Kalbar is a small farming town in the Fassifern Valley, about 70 minutes by car from Brisbane, and it works well as a country day out. The reasons to stop are a farm shop cafe, a camel farm in nearby Harrisville, a main street of heritage buildings and a historical museum close by.
Most of what you will do is eat, wander and look at old buildings, so it suits a slow half day more than a full one. Pair it with the lookouts and lakes around Boonah if you want a longer trip.
A town built by German settlers
Settlers took up land here after about 17,700 acres were opened for selection in 1877. They were almost all German, and the street names and surnames still show it. The town was first called Fassifern Scrub, then Engelsburg after the storekeeper August Engels, and became Kalbar in 1916.
A railway reached the town in 1916 and the Mount Edwards line closed in 1960, so today you arrive by road. A fire in 1920 destroyed the School of Arts hall and half the town’s businesses, which is why many buildings are from the years after.
Heritage buildings to look at
Several Kalbar buildings are on the heritage register, and you can see them from the street:
- Wiss Brothers Store, 101 George Street
- School of Arts and Memorial Hall, 63 to 65 Edward Street
- Wiss House, 7 Ann Street
- St John’s Lutheran Church, Teviotville Road
The main business area has a few small shops as well: a sweets shop inside the post office, a natural soap maker and a furniture and home decor shop selling refinished pieces. Opening days vary, so look for a sign on the door.
Scenic Rim Farm Shop and Cafe
The farm shop is at 541 Kents Lagoon Road, among paddocks. It serves local coffee and food, and has house-baked cakes with gluten-free, gluten-friendly and dairy-free choices. Breakfast runs 8:30 to 10:30 am and lunch 11 am to 2 pm. It is open Thursday to Sunday, 8:30 am to 4 pm.
The cafe asks you to book, through OpenTable. The same property has Elderflower Farm, a flower shop and flower field, and Her Herd Boutique for clothing and accessories. Fifth Acre runs a full produce stall on Saturdays and Sundays and a self-serve stall in the old shed in the car park on Thursdays and Fridays. Well-mannered dogs on leads are welcome.
Camels at Summer Land Camels
Summer Land Camels is at 8 Charles Chauvel Drive, Harrisville, about 20 minutes by car north of Kalbar. Entry is free except for some special events, and it is open 9 am to 3 pm every day apart from some public holidays. The Homestead Cafe is the only place that serves the camel milk gelato and Camelcino.
The cafe serves meals from 9 am to 2 pm, with sweets and drinks until 3 pm. Camel rides and tours run too, and rides must be booked online. Riders must be 4 or older, within the weight limit of 100 kg per person or double saddle, and wear closed-in shoes. Helmets are provided.
No pets are allowed (certified assistance animals are), and outside food and picnics are not permitted. There are toilets and a wheelchair lift. There is no public transport, taxi or Uber service in Harrisville, so bring a car.
Templin Historical Museum
At 397 Boonah Fassifern Road, Templin, the museum holds a collection of buildings full of photographs, newspapers, artefacts, war memorabilia and 1880s fashions. It is open to visitors every Sunday, 10 am to 3 pm, or by appointment every other day except Tuesday. Entry is $10 for adults, $8 concession and $5 for children aged 5 to 15, and the museum suggests at least two hours. Parking is free and there is no food or drink on site, though you can eat at the outside tables.
Festivals and events
Kalbar holds an agricultural show in June, Kalbar Country Day in late October, and Light Up Kalbar in early December when the town Christmas tree is lit. Check dates with the organisers before you plan around them.
Planning your visit
- How long: A half day covers the farm shop, camels and the main street. Add the museum for a full day.
- Best days: Thursday to Sunday, when the farm shop is open. Sunday adds the museum.
- What to bring: Closed-in shoes if you want a camel ride, and a way to book ahead.
Getting there and parking
Kalbar is about 82 km from Brisbane, a drive of about 70 minutes by car. There is no train, and no public transport was confirmed. The farm shop and the camel farm have their own car parks, and Templin has free parking for cars, caravans and buses.
Nearby
- Boonah – the nearest bigger town, about 11 km south-east.
- Mount French – bush walks with lookouts close to Kalbar.
- Lake Moogerah – a lake for fishing and camping.
- Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm – a cafe and farm stop near Mount Alford.
- Aratula – another small Fassifern Valley town with bakeries and cafes.
Browse more in Scenic Rim and Scenic drives. Details can change, so check the Summer Land Camels and Scenic Rim Farm Shop websites before you go.
You might also like
- Tallebudgera Valley (Gold Coast Hinterland)
- Kin Kin (Noosa)
- Laidley (Lockyer Valley)
Quick answers
How far is Kalbar from Brisbane?
About 82 km, or about 70 minutes by car without heavy traffic.
What is there to do in Kalbar?
Eat at the Scenic Rim Farm Shop and Cafe, look at the heritage buildings, and visit Summer Land Camels in nearby Harrisville.
Is the Kalbar farm shop open on weekends?
Yes. It is open Thursday to Sunday, 8:30 am to 4 pm, and the kitchen closes at 2 pm.
Can you take a dog to Kalbar’s cafe or the camel farm?
Well-mannered dogs on leads are welcome at the farm shop cafe. Pets are not allowed at Summer Land Camels, except certified assistance animals.
Is there a train to Kalbar?
No. The railway to Kalbar closed in 1960, so you travel by road.
0 Comments