Things to Do While Visiting Killarney

Killarney has a full range of local activities. This includes a wide range of activities centred around the Killarney Recreation Centre which includes a 9 hole golf course that welcomes visitors. An essential tool for all visitors is the "Guide to the Cambanoora Gorge". To purchase a copy send $7.50 (including postage) to Killarney Area Promotion Association Inc., C/O Killarney Post Office, Qld, 4373

Sightseeing

Killarney is truly the scenic gem of Queensland's Southern Downs. To the east of Killarney the Border Ranges will treat you to a whole host of mountainous views. Enjoy the rugged cliff lines to the east of Killarney at sunset. 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 to picnic. For an eastern view, Carrs Lookout and the Teviot Falls Lookout are hard to beat. The McPherson Ranges bordering Killarney are a magnificent part of the Great Dividing Range formed millions of years ago, when the second largest shield volcano in the world exploded to form the Mt Warning caldera.

Walking

Take a relaxing stroll through the streets of the villages of our region and you 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. Their changing colours in Autumn, and the crunch of leaves underfoot, is a joy for adults and children. 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.

Historic/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 1840's. You can visit the Killarney Heritage Centre (located at the RSL Hall in Acacia Street) on weekends which specialises in assisting with local family history. It has a grand collection of local historical photos, articles and small artefacts. A five minute visit can quickly pass into an hour!

Pick up a Picnic

Sharing a picnic is a must while you are in Killarney - no matter the weather! Whether on a broad road side with a lovely view, or at one of a multitude of picnicking areas. Rather than stress yourself out with the picnic preparation why not let someone else take the hard work by calling ahead to order food and drink from one of our takeaway shops - fresh roles or sandwiches and cold drinks - or the Killarney Coop - fresh fruit platters, fresh bread and cheeses. For contact information - see our Local Directory.

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 BBQ areas. Or 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 BBQ areas.

Fauna

If you are camping overnight in this beautiful area you will have a good chance of seeing the rare Spotted Tail Quoll. If you can spend a quiet evening on the banks of the Condamine River you may be lucky enough to see a platypus. While not as numerous as birds, there are many resident mammals in our region, including the echidna, platypus, spotted-tailed quoll, red-necked pademelon, red-legged pademelon, bandicoots and numerous species of possums, gliders and flying-foxes.

Flora

There is a wide range of native Flora in our region. Take the time to stop and smell the wild flowers while you enjoy your stay in our scenic area.

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, 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 your return 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. Another great loop with a little bit of off road follows the unsealed O'Mara's Road from its intersection with Claydons Road (great views) down to Mt Colliery then you can take a lovely sealed road to your left to Tannymorel then return to Killarney. A very pleasant and popular local loop (all sealed) follows Condamine River Road to it's intersection with Brosnans road, then back to Killarney by the Killarney-Legume Rd. For Bike Tours see Tours in the Local Directory.

Driving

Base yourself in Killarney for day trips to Stanthorpe, Warwick, Allora, Boonoo Boonoo National Park, Leslie Dam and the spectacular Condamine Gorge. Or if you are the adventurous type - 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 your landmarks to let you get a little lost without ever being more than a an hour or so from your Killarney base. TIP: Take a map and if you are REALLY lost - ask a local. Remember to bring your binoculars, a camera and pack or pick up a picnic!

Bush walking

Killarney is a fantastic place to base yourself for bush-walking if you are an experienced bush-walker. 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.Remote area walking is only advised in the cooler weather, usually April to September. An easy walk - Queen Mary Falls: For an easy but memorable two kilometre stroll through the bush to see the horseshoe-shaped Queen Mary Falls, where Spring Creek spills 40 metres down an escarpment to join the Condamine. Look closely and you might see platypuses, red spiny crayfish and pademelons as well as 100 different bird species including lyrebirds, rufous fantails and superb blue wrens. Contact to Keith at Trekright for guided Bush Walking Tours.

Bird watching

If you are a keen ornithologist you will no doubt be familiar with our region due to the large variety of birds to be spotted. If you are visiting or just passing through Killarney make sure you bring your binoculars and camera to go bird watching early morning or late afternoon. Stop at Queen Mary falls and you will have a good chance of seeing the bower of the satin bower bird. It is estimated there are over 170 bird species, many of which are rare and threatened.

Camping

Whether you're pitching a tent, or parking a caravan or motor-home, caravanning and camping are great ways to experience Killarney. We ask you to support our local area by supporting our accommodation providers, as listed in the Local Directory. For camping stay at the Killarney View Caravan Park or at the Queen Mary Falls Caravan Park. Note that there is no official "bush" camping in the immediate Killarney area. The majority of sites in the Condamine Gorge are on private property and require the owner's permission. While some camp sites are on the road side, the Council strongly discourages their use.