Kilkivan is a small, relaxed country town with a slightly higher-humidity
climate than most of the South Burnett because of its proximity to the coast.
The central area of town has several
very pretty parks and many delightful
heritage buildings, some of which have been fully restored in recent
years.
Kilkivan is surrounded by hilly country intersected by numerous small
ranges and ravines. While large areas of the landscape have been cleared
into grasslands for beef cattle, dense belts of eucalypt scrub still abound
in the area.
Kilkivan has a long and interesting history (see further below) and
has a distinctive and unique "frontier" feel. It's still quite common to
see horses and carts being ridden into town and wide-brimmed hats are seen
more frequently in Kilkivan than any other part of the South Burnett.
Major annual events include the Kilkivan Great Horse Ride (held each
April - this event routinely draws close to 1,000 horses and riders); the
Kilkivan Campdraft (held in September each year); the Kilkivan
Beef Festival (held in late September); and the Christmas Carnival
(each December).
