Kalbar - A Hidden Rural Gem

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I have visited Kalbar a few times since living in the Brisbane area as it is close for a weekend drive and also because the quiet rural town has a lot to offer. The town was formerly known as Englesburg , however, the name was changed because of the anti-German sentiment in 1916 during World War I.



Kalbar is rich in German history as it was settled mainly by German pioneers in the 1890s. This is also seen in the Anglo-German street names and the many headstone names in the cemetery.

Apart from the locals and surrounding occupants visiting the town on weekends, it is very busy with tourists and if you want to drive out for a meal. It is best to book ahead if the hotel is your choice of venue, as it is very popular. There are several options in the town to choose from for lunch, however, my girlfriend and I chose the Royal Hotel for a light and enjoyable meal. The Royal Hotel was established around the 1900s and has had several licensees over time with the current hosts being the Baartz Family. There are tables outside and inside the hotel but the on the day we visited, the weather was a bit humid, and as we did not book ahead, we were lucky to secure a small table inside as there were many family bookings on that day.



I had always wanted to visit the historic Kalbar Post Office . It's attached to a lolly shop and the Wiss Emporium but as my previous visits had been on a Sunday, these businesses were not open.



As you drive into Kalbar, Wiss Emporium signifies the grandeur of the day as it seems to reach the skyline from the lower part of George Street. It is suggested that it was built between 1890 to 1909 by brothers Lionel and Campbell Wiss, who were German-born lads by English parents. When Wiss Brothers was established, it became one of the most important businesses in the town as they provided a general store selling a variety of goods and produce and offered substantial credit to local farmers.



Wandering around the store, you can find a mixture of old and new wares and furniture, some very interesting for a collector and many gifts to take home. Even the back verandah has a number of vintage garden implements, cane chairs and wrought iron ornaments.

At the back of the main building is a small studio run by Terina Smith Recycling Artist . Terina advised she built the building herself from old wrought iron and timber. It is amazing what some people see in old wares that can be repurposed for use or decoration. Terina can be contacted by telephone on 0438 320 771.



Walking up to the higher part of George Street is the Kalbar Post Office, which was constructed in 1897. Today the post office has all the usual gifts and gadgets that are sold at all post offices around Queensland, however, attached to one side of the building is the Post Master's Sweet Shop. Once you step inside this little candy shop, you will find jars of old fashion lollies and locally made Toffee Apples. There is also mouth-watering freshly made fudge and tasting of any variety is given. There are sweets from overseas countries, Dutch liquorice, Willy Wonka chocolate bars and artisan chocolates that are made in Southeast Queensland. The Sweet Shop is open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm and Saturday mornings from 9.00am to 12 Noon. Closed on public holidays.



When you are looking for a special gift, you can go all over the shopping centres in your local area and not find what you are looking for, however, Kalbar is home to BMK, a beautiful giftware store where I found the perfect gift for a little boy who is learning his timetables. BMK has a lot of merchandise and you need to take time wandering around to appreciate what you can find. Such items include outside iron benches, wooden plaques and cut-out signs, clothing, jewellery, hats, giftware with marine themes, world globes, telescopes, shells, vases, prints and so much more.



Turnover of stock is easily seen as the times I have visited BMK , there are different items displayed and many customers walking out the door with their purchases. BMK is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 8.30am to 2.00pm.



Lovett at Kalbar faces Edward Street and is well-known as Home of the Salad, where you will also be able to purchase salads, sandwiches, delicious desserts, bakery and coffee. There is seating inside the shop - again it is best to book for larger groups as the business is quite popular. Why not drive out for breakfast, brunch or lunch? Lovett at Kalbar is open from 5.30am to 3.00pm, however it is best to check ahead over the festive season.

Along the George Street wall of Lovett at Kalbar are several printed plaques of the history of the buildings, people and how they lived in the more vibrant times. Other plaques like these are also found around Kalbar. For me, learning about the history of places is so important as the towns may change but the history is the foundation of all townships and one that is proud to be shared with travellers and the like.



Although we did not visit for a meal this time in Kalbar, 2 M8's Barbeque business was also very busy with patrons on the day of our visit. 2M8's Barbeque is open Thursday through to Saturday for lunch from 11.00 am to 2.00pm and evenings for dinner from 5.00 to 8.00pm.

Kalbar is approximately an hour's drive from Brisbane's CBD in a northeast direction by car. There is a turn-off from the main highway into the quaint rural town.

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