Rural Properties For Sale Wide Bay Burnett Region

Wide Bay Burnett Offers Combination Of Lifestyle And Employment Opportunities

Queensland’s Wide Bay Burnett region has experienced above-average growth in population, employment and gross regional product (GRP) in recent years as it continues to benefit from a Covid-induced spike in both ‘tree changers’ and ‘sea changers’ shifting to the region’s diverse rural, regional and coastal towns and cities.

The region – located in south-east Queensland, between 160 and 350 kilometres north of the Brisbane CBD and comprising the key local government areas of Bundaberg, Cherbourg, Fraser Coast, Gympie, North Burnett and South Burnett – posted a 5.69 per cent increase in GRP year-on-year in 2021, well above the state average of 2.31 per cent, according to data compiled by the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research (NIEIR).

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett

Above: Wide Bay Burnett region experienced above-average growth in population, employment and gross regional product in 2021

Economic expansion was fuelled by strong population growth, which increased by 1.12 per cent to 305,472 as of June 30, 2021, significantly higher than the state average of 0.92 per cent.

Full-time equivalent employment (FTE) jumped by almost 4 per cent, driven by health care and social assistance (+1,523 FTEs), agriculture, forestry and fishing (+1,270 FTEs), manufacturing (+811 FTEs), and construction (+703 FTEs).

Rural Properties For Sale Wide Bay Burnett Region: History & Growth

Last year’s rapid expansion continues a strong growth trend that has been evident in the region since the 1950s.

With European settlement dating from the 1840s, the Wide Bay Burnett’s population was minimal until gold was discovered in the 1860s.

Growth took place from the late 1800s into the early 1900s, spurred by gold and copper mining, the opening of railway lines and the establishment of sugar-cane growing.

Above: The region’s population has increased steadily from the 1990s and is forecast to jump to an astonishing 430,000 by 2031

Population growth resumed from the 1950s, aided by tourism, with substantial growth in the townships of Hervey Bay and Maryborough during the 1970s and 1980s.

The population of the region increased from the 1990s, rising from about 191,000 in 1991 to over 291,000 in 2016. Most of this growth was in the Fraser Coast Regional Council area (particularly in Hervey Bay) and the Bundaberg Regional Council area, and to a lesser extent, in the Gympie Regional Council area.

Growth is expected to continue, with the region’s population forecast to jump to an astonishing 430,000 by 2031, cementing its position among the largest and fastest-growing region’s outside of the state’s capital.

Rural Properties For Sale Wide Bay Burnett Region: Regional Economy

Encompassing a total land area of about 48,600 square kilometres, today the Wide Bay Burnett region boasts a diverse economy.

With almost 40 per cent of the population over 60 years of age, health care and social assistance is the single largest industry sector, accounting for 17 per cent of regional employment compared with 13.3 per cent state-wide.

Agriculture, forestry and fishing remains a significant employer, responsible for 12.6 per cent of FTE jobs versus 4.1 per cent state-wide, with farming activity concentrated around the key towns of Bundaberg, Maryborough, Gayndah and Kingaroy. Rural land is used largely for forestry, agriculture and horticulture, particularly sugar cane, fruit, vegetable, cereal and crop growing and cattle grazing.

Above: Health care and social assistance is the region's single largest industry sector, accounting for 17 per cent of employment

Tourism is also an increasingly important industry, particularly along the coastal townships of Burrum Heads, Hervey Bay, Tinnanbah, Tin Can Bay, Rainbow Beach and Fraser Island, with accommodation and food services accounting for almost 5 per cent of total employment.

Underpinned by rapid population growth, construction (10.4 per cent) and retail (8.6 per cent) are also key sources of jobs in the region.

The region is also home to a gold mine near Mount Perry, a Siltstone quarry at Eidsvold, and the Meandu coal mine and power stations at Tarong.

Rural Properties For Sale Wide Bay Burnett Region: Housing

Not surprisingly, the value of building approvals has skyrocketed off the back of strong population growth.

The value of residential building approvals topped $846.941 million in 2020-21, up from $527.14 million in 2019-20.

This dramatic growth continued in 2021 and into 2022, with the value of residential building approvals topping $529.358 million in the financial year to end of February 2022.

