VINEYARDS WINERIES AND BREWERIES ST GEORGE

Car weary legs will appreciate the two-kilometre stretch of shady riverbank walkway flanking St George. A star feature, the riverbank walkway begins below the Jack Taylor Weir. There you'll find a commemorative stone to mark Major Thomas Mitchell's crossing of the Balonne River on St George's Day back in 1846. Further along the river walk, a marker showcases the flood heights of the swollen Balonne River from years gone by.

A fighter pilot memorial pays tribute to two brave men hailing from St George. One of these men, Squadron Leader John Jackson bravely served in World War II in some of its most dangerous battles and was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) medal for his work in the Middle East after destroying seven aircraft. less than six months later, Jackson led his squadron of Kittyhawks in the Battle of Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea which prevented the Japanese advancement into the country. In recognition of his efforts, Jacksons International Airport at Port Moresby is named in his honour. The other serviceman, Warrant Officer Leonard Waters, was the first Aboriginal fighter pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force. The legacy of these two locals will forever be remembered on the sandstone monument overlooking the Balonne River.

The Adventure Way takes you from Brisbane to Adelaide via Queensland's richest grain and cotton producing area surrounding Dalby. It travels through Brigalow and belah belts to the outback plains where mulga lines the road and eventually gives way to a treeless gibber landscape at the Queensland, South Australia border. From Innamincka, follow the historic Strzelecki Track to the Flinders Ranges and finally to Adelaide. The rewards of the journey are many, discovering the awe-inspiring landscape, the native flora and fauna, the rich history of early pioneers, opal fossicking and the spirit of adventure.

From the moment you arrive to the time you leave, St George relaxes the senses in all the right ways. Perched on the banks of the mighty Balonne River, its just the place from which to explore the beautiful Balonne Shire. Stretch your legs and take in the breeze on the shady riverbank walkway flanking the town. Below the Jack Taylor Weir is where explorer Major Thomas Mitchell crossed the Balonne River back in 1864 and gave St George its name. Pack up some drinks and nibbles to enjoy on a Sandytown River Cruise. As you idle down the river you will enjoy views and abundant birdlife including pelicans, cockatoos and eagles. Anglers wont be disappointed either, with St George reputed as having the best inland fishing in Queensland. Beardmore Dam or Jack Taylor Weir are great spots to picnic and throw in a line. Events such as the Dirranbandi Family Fishing Classic, the annual St George Family Fishing Competition, and the Yellow Belly Country Music Festival will keep the family entertained, and you can learn more about the local cotton and grape industry by joining a Cotton Farm and Winery Tour in St George. You'll have a whole new appreciation for the humble emu egg when you see it carved into a stunning, illuminated piece of art at The Unique Egg in St George. Local character and artisan Steve Margaritus - or "Stavros" as we know him, hand carves an amazing variety of patterns and scenes on each egg. St George has tree lined streets where you'll find great coffee, gourmet delis and quality pub food. And don't miss a visit to the most westerly winery in Queensland while you're here - Riversands Wines, where you can while away the afternoon with a free personalised wine tasting at the cellar door followed by scones and homemade jam or a cheese platter and a glass of wine in their country garden....

Take a step back in time as early as the 1800s by discovering the St George Heritage Trail. Download the St George Heritage Trail brochure (PDF) or pick up a brochure from the Balonne Shire Visitor Information Centre and follow the 45 minute drive to explore important historical sites, colourful stories, and buildings that have shaped the town's history. ...

This fighter pilot memorial pays tribute to two brave men hailing from St George. Squadron Leader John Jackson bravely served in World War II in some of its most dangerous battles and was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) medal for his work in the Middle East after destroying seven aircraft. Less than six months later, Jackson led his squadron of Kittyhawks in the Battle of Port Moresby , preventing the Japanese advancement into Papua New Guinea. Jackson's International Airport at Port Moresby is named in his honour. Warrant Officer Leonard Waters, was the first Aboriginal fighter pilot to serve in the Royal Australian Air Force. The legacy of these two locals will forever be remembered on the sandstone monument overlooking the Balonne River. ...