The locality is immediately west of Biloela. The locality is bounded to the north by Callide Creek and Lake Callide, the impoundment of Callide Creek by the Callide Dam. It is bounded to the south-west by Kroombit Creek.[3]
While the name Valentine Plains might suggest relatively flat land, the terrain is mountainous ranging from 180 to 860 metres (590 to 2,820 ft) above sea level with a number of named peaks:[3]
The lower elevations are to be found near Biloela and along Callide Creek and Kroombit Creek with elevations generally increasing further to the east.[3]
The south-east of the locality is within Kroombit Tops National Park, which extends into neighbouring Tablelands and Cania and beyond to Boyne Valley.[7] Apart from this protected area, the predominant land use is grazing on native vegetation with some crop growing on the lower elevations in the west of the locality.[7]
Wreckage of the B-24D Liberator Bomber - Beautiful Betsy
On 2 August 1994, the wreckage of a United States Army Air Forces Consolidated B-24D Liberator, Beautiful Betsy, was discovered in the Valentine Plains section of Kroombit Tops National Park. The aircraft had gone missing in stormy weather on 26 February 1945 while on a "Fat Cat" run from Darwin to Brisbane - transporting men and supplies as part of a regular flight.[12] Eight servicemen lost their lives; six of the men were American aviators and two were British Royal Air Force Spitfire pilots. The crash site is well-presented, with a plaque erected by National Parks (approx 24°27′52″S150°54′51″E / 24.46441°S 150.91426°E / -24.46441; 150.91426 (Wreck site of Beautiful Betsy)).[13][14][15][16][17]
Demographics
In the 2016 census, Valentine Plains had a population of 394 people.[18]
In the 2021 census, Valentine Plains had a population of 373 people.[1]
Education
There are no schools in Valentine Plains. The nearest government primary schools are Biloela State School in neighbouring Biloela to the west, Thangool State School in neighbouring Thangool in the south-west, and Mount Murchison State School in the neighbouring Mount Murchison to the north-west. The nearest government secondary school is Biloela State High School in Biloela.[19]
^"Beautiful Betsy no longer lost". The Canberra Times. Vol. 69, no. 21, 686. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 31 August 1994. p. 9. Archived from the original on 17 February 2024. Retrieved 17 February 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
^"Bush gives up wartime secret". Army. No. 867. Australia, Australia. 20 October 1994. p. 14. Archived from the original on 17 February 2024. Retrieved 17 February 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
