Cycle the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail

 | Shawn Flannery
| Shawn Flannery

Cycle the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail

 
At 161km, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is Australia's longest rail trail. However, even this isn't enough for travellers who want to continue exploring the delights of country Queensland. This has led to an optional extension to include the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail. The full length of the epic combined Brisbane Valley and Kilkivan Rail Trail Self-Guided Tour is 315km and can be completed in 8 days.
 
Keep reading to find some commonly asked questions about the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail.
 
Linville Hotel on the BVRT |  <i>Shawn Flannery</i>
 

How long is the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail?

The Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail is 90km. 
 

What is the South Burnett Rail Trail?

The South Burnett Rail Trail is a section of the greater Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail. There is a passionate community group called the South Burnett Rail Trail Users Association, which is a not-for-profit group that promotes the use of the rail trail and its future enhancement and expansion.
 

What are the cycling conditions on the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail?

The 90km Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail passes through two councils and each section has a distinct feel. The first half, from Kingaroy to Murgon, is governed by the South Burnett Council. This is also known as the South Burnett Rail Trail. It features easy pedalling along a well-maintained path, which is actually Queensland's longest sealed rail trail at 44km. 
 
The second half, from Murgon to Kilkivan, offers a few more thrills with gravel terrain and small creeks to be crossed (the Gympie Regional Council has promised to build a bridge!).
 
Cycling the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail |  <i>Shawn Flannery</i>
 

What towns does the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail pass?

The starting point is the Kingaroy Railway Station. The trail then goes through Goomeri, Murgon, Wondai, Tingoora, Wooroolin, Memerambi and Crawford, before concluding at Kilkivan Railway Station. On the Brisbane Valley & Kilkivan Rail Trail Self-Guided Cycle tour, the overnight stays are in Nanango (the town before the rail trail), Wondai and Kilkivan.
 

What are the highlights of the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail?

Cycling the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail is a great way to become immersed in the laidback atmosphere of rural Queensland. Besides the heritage-listed pubs and churches, friendly locals, disused railway stations and regional produce, you can also see the following attractions.
 
Kingaroy is famous for its peanut production - it's why it's known as Australia's Peanut Capital. As you cycle into the town, you won't miss the gigantic peanut silos. It's essential to stop by the famous Peanut Van to try some of these local delicacies (their peanut brittle makes for a great cycling snack!).
 
Kilkivan Hotel |  <i>Shawn Flannery</i>
 
There's a nightly show that's free for all in Kingaroy. Due to the limited light pollution, on clear nights the light spectacle in the sky is incredible to witness. For a closer inspection, book a visit to the Kingaroy Observatory.
 
The small town of Goomeri is known for its annual pumpkin festival in May. Outside of this, the quiet country town punches above its size when it comes to gourmet produce and you can taste cheeses, wines, and (of course) pumpkins.
 

Which direction is the best to cycle the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail?

In our opinion, the better direction is to go from Kingaroy to Kilkivan, as this direction has you spending more time cycling downhill. This is the direction our Brisbane Valley & Kilkivan Rail Trail Self-Guided Cycle tour takes.
 
Old Linville Station |  <i>Shawn Flannery</i> Cycling Queensland's rail trails |  <i>Shawn Flannery</i> Sign to Yimbun |  <i>Shawn Flannery</i>
 

How can I cycle the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail?

You can cycle the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail as part of our combined Brisbane Valley & Kilkivan Rail Trail Self-Guided Cycle tour. This is an affordable 8-day trip that takes you through some of the best parts of rural Queensland. 
 
The first half of the itinerary follows the popular Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, from Wulkuraka to Yarraman. Upon reaching the endpoint in Yarraman, you connect the two distinct trails via the aptly named Link Trail, a 56km route that overnights in the country town of Nanango.
 
From Nanango, you'll cycle to the start of the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail at Kingaroy, and then continue on until the final destination at Kilkivan Railway Station. This is an amazing cycle journey of over 300 kilometres.
 

 
> View all rail trail tours
 
Church on the Kilkivan Rail Trail |  <i>Shawn Flannery</i> Yimbun Railway Tunnel |  <i>Shawn Flannery</i>
 

 
Do you want to cycle the Kingaroy to Kilkivan Rail Trail? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
 
  
 

 

Comments (2)

Sally

Can we hire bikes for the Kingaroy to Kilkivan trail ?

3 years ago
Will from Australian Cycle Tours

Hi Sally,

We include mountain bike hire on the self-guided Brisbane Valley and Kilkivan Rail Trail Combined Cycle tour. Check out the trip: https://www.australiancycletours.com.au/queensland/south-east-queensland/self-guided/brisbane-valley-and-kilkivan-rail-trail-combined-cycle
If you would like to just hire bikes, see Out There Cycling.

Cheers,
Will.

3 years ago
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