About Kilkivan

Statue outside the Kilkivan Public Hall

Kilkivan is a small, relaxed country town with a unique ‘frontier’ feel. It was near Kilkivan in 1852 that gold was first discovered in Queensland leading to a gold rush. Many amateur prospectors still pan for gold in the surrounding countryside.

The town has open spaces and delightful heritage buildings, some of which have been fully restored.  Kilkivan is one of only a few towns situated on the National Trail – a 5500km trail stretching from Cooktown in Queensland, to Healesville in Victoria.

Kilkivan is home to the Kilkivan Great Horse Ride and the Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail.


Kilkivan featured on the ABC Back Roads story hosted by Lisa Millar on the South Burnett Rail Trail on 1 October 2024. The episode can be viewed on ABC IView.