Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail

Route Length: 90km

Difficulty: Easy

Surface Type: Kilkivan to Murgon: gravel. Murgon to Kingaroy: paved.

Suitable For: Beginners

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This hidden gem awaits …

The Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail is a must-do — 90km of blissfully traffic free riding through some of the nicest countryside in Queensland.

The KKRT is best considered as two rail trails, because the sections managed by Gympie Regional Council and South Burnett Regional Council have some major differences.

Kilkivan to Murgon is 45km (which apart from from about 6km is all in Gympie LGA), and it is the mildly adventurous section, with creek crossings and gravel surfaces, weaving through the cuttings around Manyung. It also has many gates, which is fine if you are riding in a group — take turns at who can be the most courteous gate-opener! But if you are riding solo, then you will get a lot of practice in dismounts and remounts — good news for the cyclocross enthusiasts among us.

Murgon to Kingaroy is also 45km long through the South Burnett LGA. This part is the family-friendly roll through the countryside, with trees planted beside the trail, and places to jump off and have a dip in Barambah Creek, or a picnic beside the trail next to the disused Wondai Butter Factory.

Like all rail trails, the gradients are gentle throughout. However, there are substantial height differences if you ride the whole way on the KKRT.

Kingaroy is at 425 metres above sea level, and Kilkivan is 150 metres above sea level.

So if you are going one way, and you get to choose which direction to ride … Kingaroy is the place to launch from. If you are doing the trail as an “out and back” over a couple of days, then start in Kilkivan and get the downhill run to finish off.

There are so many great little towns along the route, especially in the southern half. We totally recommend getting off the trail for a little explore around Goomeri, Murgon, Wondai, Tingoora (historic pub!), Wooroolin (amazing wetlands) and Memerambi.

There are free campsites on the trail at Wondai and Wooroolin.

What’s In the Area?

FOOD: There are cafes and/or general stores in Kilkivan, Goomeri, Murgon, Wondai, & Wooroolin. If you are riding from Kilkivan, may we suggest The Coffee Bar 4605 when you get to Murgon,

THINGS TO DO: In Kingaroy you’ll find the well known Lavender Farm at Pottique. 

BIKE SHOP: Gympie Bicycle Centre is your closest option from the Kilkivan end. While on the KKRT, if you have a mechanical issue, try Out There Cycling, who visit the trail often.

AMENITIES: Locations of toilets and water are listed on the RideWith GPS map for this ride.

ACCOMMODATION: There are options for hotel, motel and caravan park accommodation in Murgon and Kingaroy. Kilkivan has a pub with a motel attached, and free camping near the trail.