The Kingaroy-Kilkivan Rail Trail (KKRT) is a 100 kilometre recreation trail under construction from Kingaroy to Kilkivan. The trail follows the old Kingaroy Branch railway and is planned open to walkers, touring cyclists and horse riders. The trail details the history and landscape of the South Burnett and Kilkivan Regions.
Contents
Route
The top end of the trail is located on top of Australia’s Great Dividing Range - north-west of Brisbane and directly west of Gympie. The Kilkivan to Murgon section of the trail includes Goomeri and is located in the upper reaches of the Mary River valley and crosses through vast farmland. The trail head at Kilkivan is located opposite the former railway station building near the Bicentennial National Trail. Kilkivan is 219 kilometres from Brisbane (via the Wide Bay and Bruce Highways or the Burnett, D'Aguilar and Bruce Highways). Kilkivan and Goomeri are located on the Wide Bay Highway. The Kingaroy-Kilkivan Rail Trail joins the larger Bicentennial National Trail at Kilkivan.
Use
The trail is for walking, cycling and horse riding only. The surface is not suitable for road/racing bicycles, personal mobility vehicles or horse-drawn vehicles. Motorised vehicles of any type are prohibited to keep trail users safe.The trail surface is to be compacted gravel (in populated areas) and grass (in rural areas) with timber and concrete creek crossings.
Plants
In the Wondai State Forest section of the trail, native eucalypt forests and vast woodlands communities grow. The Wondai State Forest produces timber, but also provides the habitats of many plants and animals. Most of the vegetation is the same throughout the trail, though the swamps around Wooroolin are home to some water based vegetation.
Progress
As of December 2015, the railway track and sleepers have been removed and trees have been planted to provide shade for users. The rail bridges have been either removed or barricaded to make way for new trail infrastructure. South Burnett Regional Council have purchased new bridge materials (timber and steel) and fittings, chchanes for road crossings and nearly 400 meters of hand rail, all from local businesses and workplaces. The corridor is clear and nearly ready for major works and construction.