Balonne Shire is in Queensland, about 500km inland from Brisbane, and just above the New South Wales border. It covers an area of more than 31,000. Four thousand five hundred residents call one of the shire’s seven communities’ home – St George, Thallon, Dirranbandi, Bollon, Nindigully, Mungindi, and Hebel.
The Balonne Shire has been historically known as “River Country” as several rivers converge before flowing south into the Murray Darling System.
The elected Council consists of 7 Councillors with council administration led by the Chief Executive Officer.
Living In The Region
Discover ten reasons why you should move to Balonne!
Housing
The cost of housing in Balonne is affordable with the median house price of $225,000, and median rent is $270 per week.
Education facilities
There are several schooling options in Balonne with several state and private primary and high schools readily accessible in the area. Tertiary education is also nearby with the Country University Centre in St George and a TAFE, University of South Australia, Whyalla Campus, and the University of Adelaide Rural Clinical school.
Healthcare
A wide range of health services and facilities are available, and the St George Hospital offers excellent health care to the region.
Shopping and Dining
There’s a huge variety of food and drink options in the region from historic outback pubs to fine dining. Local supermarkets, hairdressers and retail shops are easily accessible and are located in the heart of town in St George.
Sport and Recreation
The region has surprising diversity and unique attractions and is rich in native bird and animal life, vast waterways, and historic buildings. Every town is situated beside a river. A major attraction of the region is the giant silos featuring the stunning "Watering Hole" mural which are landmarks of the nearby town of Thallon.
There is a large range of sporting clubs available for both children and adults including swimming, rugby, golf, and tennis, just to name a few. The great outdoors is a popular pastime, with swimming on the Balonne River, fishing, boating, water-skiing, and camping. There are also hot springs in Mungindi and St George.
Getting around
Getting around is easy, and everything you need is within walking distance.
Balonne is over 500km from Brisbane, the nearest major urban centre. There are twice-weekly air services from Brisbane, Toowoomba, Cunnamallu, and Thargomindah to St George. Alternatively, a 2-hour drive to Roma has daily services to Brisbane.
The neighbouring regional centre of Toowoomba is a four-hour drive to the east, while the towns of Roma and Goondiwindi are within two hours.
Information on this page was correct as of July 2022 and may be subject to change.
