| Kilkivan Queensland |
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Kilkivan Hotel-Motel |
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Kilkivan
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| Population: | 339 (2006 census) |
| Postcode: | 4600 |
| Location: | |
| LGA: | Gympie Region |
| State District: | Callide |
| Federal Division: | Wide Bay |
Kilkivan ( /ˈkɪlkiːvæn/) is a town in the South Burnett region of Queensland, Australia. The town is located on the Wide Bay Highway, 224 kilometres (139 mi) north of the state capital, Brisbane and 54 kilometres (34 mi) west of Gympie. At the 2006 census, Kilkivan had a population of 339.[1]
Kilkivan was first settled by Europeans in the 1840s. Queensland’s first gold discovery was at Kilkivan in 1852 and subsequent findings escalated into a gold rush in the 1860s. The town was named for a pastoral run owned by pastoralist John Daniel Mactaggart after his father's farm name in Kintire, Scotland.[2]
The Kilkivan and District Museum and information centre in the main street features extensive displays which pay tribute to the regions early pioneers at the museum.
The country town features parks and restored historical buildings, a tribute to the town’s golden heyday. Kilkivan has antique stores, a historical walk and a unique cafe and B&B is housed in the town’s original bank.
With strong historical links to the old coach and stock routes, Kilkivan is one of the few towns on the Bicentennial National Trail. A stone plaque commemorates the opening of the trail in 1988. Travel by bike, horse or foot along historic routes through scenic country. The area is home to a variety of Australian native wildlife including possums, wallabies, birds and goannas. Camp under the gum trees at Rossmore Park close to Kilkivan, or at the overnight National Trail facility, complete with horse yards in Kilkivan.
The Kilkivan Great Horse Ride is held annually in April. Over 1000 horses and riders start from five points around Kilkivan and travel 20 – 30 km along parts of the National Trail to Kilkivan for the Grand Parade down the main street.
Mudlo Gap is a popular forest park 8.5 km north of Kilkivan.
Major industries today include tourism, beef, dairying and forestry.