At the same time, the value of established houses – which account for a high 83.9 per cent of all residences in the region, compared with just 10.5 per cent for medium and high-density – has gone through the roof over the same period.

Above: The value of residential building approvals topped $529.358 million in the financial year to end of February 2022

According to CoreLogic’s Regional Market Update, released February 2022, the median value of houses in the Gympie shire leapt 32.2 per cent to $541,593 in the year to January 31, 2022, the median value of houses in the Bundaberg shire jumped 24.9 per cent to $385,168, while the median value of houses in the Fraser Coast shire soared 27 per cent to $508,061.

Inland, the median value of houses in the North Burnett shire increased 15.7 per cent to $183,224; and in the South Burnett median house values rose 18.7 per cent to $270,756.

Rural Properties For Sale Wide Bay Burnett Region: Major Attractions

As well as boasting a diverse, rapidly-growing economy, the Wide Bay Burnett region also offers an attractive lifestyle, both for the young and the old.

With average lows in winter of 16 degrees and 26 degrees in the summer months, the region doesn’t get too cold, and it doesn’t get too hot, making it an ideal place to live.

Consisting of countryside to coastal towns and cities, there’s also lots to do and explore, from rustic country landscapes surrounding timeless towns or taking a short drive and visiting the region’s myriad seaside cities and towns.

Above: The coastal centrepiece is the world-renowned Great Sandy Marine Park which includes Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island

The coastal centrepiece is the world-renowned Great Sandy Marine Park, which extends from Baffle Creek in the north to Double Island Point in the south, and includes the whale-watching capital of Australia, Hervey Bay, the Great Sandy Strait, Rainbow Beach, Tin Can Inlet and the waters off the east coast of Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island.

Dotted along the coast are myriad small hidden treasures of towns known for their outstanding fishing, boating and other water-based activities, including Tinnanbah, Little Tuan, Boonooroo, Woodgate, Bargara, Burrum Heads, Maaroom, Poona, and Tin Can Bay plus many more.

Above: Dotted along the coast are myriad small towns known for their outstanding fishing, boating and water-based activities

Heading inland, the region boasts myriad national parks, including the Jurassic-era Bunya Mountains between Kingaroy and Dalby, and the Booie Ranges north of Kingaroy, which offer panoramic views spanning hundreds of kilometres.

In the north, Cania Gorge National Park has dramatic sandstone cliffs, gorges and caves filled with abundant wildlife.

Auburn River National Park west of Mundubbera has striking granite boulders along the river forming interesting water holes to explore. Nearby, Coalstoun Lakes National Park is the home of two extinct volcanic craters that form lakes brimming with birdlife in wet years.

Mt Walsh National Park casts dramatic mountain views over the Biggenden township, while Woowoonga National Park, to the north of Biggenden has challenging bush walking trails through towering hoop pines.

Above: Heading inland, the region boasts myriad national parks, including the Jurassic-era Bunya Mountains between Kingaroy and Dalby

There’s also the magnificent Mary River, which offers breathtaking places to explore, tranquil picnic spots, camping, fishing and perfect conditions for kayaking.

From there visit the wineries, cellar doors, boutique breweries and distillers, restaurants and cafes, boutique accommodation, and galleries and museums dotted across the Wide Bay Burnett region, including the popular South Burnett Wine Trail.

Or for history buffs explore the historic towns of Bundaberg and Maryborough, including the latter’s Military & Colonial Museum and ANZAC Memorial in Queens Park.

Above: History buffs can explore the region's historic towns of Bundaberg and Maryborough, including the latter’s Military & Colonial Museum

From the coast to the countryside, the options and enjoyment to be had in the Wide Bay Burnett region are simply endless!

If you’re looking to make a ‘tree change’ or ‘sea change’ to the Wide Bay Burnett region, check out our favourite rural properties for sale Wide Bay Burnett region below – or click here for more than 800 rural properties for sale Wide Bay Burnett region.

Rural Properties For Sale Wide Bay Burnett: 92 Snowys Knob Road, East Nanango

This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett comprises just over 33 hectares (82 acres) of good soft undulating country boasting an absolutely immaculate home set among established lawn and gardens. The fully renovated home features a modern design with stunning kitchen, three bedrooms, one bathroom and a laundry.

