The West
Pioneer Country - Authentic Rural Queensland Heritage
Miles and miles of deep blue sky, expansive wide open spaces, rolling hills and vast amounts of country as far as the eye can see in any direction. We call this “The West” and it’s got a real ‘frontier feel’ about it. And why not? We’re proud that our ancestors were among the first Queenslanders to settle out west to work the land and raise their cattle.
The western reaches of the Gympie Region embody the genuine spirit of rural Queensland, where pioneering heritage, pastoral traditions, and country hospitality create an immersive experience in Australia’s agricultural heartland.
The Heroes of The West
This region encompasses the historic towns of Kilkivan, Goomeri and Woolooga; each maintaining their unique character while sharing common themes of resilience, community spirit, with connection to the land and country life.
The landscape of The West features rolling hills, productive farmlands, remnant forests, and pastoral properties that have been worked by farming families for generations. This authentic rural environment provides visitors with opportunities to experience genuine Australian country life, from farm stays on working properties to traditional country pubs serving hearty meals and fostering community gatherings.
Heritage Trails & Driving Routes
Self-drive routes connect the western towns while passing through scenic countryside and historical sites. These trails feature interpretive signs explaining local history, agricultural development, and environmental features.
Wildlife and Nature
The western region supports diverse wildlife in both natural areas and agricultural landscapes. Native species commonly observed include kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and various bird species. Seasonal wildflower displays create spectacular natural shows, particularly after good rains.
Kilkivan
The town of Kilkivan was named by first settler John Daniel MacTaggart, after his family farm in the Kintyre region of Scotland. But we really owe our origins to the discovery of gold in the late 1860’s – and, as some will tell you, well before the ‘gold that saved Queensland’ was found in Gympie City. But that’s another story!
Our first township was actually built on the goldfields but had to be moved when gold was found there too. This became the site of the Prophet Mine.
Eventually, Kilkivan became an agricultural based economy, but even today parts of the area, such as Cinnabar (another name for mercury deposits which were mined there) still echo our early mining past.
Goomeri
Known for its relaxed old world charm, the village of Goomeri was first settled in 1846 when the Boonara Station and Booubyjan Homestead were founded here.
With the sale of rural allotments and town blocks in 1911, the township swelled a bit, but this part of our region has always been known, then and now, for its strong connection to the land and, as a pastoral community.
Today, it’s probably best known as home to the Goomeri Pumpkin Festival and as the northern gateway to the South Burnett wine region.
Woolooga
Woolooga represents the charm of small rural communities, where traditional country values and tight-knit social networks create an authentic Australian country experience. The town serves surrounding pastoral properties and farming operations while maintaining facilities and services that support both residents and visitors.
The area around Woolooga provides opportunities for visitors to experience working farm life through farm stays, agricultural tours, and participation in seasonal activities such as mustering, shearing demonstrations, and crop harvesting.
The surrounding landscape includes remnant native vegetation, seasonal wildflower displays, and creek systems that provide habitat for native wildlife. Walking trails and scenic drives showcase the natural beauty while interpretive signs explain local ecology and land management practices.
Goomeri Bakery
Nestled quietly in the town centre of Goomeri, is our unassuming bakery of the same name. But don’t be fooled – you’re in for an unexpected delight!
Real, fresh baked baguettes, shiny fruit tarts, melt-in-your-mouth pastries and coffee that’s (as we all know) worthy of a drive, this is authentic French cuisine right in the middle of the country!
The Town of 1911
It’s our War Memorial Clock (we call it the “Lest We Forget”) that really dominates our town centre. Unveiled in 1940, it’s our memorial to the 9 local men who fell in the First World War and the brave 12 who fell in the Second World War and, it holds a very special place in our hearts. So, why are we sometimes known as Town of 1911?
In 1911, 12,000 hectares of rural allotments and town blocks were opened up for settlement here. This drew hundreds of new residents to our area and in honour of this famous sale, we became known as Town of 1911.
Kinbombi Falls
Hidden in the heart of our cattle country in amongst the wide open landscapes and rolling hills, you’ll find Kinbombi Falls, a natural oasis with rock pools bordered by steep rocky cliffs and a beautiful cascading waterfall.
Best explored after good rainfall when the pools are deep and the falls are flowing.
The pools aren’t immediately obvious from the parking area up top. But don’t give up!
We’ve got 225 stairs to get you all the way down to the waterhole right at the bottom of falls.
For those who make the effort to get down we recommend a cool dip in the fresh waters of Kinbombi Creek. It’s a great spot to cool off in on one of our famous hot summer days or, better still, to prepare yourself for the calf-burning 225 steps back up to the car.
No gym needed out here. Turtles are a bonus.
Great Australian Pumpkin Roll
Make sure you head to Goomeri for the last weekend in May!
The Great Australian Pumpkin Roll is the highlight of our wonderful Goomeri Pumpkin Festival which now attracts upwards of 18,000 visitors each year.
People of all ages and walks of life gather together at the top of Policeman’s Hill and, using a range of techniques to compete for the title of “highest roller”.
Apart from all-things pumpkin, this is a festival like it used-to-be – a real community celebration with a pumpkin Queen and consort, a heritage and outback street parade and with a nod to our pastoral past, working sheep dog trials.
Today’s festival just bursts with fun, colour, music, roving entertainment, market stalls and food trucks.
Mt Clara Chimney Stack
In the upper reaches of Fat Hen Creek, about 13 km outside Kilkivan, is Mt Clara Chimney Stack, Queensland’s oldest surviving copper smelter built in 1873.
Once part of an active copper mine and a first for Queensland, it’s mostly ruins now, but locals know that if you look closely enough, little remnants of our gold mining past can be found in the grounds surrounding the chimney.
Heritage listed, the Chimney Stack was added to Queensland Heritage Register in 1992.
Kilkivan & District Museum
A tribute to our past – we’re proud of our little museum.
Today it’s called the Kilkivan & District Museum and Visitor Centre and this golden past is told across eight different historical buildings – from a railway fettler’s cottage and railway cream shed to a stockman’s hut and Forestry Barracks.
It’s also got a huge collection of historical documents and photos here, just in case you’re trying to find an ancestor. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00am – 3.00pm or by appointment, this little gem’s worth calling ahead for.
Great Kilkivan Horse Ride
We have a real connection to all things horses and horsemanship and we’re proud to be on the Bi-Centennial National Trail, (travelling from Cooktown in Northern Queensland to Victoria in the south).
This trail was the inspiration for our own Great Horse Ride which each year, brings together hundreds of riders to cross some of our region’s most picturesque forest trails on horseback. It’s really quite something to behold.
Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail
Looking for a cycling challenge? Head to Kilkivan, start of the Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail, a branch railway corridor developed in the early 1900’s.
This one’s definitely not for the Sunday cyclist or the boring bitumen biker. No! This one’s rustic and it’s real and it’ll take you over 88 kms of rolling hills and farm lands through Goomeri to Kingaroy!
Be prepared for steep inclines and wade-able creeks, but the views from Cinnabar sidings and the French pastries at the Goomeri Bakery make it all worthwhile.
Can also be done on horse or by foot.