Kilkivan and Goomeri

What the locals love
💗 Stop for a chicken parmi and pint at Joe’s Grand Hotel.
💗 Stroll through Goomeri’s historical streets and scope out the original 1920s buildings.
💗 Go for a historic cycle along the Kilkivan Rail Trail.

Steeped in history, a stroll down Kilkivan’s charming streets lined with heritage buildings will have you feeling like you’ve stepped onto the set of a Western flick. Back in 1852, it was near Kilkivan that gold was first discovered in Queensland, sparking the gold rush. Today in this Gympie Region village, you’ll still spy amateur prospectors panning for gold in the surrounding countryside intersected by ranges and ravines. 

Kilkivan, Gympie Region, Queensland

Kilkivan is one of only a few towns situated on the Bicentennial National Trail - a 5000km long trail stretching from Cooktown in Queensland, to Healesville in Victoria. A historic coach and stock route once used for long-distance horse treks, today keen hikers and cyclists can traverse through the countryside amongst rugged mountains, dry plains, and valleys. Mountain bikers will want to steer their wheels towards the Kilkivan Rail Trail!

Should you be in this charming corner of the Sunshine Coast in April, make sure you stick around for the Kilkivan Great Horse Ride & Country Weekend Escape, a spectacular sight attracting plenty of horses, riders, and more.

Goomeri

Goomeri, Gympie Region, Queensland

Bursting with country charm and original 1920s buildings, Goomeri is a former timber town that oozes a relaxed old-world atmosphere... making it the perfect place to stop and slow down on your next trip up north.

Once you’ve snapped enough pics of this adorable town to fill your camera roll, snag a table at Joe’s Grand Hotel. Here, the beer is cold and the meal portions are huge - stick around and fuel up. If you’re after something sweet, you can’t beat Goomeri Bakery & Coffee Shop where you can stock up on all your comfort food cravings.

Perhaps the coolest thing about this quirky town? It’s home to Australia’s only Pumpkin Festival, which is held annually and features the exciting ‘Great Australian Pumpkin Roll’. 

Want to discover more about the Gympie Region? Check out our guide here.