tradition by now — where else can you find decent shorts, workwear and a cowboy hat under the same roof? This time we restocked the wardrobe with a few practical pieces that’ll see us through the warmer months up north.
DeliKate delivered the goods for lunch. It’s our go-to in St George — fresh, tasty food with a quiet country vibe. Afterwards, we wandered down to the Balonne River, where the recent Queensland rains have transformed the landscape. The weir is full, the river’s running strong, and the whole area feels alive. We found a shady spot to sit for a while, watching the water flow past.
St George might not be a headline act on the travel trail, but it’s got that steady kind of charm we’ve come to appreciate. It’s tidy, friendly, and just the right size to catch your breath and reset.
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St George
St George is a riverside town on the Balonne River and the administrative centre of Balonne Shire. It’s a true service town for a wide farming region: irrigated cotton, table grapes, onions and other horticultural crops are major local industries, alongside cattle.
How to Get There
St George sits in south-west Queensland, about 200 km from Cunnamulla and 300 km from Lightning Ridge across the border in New South Wales. It’s well-connected by sealed highways, making it a handy and comfortable base for travellers exploring the outback.
What to See and Do
Balonne River Walk – A beautiful way to stretch your legs along shady paths by the river.
Riverside fishing – Pack a rod; St George is famous for Murray cod and yellowbelly.
Local wineries and produce – Riversands Wines is a local favourite, and there are plenty of small producers to sample.
Heritage landmarks – Check out the town’s murals and heritage trail for a dose of history.
Relaxed country pubs and cafes – Perfect for a meal or cool drink after a day on the road.
When to Visit
The best time to visit St George is during the cooler months (April to September). Summer can be scorching, but the river still brings a sense of calm even in the heat.
What’s Nearby?
St George makes an excellent stop between some of the outback’s most fascinating towns. Before arriving, we’d explored Lightning Ridge and its quirky opal-mining character. From St George, we pushed onwards to Cunnamulla, famous for its artesian hot springs and outback hospitality — check out that post here.
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