Kilcoy

Kilcoy Shire is a predominantly rural shire covering an area of 1446 square kilometers. The most recent estimates put the resident population at 3604. Some of the most picturesque countryside of the State can be found within Kilcoy Shire. The abundant natural beauty makes the shire a very desirable place to live, work and play. Situated just 94 kilometers from the Brisbane CBD, Kilcoy has progressed extensively since its inception in 1913 from part of the Caboolture Divisional Board and now offers residents and visitors all the amenities and attributes that are desirable in a modern community. Predominant industries in the area include beef cattle, and to a lesser degree, dairying, small crops (stone fruit, strawberries, grapes, cut flowers) and aquaculture. One of the major employers in the area Kilcoy Pastoral Company operates a small but efficient abattoir renowned for its quality export beef, while Searles Garden Products produces a range of fertilizers and garden supplements used throughout Australia and overseas. The wine industry and tourism are emerging as strong contributors to future economic growth.

While the focus of industry in the surrounding area has changed over the years, the primary role of Council is still to assume responsibility for the good rule and government of the area. Whilst the shire has a small population in comparison to other shires in the south east corner of Queensland it does boast considerable natural beauty. Kilcoy is strategically located on the D'Aguilar Highway in close proximity to Brisbane, the Sunshine and Gold Coasts. Residents can enjoy a country lifestyle and still access and enjoy the attractions of the city and coastal areas.

There is something for everyone in the Kilcoy Shire. Romantic Bed and Breakfast accommodation and wineries for couples, family camping fun by Lake Somerset, craft shops for the creative. 4WD courses and water sports for the adventure seekers and the infamous Yowie for lovers of all things curious. Coordinate your visit with one of Kilcoy's famous events for a truly memorable visit.

The friendly volunteers at the Visitor Information Centre located in the Kilcoy Craft Cottage Hope Street Kilcoy (07)54971888, can help you with your accommodation and load you up with all the information you need to explore this special rural region. While you're there take time to browse through the craft cottage and discover Kilcoy's creative talent.

Yowie Park is the ideal place to enjoy a picnic and plan how you will enjoy your stay in Kilcoy. Fringed with weeping willows and overlooking Fred Greensill Lake, the park is right beside the Information Centre and has barbecues, picnic tables and amenities. Standing tall in the centre of the park is a statue of the yowie - a mysterious creature believed to have been last seen just a few kilometers away in 1979.

Kilcoy History

Taking pride of place in the town is the clock mounment roundabout which was erected as a memorial to William Butler, one of the original pioneers. A strong farming heritage has resulted in a booming beef and dairy industry which is also diversifying into turf farming, wine and table grapes, strawberries, citrus and stone fruits. The variety of produce assures you of country cuisine at its freshest. Take time to sample Kilcoy's earthly bounty in several different styles and venues. Bite into a famous Kilcoy steak at one of the pubs, munch on a hot meat pie from the bakery or sample wine and cheese at one of the vinyards. The wine industry is young and robust in the Kilcoy Shire. Rich Volcanic soils, fresh air and passionate viticulturists have grown a wine industry to be proud of. Most vineyards offer cellar door tastings and sales but some are only open by appointment.

As well as enjoying the water activities on the lake you will also find that the local area has many activities and attractions to offer. The nearby town of Kilcoy is only 10 minutes away, as well as all the fun of the Sunshine Coast, less than an hour away.

Kilcoy is a real 'country town', with the country hospitality to match. Take a wander through the town centre and check out the 2 pubs (the Stanley and the Exchange), as well as the bakery, arts and craft stores and the tourist information centre adjacent to Yowie Park.

Yowie Park is a great spot to sit and eat lunch, as well as check out the statue of the famous 'Kilcoy Yowie'. For quite a while people would steal his wooden penis and the council would replace it. They even tried adding a metal one. That was stolen too. So Yowie is now genderless. And you know what you will find adorning the mantlepiece in many Kilcoy homes!

Other things to do in Kilcoy include having a flutter at the Kilcoy Race Club, picking up a bargain at the Kilcoy Markets (2nd and last Saturday of every month), or playing a round at the Kilcoy Golf Club. For the kids you could also try the BMX track, Skate Park, or the swimming pool at the Kilcoy Bicentennial Gardens.

For more information on any of these activities please contact the Tourist Information Centre or Kilcoy Shire Council.

A short drive (40km north) will take you to the old gold mining and timber town of Jimna. Stroll the streets to soak up the atmosphere of days gone by. Driving further north of Jimna will take you to the peaceful National Parks. Here you can enjoy a spectacular 360 degree panoramic view over the State Forests from the viewing platform atop the 44m fire tower. Twenty-two kms north of Jimna is the Landcruiser Mountain Park, a must do for all 4WD enthusiasts.

Last, but not least, the Kilcoy Shire is home to a number of boutique wineries. Why not take a leisurely drive through the country and sample some of thier wares. On the last Saturday of every month the park has a wine tasting afternoon from 4pm sponsored by Hunting Lodge Winery.

If you're driving down a quiet road near the country town of Kilcoy and see something shadowy and hairy bounding among the trees, chances are you've seen a Yowie. Kilcoy, about an hour-and-a-half north-west of downtown Brisbane, is renowned as the home of this mystical creature.

Kilcoy War Memorial

Take a drive to Kilcoy

The district's population is about 3,000. The town is located near the northernmost reaches of Lake Somerset, where there is fishing, camping and water-sports.

Kilcoy's Craft Cottage

Vineyards and a winery exist at Mt Archer in the western part of the Kilcoy Shire if you want to sample a local drop. On the eating front, Kilcoy steaks are said to be mouth-watering and the local bakehouse serves up a heap of freshly baked treats.

Kilcoy is well fitted out with bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels and a caravan park plus a supermarket and service stations.