Kilkivan is one of the few towns actually situated on the National Trail, which runs from Cooktown to Victoria, and this was the inspiration for establishing the annual Kilkivan Great Horse Ride in 1986.
The Kilkivan Great Horse Ride was first suggested by Widgee grazier and former Kilkivan Shire councillor, the late Fabian Webb, who wanted people of all ages and riding ability, from all walks of life, to get involved with a recreational ride through the scenic country around Kilkivan.
In 1988, the Queensland opening of the National Trail was incorporated into the ride and the legendary late R M Williams was among the riders who participated.
When the Kilkivan Shire celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2008, and to mark the occasion, the council unveiled a life-size statue of Fabian Webb (pictured right) astride his horse Smoky. Mr Webb was the council’s longest serving councillor having spent 37 years in local government.
Image courtesy of the South Burnett Times.
Mike Webb leads one of the trails. From an article published in the Courier Mail on 2 March 2012.
The late Fabian Webb next to the statue of him astride his horse Smoky. The statue is outside the Kilkivan Shire Hall in the main street of town.
Kilkivan Great Horse Ride & Country Escape 2025 is an annual event held in Kilkivan, South-East Queensland. The event is organised by the Kilkivan Great Horse Ride Association Inc., a not-for-profit community organisation run by volunteers.
PO Box 52
Kilkivan Queensland 4600