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett boasts an absolutely immaculate home set among established lawn and gardens

Complementing this is a modern one-bedroom cottage with carport and storage shed set away from the main home with a fully fenced house yard; plus a 9m x 9m barn-style liveable shed with two bedrooms including air-conditioning and a modern black tiled bathroom with large corner bath.

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett also includes a modern one-bedroom cottage with carport and storage shed

Storage is no problem on this property with a large 24m x18m four-bay machinery shed with one bay of concrete flooring behind a roller door for lockable storage. For equine enthusiasts there’s a 30m x 30m sand arena with overhead flood lights and stables with tack storage.

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett features a sand arena with overhead flood lights and stables with tack storage

The property is well watered by three dams and two bores, including one bore equipped with an electric submersible pump that pumps to a tank and gravity feeds several concrete cattle and horse troughs. The property is cleared, with the exception of shade trees. Pastures include Kikuyu, Green Panic, Rhodes Grass, Paspalum and a mixture of native pastures.  

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett is well watered by three dams and two bores, including one bore equipped with pump

For ease of management the property is split into five main paddocks and six smaller horse paddocks all with concrete water troughs supplied by underground poly line. Boundary fencing is four-barb wire and split posts in good condition. Internal fencing is excellent with permanent electric fencing. There’s also steel cattle yards with loading ramp, head bale and lockable storage shed.

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett is split into five main paddocks and six smaller horse paddocks all with water troughs

The property is located in a quiet area, just 5km from Nanango, 26km to Yarraman, 31km to Kingaroy, and 200km to Brisbane.

Click on the following link for more information on this rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett at 92 Snowys Knob Road, East Nanango.

Rural Properties For Sale Wide Bay Burnett: Welcome Creek

This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett features an orchard with 3,000 lychee trees and 498 custard apple trees. The orchard is situated on 15.69 hectares (38.76 acres) just 21k from the Bundaberg CBD.

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett features an orchard with 3,000 lychee trees and 498 custard apple trees

The 3,000 lychee trees consist of six varieties. The 498 custard apple trees are KJ Pinks, which is the most popular variety. Established markets in Australia and overseas are keen for the produce from this orchard.

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett is situated on 15.69 hectares just 21k from the Bundaberg CBD

Water is provided through SunWater with an allocation of 58 megalitres. Another source of water is from a 12-megalitre dam. All the trees are watered from an irrigation sprinkler system.

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett is provided water through SunWater with an allocation of 58 megalitres

Farm improvements include a 14.3m x 12.3m Besser block shed plus lean-to with bitumen frontage. Other shedding includes a 6m x 9m packing shed, a 14m x 12m lean-to shed, and two 7.5m x 6.5m cold rooms. An electric lighting system comprising 27 lights (on separate grid to the house) is used for eight to 12 weeks of the year for protecting of trees against bats etc.

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett includes a 14.3m x 12.3m Besser block shed plus lean-to with bitumen frontage

The property also includes a clay block home which consists of three bedrooms, office, family room, two-way bathroom, two toilets, verandas, wood fireplace, air-conditioning, separate lounge, and Tassie Oak kitchen.

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett offers a home which three bedrooms, family room, bathroom and separate lounge

Added extras include a 5kv solar system and salt water swimming pool. Water is available from 2 x 5,000-gallon rainwater tanks and a bore.

Click on the following link for more information on this rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett at Welcome Creek.

Rural Properties For Sale Wide Bay Burnett: 28280 Bruce Highway, Horton

Situated on 21.15 hectares, this rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett boasts approximately 2,000 Hass and Shepard avocado trees plus around 5.6 hectares of land ready for expansion or new adventures.

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett boasts approximately 2,000 Hass and Shepard avocado trees

This farm also houses a fully operational, profitable second business which has the potential to produce a great off-season income. The farming enterprise is supported by two large sheds, a tractor shed, green house, and 61-megalitre water allocation. The orchard is ready for next harvest, with pickers and packers all organised for the next season as well.

