Situated at the top of the Blackbutt range, you will find an almost perfect low-humidity climate of crisp winters and cool summers. As you ascend the range you will smell the pine and feel a tingle in the wind. The air is clearer and you breathe easier – you have left the pollution below and are now 474 metres above sea level.
Blackbutt is a popular spot with campers, bush-walkers, backpackers, astronomers, 4WD enthusiasts and artists, families who want a day trip that is different.
The rail service from Brisbane to Yarraman closed around 1996 and the bus service is daily (except Wed afternoons), but if you have your own transport you should make a day of itor better still a weekend away. Blackbutt is the northern destination of The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail The Linville to Blackbutt section of the trail is a 23 km walk horse or bike ride, along an accessible gravel trail. State Forests line the town of Blackbutt and smaller Benarkin village, with their aged and tall eucalypt trees and hoop pine and Blackbutt tree. These forests are home to many of our native wildlife as well.
Blackbutt was settled when the Scott family at Taromeo Station ceded land to form the town. The town is name after the famous Blackbutt Tree, famous for its quality cut and beautiful grain. Blackbutt timber floors are very popular and often imitated by prefabricated flooring in the colour and grain similar to the real thing.
Blackbutt & Benarkin have been known as the Timber Towns and have produced fine timber from the thick lush forests in the district. Hoop Pine was also grown in large numbers. Alas today the only remaining timber mill in the district is the neighbouring town of Yarraman.
In the 1970’s Blackbutt’s population was locals tell us, around 200-300. In 2006, the estimated population of the Timber Towns today is more like 3500, possibly more.
