The Queensland police and native troops carried out extensive massacres in the area to rid it of blacks.

In one incident in 1884, at Skull Pocket just north of the town, a group of Yidinji were surrounded at night, and at dawn mowed down after they fled on hearing the first shot.

[6] In the early 1880s, the area around Allumbah Pocket was used as an overnight stop for miners travelling west from the coast.

The name Yungaburra comes from the local Yidiny word janggaburru, denoting the Queensland silver ash (Flindersia bourjotiana).

[3][8] By 1911, indigenous numbers had fallen to 20% of the pre-settlement population due to disease, conflict with settlers and loss of habitat.

[citation needed] In January 1911, residents of Kulara (a small town to the north of Yungaburra) began lobbying for a school, claiming there were 42 children in the district.

[citation needed] Yungaburra is also the site of the war memorial to soldiers lost, opened 22 June 2013.

[citation needed] Yungaburra has a library at Maud Kehoe Park operated by the Tablelands Regional Council.

[35] The Yungaburra branch of the Queensland Country Women's Association meets at the QCWA Hall on the corner of Cedar Street and the Gillies Highway.

Tracks lead to Frawley's Pool, a popular swimming hole and picnic area, then further to Yungaburra's historical train bridge.

[citation needed] Yungaburra has access to the southern arm of Lake Tinaroo which is popular for fishing, canoeing, sailing, swimming, water-skiing and camping.