Whether it be playing golf or getting off the beaten track, Killarney has a wide range of activities to enjoy.
Rodeo show
On 8 August the Killarney Rodeo and Show Society will hold its Bulls, Barrels and Kids event from 10am with the evening program from 3pm.
Gate admission is $5 and free entry for school children.
Then on 30 August it will hold the Waddle and Saddle – a mixed ride for horse riders, cyclists and walkers along the historic Condamine River Road in the beautiful Condamine Gorge near Killarney.
The road is part of the Bicentennial National Trail.
On the day of the Waddle and Saddle the road is closed to vehicle traffic and participants follow in the tracks of the bullock teams and pioneers through the soaring cliffs and 14 river crossings of the gorge, enjoying a billy tea and damper along the way before returning home to a barbecue lunch.
The entire trip is 22 kilometres.
For more information head to www.killarneyshow.org.au.
Sightseeing
To the east of Killarney, the Border Ranges has a whole host of mountainous views.
Visitors can enjoy the rugged cliff lines to the east of Killarney at sunset and experience the coolness of a multitude of spectacular waterfalls on a hot summer’s afternoon.
Head to the hills above Mt Colliery for panoramic views of the Darling Downs to the west or above Legume for a stunning southern outlook.
In many areas the road verges are wide enough for a picnic.
For an eastern view, Carrs Lookout and the Teviot Falls Lookout are hard to beat.
Walking
Walkers who take a relaxing stroll through the streets of the villages of the region will be greeted by friendly waves.
The villages include Killarney, Tannymorel, Yangan, Emu Vale and Legume.
The streets of Tannymorel are graced by beautiful big plane trees which give the atmosphere of walking through a park.
The beautifully restored buildings of Yangan are best experienced on foot with the three levels of the main street creating a natural loop for a short stroll.
Emu Vale and Legume give a great opportunity to leave the car and walk along the wide road verges.
History and heritage
Killarney was part of the first European settlement on the Darling Downs as an outstation of Canning Downs, taken up by the Leslie Brothers in the 1840s.
Visit the Killarney Heritage Centre on weekends which specialises in assisting with local family history.
Swimming
The local swimming pool in the main street of Killarney is a popular place to cool down.
Picnic tables are available within the complex or the Bicentennial Park next door provides tables and barbecue areas.
Alternatively enjoy a paddle in the cool waters of the Condamine River or Spring Creek.
Watering areas along the Condamine River Road are accessible to all vehicle types but 4WD is required for access to the Condamine Gorge.
Browns Falls Park is bounded by Spring Creek and offers picnic tables and barbecue areas.
Cycling
The scenic area surrounding Killarney is a popular cycling area with a variety of terrain to suit all levels of experience.
The undulating open country to the west of Killarney makes for easy and scenic rides and there are many sealed roads with little traffic as an alternative to the highway.
Why not explore the mountain villages and stop for a snack in Yangan before returning to Killarney?
For a taste of the off-road, the Condamine River Road, through the Condamine Gorge, is a great challenge.
Complete the loop by travelling via Queen Mary Falls – not for the unfit or faint-hearted.
Driving
Use Killarney as a base for day trips to Stanthorpe, Warwick, Allora, Boonoo Boonoo National Park, Leslie Dam and the spectacular Condamine Gorge.
Or the adventurous types can get lost (just a little bit)!
Let the NSW border to the south, the mountains to the east, the Cunningham Highway to the north and the New England Highway to the west be the landmarks to get a little lost without ever being more than a an hour or so from Killarney.
Bush walking
Killarney is a fantastic base for experienced bush-walkers.
Local destinations include Queen Mary Falls (an easy one), Browns Falls, Mt Superbus, the Lincoln Wreck, the Steamers and Wilsons Peak.
It is also the closest town to the southern end of the Main Range Through Walk – Cunninghams to Teviot Gap.
Contact the Main Range National Park office for assistance with route advice and other detailed information.
Guidebooks covering most walks are available from specialist camping stores and some bookshops.
Bird watching
Keen ornithologists are no doubt familiar with the region’s large variety of birds.
It is estimated there are more than 170 bird species, many of which are rare and threatened.
The Killarney Bush Care group has produced a bird watchers’ guide which will be an invaluable help to keen twitchers and the casual birdwatcher.
Finding out more
The Guide to the Cambanoora Gorge is available from the Killarney Area Promotion Association or head to www.killarney.org.au or keep up-to-date with what’s happening in the town on its Facebook page What’s on Killarney QLD.
