- Getting There
- Accommodation
- Camping
- Farm Stays and Retreats
- Things To Do
- Swimming
- Hiking
- 4WD’ing
- In Town
Kenilworth is a lively, little rural town planted in the heart of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, nestled amongst some of South East Queensland’s best national parks and forestry regions.
It is perfectly positioned as a base to explore this beautiful area, and is equally a great destination for weekend day trips from Brisbane. This destination guide offers some great accommodation and activity options for you to consider for your next road trip to this wonderful region so close to home.
Getting There
Kenilworth is about 150 kilometres from central Brisbane and is generally accessed via two routes. The first and more direct route will take you up the Bruce Highway to the Eumundi exit, that will then take you into Kenilworth from the north.
Alternatively, you can jump off the highway via the Steve Irwin Way exit near Beerburrum for a more scenic route. This threads it’s way through the Glasshouse Mountains and the hills surrounding Maleny. We prefer this route as the scenery is stunning, the winding roads offer a great drive, and there are a bunch of small towns scattered that are perfect for a pitstop or short explore along the way.
Kenilworth from the air (Source: kenilworth.qld.au)
Elizabeth Street, Kenilworth (Source: kenilworth.qld.au)
Accommodation
Kenilworth is a great holiday destination and the perfect spot to set up for a few days while you explore the region. Whether you’re a camper or are looking for something a bit more luxurious, there are plenty of options available.
Camping
There are heaps of awesome camping spots to choose from around Kenilworth with National Park sites as well as private options on offer. About fifteen minutes south of Kenilworth, you’ll find a spattering of campsites through the Conondale National Park and Imbil State Forest. On the banks of Booloumba Creek, you’ll find the Booloumba Creek camping area which has several campsites from which to choose. Be aware that you will need a four-wheel drive to traverse a couple of creek crossings to access these campsites.
If you’re looking for the same vibe without the need for a four-wheel drive, head to the Charlie Moreland campsite just up the road. This camping area sits on the banks of Little Yabba Creek and is a great base camp for a few hiking adventures through the area.
If you’re looking for a location surrounded by natural beauty that maximises both privacy and open space, we’d recommend the charming Bluff Creek Campgrounds. Tucked away in a small valley about five minutes north of Kenilworth, Bluff Creek Campgrounds is a sprawling, privately-owned site of about 100 acres sitting on the banks of the Mary River. This is a great place to disconnect and recharge without forgoing the homely conveniences of a hot shower, flushing toilets and drinking water.
If you’re looking for a spot that the family will love, Kookaburra Park located ten minutes south of Kenilworth is an absolute must-stay. Part campgrounds, part animal sanctuary, this wonderful little gem caters to all types of campers with both powered and unpowered sites as well as several self-contained cabins for that little bit of extra comfort and convenience. Owners, Adam and Emma, have acquired a menagerie of rescue animals that now inhabit the Park, providing endless entertainment for kids. They’ll enjoy daily feeding activities for the farm animals, plus amazing cuddles from the cutest herd of guinea pigs you’ve ever seen. You can also take a hike up the Jurassic Trail which leads to the peak at the rear of the Park that offers a killer view across the valley. Upon returning from your hike, enjoy cooling off in the shallows of the Mary River that runs adjacent to the Park’s entrance.
Take advantage of Kookaburra Park’s limited time End of Year Deal! Book three nights and only pay for two – find out more here!
Charlie Moreland Camping Area (Source: QLD Govt)
The resident pigs of Kookaburra Park
Bluff Creek Campgrounds (Source: Bluff Creek Campgrounds)
Farm Stays and Retreats
If you’re keen on a bit of luxury, several idyllic farm stays and private cottages are within a short distance of Kenilworth in which you can indulge yourself.
Off the access road to the Booloumba Creek Campgrounds is the tranquil getaway, Yabbaloumba Retreat. Offering an ideal sanctuary for a romantic escape, Yabbaloumba consists of several luxury-appointed, private cottages perched on the hill of a working farm overlooking pastures and an aquaculture lake. You can enjoy the sights of the farm animals, take a dip in your very own private stretch of Booloumba Creek – or better yet, book out the whole space for the perfect country wedding.
There are loads of other options in the area that can be found on Airbnb such as The Old Glenroy Dairy, The Outlook at Kenilworth, Oakey Creek Private Retreat, and Bluff House to name a few.
