If you're after a pleasant day ride in South-East Queensland, try the trip from Kilkivan to the Kinbombi Falls.

I've driven past this turn-off hundreds of times, and every time thought to myself "I should duck down there and have a look". Today I did just that. I wasn't riding past, I rode there on purpose.

Kinbombi Falls is a stepped water fall that has carved it's way through the rock conglomerate of an ancient river bed. There are many rock pools that follow the path of the creek and a number of paths that wind along the ridge and through the gorge. The falls aren't flowing at the moment due to lack of rain, but it's easy to see how spectacular they would be if the water was flowing. The pool at the base of the falls is reported to be over 10 metres deep and perfect for swimming on hot summer days, with the cliffs providing cooling shade.

At the camping/picnic grounds there are no signs to the falls. I found the path by heading toward the only building...the loo.
The path starts as concrete steps and there must be over 200 of them down to the base of the falls. There are also unmarked tracks that take off from the path, they are unmarked and have no hand rails so be careful following these.

From the base of the falls you can see two other observation points on the cliff walls. However, finding the path to these is not obvious. At this time of year (Autumn/Winter) it is obvious the trails are not well used and have become overgrown. The silk webs of Golden Orb spiders are everywhere. My tip is to take off your sunglasses to see them better and hopefully you won't walk into one.

The path to "Smith's Steps" is just a dirt trail that takes off to the left as you head down to the bottom of the falls. I did notice some pink marking ribbon on a few saplings but the path is not obvious. Don't worry though, you won't get lost and the walk it worth it.

The path along the cliffs provides an excellent view to the base of the gorge. On the opposite side you can see grass trees and I'm told, rock wallabies on occasion. If you have children along, take care, the drops close on either side of the path at one point is very steep and very deep.

I spent an hour walking around and could easily have spent another 3 or 4 if I'd taken my full set of camera gear.


The facilities at the camp ground are basic. No drinking water or firewood, and only basic BBQ equipment. Firewood would be fairly easy to find depending on the time of year, but you should think of taking everything with you. If, like me, you chose to ride here, consider having lunch at the Kilkivan Takeaway. They do a mean works burger.


Kinbombi Falls is about 18kms on the Goomeri side of Kilkivan along the Wide-Bay Highway. The exit off the highway is well signposted and is only 5kms from the main drag.

If you're coming up from Brisbane or the Sunshine coast, you can do a loop by continuing on past Kinbombi Falls to Nannango and on to Kilcoy. The ride on the Wide Bay Highway is very easy and the road is better than average in most places. The Kinbombi Falls road is a single lane bitumen strip in excellent condition.

Tags: road trips, motorcycles