Can I arrive at the Kilkivan Showgrounds on Thursday 9th?
Yes, you can. Additional nights are $10pp. Please make yourself known to an official on the grounds so we can arrange for you to pay an extra nights camping fee. It would be appreciated if you could email your intention to arrive early to kilkivangreathorseride@gmail.com
Are there any powered sites?
There are no powered sites on the showgrounds available to book unfortunately.
Can I camp in my gooseneck or horse float?
Yes. Camping at the showgrounds is horse friendly. You must bring your own horse yards or electric fence.
If I just want to put a swag up under my mate’s awning do I still have to pay a camping fee?
Yes, you do. The camping fee is per person per night.
Are there horse yards for my horses?
No. You must bring your own portable yards or electric fencing system. Please keep yards to a reasonable size. eg 6x6m per horse.
Can we use a generator at our campsite?
Yes. The use of generators is allowed, but only between the hours of 5.00am and 11.00pm. This rule will be strictly enforced.
Can we have a campfire?
Campfires are allowed, but not encouraged. If you have a fire it must be raised off the ground and in a brazier, portable fire pit such as a Compact Campfire or an OzPig-type stove. Fires must not be left unattended. The SES and Rural Fire Service will be on site and may ask people to extinguish a fire if it is not compliant.
Can we bring our dog?
Well behaved, socialised dogs are welcome, but must be securely contained or on a leash under the control of a responsible person at all times. (Exception made whilst competing in dog high jump) Please ensure to collect all droppings and dispose of appropriately.
What is the ground like where we are going to camp?
There is plenty of flat ground to park on, in the event we get a lot of rain prior, there may be sections that are a bit muddy and boggy. Do not camp in any area that has not been slashed or under trees that may drop limbs. Check the ground before you commit to your campsite.
How bad are the insects?
The grounds are adjacent to a creek, so be sure to bring repellent for both you and your horse.
Do the rides require horses to be shod or wear boots?
While we leave the wearing of shoes or boots to horse owners, it is recommended that horses wear shoes or boots on all the trails unless they are ridden extensively barefoot. The trail rides cover all types of terrain including bitumen roads, gravel roads, bush trails and creek crossings.
Are there food or drinks available on trails?
The Wongella trail has a pre purchase morning tea and lunch option that may be ordered here. The Thornside ride has morning tea and lunch included.
Are the trail rides restricted to walking only?
We like slow and steady rides, mainly because it’s safer. The longer rides may have an opportunity to ride a bit faster, but that will depend on the people on the ride, the trail marshals, and the terrain. This will be covered at the pre ride briefing.
Will any of the rides start or go through the Kilkivan Bush Camp?
The Thornside trail starts at Widgee and stops at the Bush Camp for lunch. All other rides will start from the Kilkivan Showgrounds .
Are there any age restrictions for riders?
Any rider under the age of 12 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Do we have to transport our horses to the start of the trail ride?
The Thornside trail leaves from Widgee. There is a shuttle service available for $5 pp, which can be booked online. Horses left at Kilkivan Showground at the conclusion of the ride while retrieving vehicles, must either be supervised or there are yards reserved for this purpose only available. The shuttle will leave from near these yards at the Kilkivan Showgrounds at 5pm sharp.
Is there water for horses on the trail?
Yes, there are creeks and troughs available to water horses.
I’ve entered a horse event, what do I do when I arrive?
Please find your campsite and settle your horses. Then make your way to the registration desk, with your horse health declaration form with you. Your waiver should have been completed online prior to your arrival to speed up the registration process. You will receive a wrist band on registration and must wear this to be able to compete.
If I have a question about my entry for the horse events where do I go?
Please come to the registration desk and we will endeavour to assist you.
Can I still enter for a horse event?
If there is online registration open for the event you wish to enter then you may enter that event.
Will there be a wait list for the horse events if I’ve missed out on an entry?
Yes it’s best to email your details to kilkivangreathorseride@gmail.com with the event you want to be on the list for and your contact details.
I have paid to camp and participate and now I can’t come. Can I get a refund?
The cancellation policy for the KGHR is 50% if you cancel before the 28 March 2026 & no refund if you cancel after the 28 March 2026.
Kilkivan Great Horse Ride & Kilkivan Country Festival is an annual event held in Kilkivan, South-East Queensland. The event is organised by the Kilkivan Great Horse Ride Inc., a not-for-profit community organisation run by volunteers.
PO Box 52
Kilkivan Queensland 4600