Yabbaloumba Retreat (Source: Yabbaloumba Retreat)
Oakey Creek Private Retreat (Source: Airbnb)
Things To Do
Swimming
As you’re probably aware so far, there’s an abundance of freshwater creeks around Kenilworth meaning there are spots to pull up for a swim and, often with a campsite on its banks. If you’re staying at Booloumba Creek Campgrounds, you’ll be spoilt by a pristine swimming hole just metres from your tent. If you’re staying at Charlie Moreland Campgrounds, Little Yabba Creek is right on your doorstep. Meanwhile, Kookaburra Park is just metres from its own swimming hole on the Mary River. If you pull up at the junction of Little Yabba Creek and the Mary River, make sure to bring your floating doughnut as there’s a short section of rapids that offers a fun ride.
Hiking
For the hikers among us, you’ll be spoilt for choice of tracks through the surrounding National Parks and rainforests. Booloumba Creek Campgrounds is a great base for several hikes with some great destinations. For casual hikers, drive about twenty minutes up the dirt track from the campgrounds until you reach the Booloumba Falls car park. From here, you’ll have a leisurely 1.5-kilometre hike through the bush to the Falls itself which is a great way to cool off after the hike.
For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, ditch the car at Booloumba Creek campgrounds and hike the ten-kilometre section of the Conondale Range Great Walk to Wongai Camp. This takes in some great sites including a disused gold mine, the Strangler Cairn, Artists Cascades and the Booloumba Falls.
If you’re an absolute hiking nut, go ahead and take on the entire Conondale Range Great Walk, a multi-day trek that covers over fifty kilometres through the Conondale National Park. This is a multi-day hike with multiple overnight walk-in camps available so make sure you prepare accordingly.
Strangler Cairn (Source: Hinterland Tourism)
Little Yabba Creek @ Charlie Moreland (Source: Trevor Hatfield, QLD Govt)
4WD’ing
If you’ve got a 4×4 and are keen to get off-road, there are loads of tracks of varying difficulties snaking through Imbil State Forest that are ripe for exploring.
Many of these tracks are accessible via turnoffs on the western side of the main road through Kenilworth on both the northern and southern sides of the town. We do recommend doing some research beforehand and ensuring you’ve got the right gear with you before heading out as some tracks are quite overgrown with lantana, and can get a bit nasty after rainfall. Nonetheless, if you stick within your limits, you’ll have an awesome time.
Even a trip to Booloumba Creek Day Use Area can be a bit of fun as a 4WD is required as you cross over Booloumba Creek creek a couple of times. This is about a 20 minute drive from Kenilworth.
Imbil State Forest 4×4 Tracks
Booloumba Creek crossing
In Town
The main street of Kenilworth has a few cute stores and cafes scattered along its length. The Kenilworth Hotel & Brewery is the perfect spot to pull in for an authentic country pub feed complete with carpet and decor straight from the eighties. Make sure to sample one of their in-house draughts to appreciate the full experience. Another foodie’s delight is the famous Kenilworth Bakery. If you’re not down for the 1-kilo doughnut challenge, at least grab yourself a regular doughnut or meat pie. The Kenilworth Markets are on every Saturday morning at Kenilworth Town Park on the southern edge of town. There are a great way to support local growers, makers, artisans and craftspeople.
Finally, don’t forget to stop at Kenilworth Dairies across the street from the park for high-quality, local dairy products. We recommend stopping into Poppa’s Cafe onsite for an incredibly delicious milkshake or ice cream using the freshest milk from farms across the Mary Valley, plus grab some amazing cheeses, yoghurts or mousses to take home – you won’t regret it.
Kenilworth Hotel & Brewery (Source: Kenilworth Hotel)
Kenilworth Bakery (Source: Little Grey Box)
Kenilworth Dairies (Source: Kenilworth Dairies)
We could go on and on about things to do in and around Kenilworth but we encourage you to go exploring yourself.
With many great locations within an hour’s drive, it’s the perfect get-away destination for a day or a weekend. So if you’re wondering where your next trip will be, make sure to put Kenilworth top of your consideration list!
Keen to get into 4WDing but don’t know where to start?
Why not join one of our 4x4xMORE Tag-Along Tours and gain valuable experience in the company of our expert trip leaders.
Looking for other great spots in the Sunshine Coast region?
Check out our blog on the best three Sunshine Coast road trips to do with the kids
Keyword: Kenilworth Adventure Guide