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett is supported by two large sheds, tractor shed, green house, and 61 meg water allocation

Perfect for entertaining, the homestead features a pool, spa, waterfall, rock slide, newly thatched entertaining area, professionally built tennis court, and loads more.

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett boasts a pool, spa, waterfall, rock slide, and newly thatched entertaining area

The home offers four bedrooms, nice-sized kitchen, two living areas, generous veranda, and great views. This property is ideal for a family keen to get a start in the agricultural sector.

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett includes a home with four bedrooms, kitchen, two living areas, veranda, and great views

Click on the following link for more information on this rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett at 28280 Bruce Highway, Horton.

Rural Properties For Sale Wide Bay Burnett: 179 Tandur Traveston Road, Traveston

Located just 46km from Noosa, this rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett is a fantastic small farm opportunity with irrigation.

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett has a capacity to support a herd of 80 Droughtmaster breeders year in year out

‘Brigadoon’ is tucked away only 24km south of Gympie and consists of 36.75 hectares (90.83 acres) of gently undulating farming land with a capacity to support a herd of 80 Droughtmaster breeders year in year out.

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett features laneways connecting all paddocks to the cattle yard and stable complex

The property features laneways connecting all paddocks to the cattle yards and 14-stall steel frame stable complex plus round yards and training arena.

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett offers a 14-stall steel frame stable complex plus round yards and training arena

Improved pastures boast a variety of grasses including Gatton Panic, Katinbora Rhodes, Reclaimer Rhodes, Humidicola, and Setaria to name but a few. Cattle are able to be finished for the market on the oats country, which is also used for giving weaners a kick start.

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett features improved pastures including Gatton Panic, Rhodes, Humidicola, and Setaria

Water is supplied by four-inch underground mains connected to the Six Mile Creek pump hole with a six-hectare water license allowing for pasture security. Troughs deliver water to all paddocks. Plus, there’s two dams and two billabongs on the property. Secure fencing consists of mainly wooden posts and five-barb wire.

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett sopurces water from underground mains connected to the Six Mile Creek pump hole

On entry to the farm, you are greeted by a modern country-style home that overlooks the property. The colonial-style entry brings you into the cool and comfortable foyer, which then leads through to the lounge/dining kitchen areas.

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett offers a spacious four-bedroom, three-bathroom home with a central fireplace

This spacious four-bedroom, three-bathroom home includes a central fireplace for those crisp winter evenings. Ducted air-conditioning along with a ducted vacuum system make cooling and cleaning a breeze.

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett is entered via a foyer which leads through to the lounge/dining kitchen areas

Click on the following link for more information on this rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett at 179 Tandur Traveston Road, Traveston.

Rural Properties For Sale Wide Bay Burnett: Sharon

This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett boasts 20.05 hectares (49.54 acres) of land featuring mostly river loam soil. It is currently growing Lucerne and Rhodes grass mix for hay (small squares and round bales).

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett boasts 20.05 hectares of land featuring mostly river loam soil

Secure water is provided by a 125-megalitre bore allocation, delivered across and nine hydrants through the centre of the property. Other on-farm improvements include a 18m x 12m (4.5m high) machinery shed with 6m x 12m lockable workshop, 16m x 7.5m garage with 6m x 7.5m enclosed area, and a small set of steel stockyards.

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett includes a 18m x 12m machinery shed with 6m x 12m lockable workshop

The immaculately presented home is surrounded by landscaped gardens and offers four bedrooms all with built-ins, including a master with walk-in wardrobe and ensuite.

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett features an immaculately presented home surrounded by landscaped gardens

A large open-plan living area boasts a modern kitchen with island bench and two-door pantry. There’s also two large family/rumpus rooms plus office.

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett boasts dfiour bedrooms and a modern kitchen with island bench and two-door pantry

Outside is an above-ground swimming pool and covered entertainment area overlooking most of the property with drop-down blinds plus a veranda running along the front of the home.

Above: This rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett includes an immaculately presented home surrounded by landscaped gardens

This property is located just two minutes to the Burnett River and only 10km from Bundaberg and would suit numerous enterprises such as cattle, horses, tree crops, small crops or a flower farm.

Click on the following link for more information on this rural property for sale Wide Bay Burnett at Sharon.