Kilcoy is a small country town in the Somerset Region, about 90 minutes by car north-west of Brisbane, and a handy base for a day out around Lake Somerset. The town’s drawcard is Yowie Park on Hope Street, where a wooden Yowie statue, a picnic area and a playground sit beside a lake with a walking path.
Most people come for the drive and the lake country, so this guide covers the town first, then what is close by: Lake Somerset, Somerset Dam and the places to camp.
Yowie Park and the lake walk
Yowie Park is on Hope Street in the middle of town. It has a picnic area, a barbecue, public toilets, a children’s playground and a car park. The listing also says disabled access is available.
The park is named after the Yowie, the ape-like creature of Australian folklore that Kilcoy has made its own. There is a statue to pose with, and the Hall of History at 39 Hope Street has a display on the Kilcoy sighting, with a video, footprint images and newspaper clippings.
You can stroll around Fred Greensill Lake behind the park, and the “For Valour” memorial walk, designed by the Kilcoy RSL, is nearby. The Kilcoy Aquatic Centre is next door and eateries are within walking distance.
Visitor centre, craft market and galleries
The Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre is at 41 Hope Street, next to the park. It has an environmental interpretive display with touch screens, the original Yowie statue, free maps and brochures, and a documentary in its 80-seat theatrette. It is open 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday and 9 am to 2 pm on weekends and public holidays, and closed on New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The phone number is 07 5422 0440.
The Kilcoy Craft Market, run by volunteers, sells locally made cards, plants, felted items, handmade clothing and timber products. Ask at the visitor centre for its current days and hours.
History fans can add the Kilcoy Hall of History and the Kilcoy Courthouse Art Gallery, a 1910 courthouse moved into Yowie Park, to the walk around town.
Lake Somerset and Somerset Dam
Lake Somerset is the big dam lake south of town, reached by the Esk-Kilcoy Road. It has four day-use areas: Kirkleagh, The Spit, Somerset Park and Westvale. Designated swimming areas are at Kirkleagh and The Spit, and the lake allows both motorised and non-motorised boats, including water skiing, wakeboarding and tubing. You need boating and fishing permits, and dogs are not allowed at the lake. Seqwater manages the recreation areas, so check its recreation and safety notices before you go.
The lake has barbecues, picnic areas, a car park and public toilets. Kirkleagh is about 15 minutes by car from Kilcoy. The dam wall and township are covered in our Somerset Dam guide, about 30 minutes by car from Kilcoy. For a bigger lake with more trails, see Lake Wivenhoe.
Camping near Kilcoy
Camping at Lake Somerset is only allowed in the designated camping areas, which are run by private operators and booked through each campground. NRMA Lake Somerset Holiday Park is at 78 Kirkleagh Road, Hazeldean. For a longer stay, see our guides to camping and camping with dogs.
Planning your visit
- How long: 1 to 2 hours for the town and Yowie Park; a full day if you add Lake Somerset.
- What to bring: picnic food, water, a hat, sunscreen, and boating and fishing permits if you plan to be on the lake.
- Accessibility: the Yowie Park and Lake Somerset listings both say disabled access is available; contact the operator for details.
- Nearby towns: Fernvale is the next town in the Somerset Region, and the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is another way to see the valley by bike or on foot.
Getting to Kilcoy and parking
Kilcoy is about 98 km from the Brisbane CBD, about 90 minutes by car. Yowie Park has a car park on Hope Street, next to the visitor centre.
By bus, route 896 runs from the Kilcoy coach stop in William Street through Woodford, D’Aguilar, Wamuran and Caboolture to Morayfield bus station. A sample trip leaves Kilcoy at 2:15 pm and reaches Morayfield at 3:09 pm. Check the Translink Journey Planner or call 13 12 30 for days and times. There is no train to Kilcoy.
Round out the trip with more scenic drives or browse the Somerset Region. Details can change, so check the Experience Somerset page before you go.
Nearby
- Somerset Dam – the dam wall and township at the southern end of the lake.
- Lake Wivenhoe – swimming, boating, camping and trails on the big lake.
- Fernvale – the next Somerset Region town.
- Glass House Mountains – walks and lookouts on the coast side.
Quick answers
How far is Kilcoy from Brisbane?
About 98 km by road, about 90 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD.
What is there to do in Kilcoy?
Visit Yowie Park and its statue, walk around Fred Greensill Lake, browse the craft market and the Hall of History, and drive out to Lake Somerset.
Does Kilcoy have a playground and toilets?
Yes. Yowie Park has a children’s playground, public toilets, a barbecue and a picnic area.
Can you swim at Lake Somerset?
Yes, in the designated swimming areas at Kirkleagh and The Spit.
Can you get to Kilcoy by public transport?
There is a bus, route 896, between Kilcoy, Caboolture and Morayfield. There is no train.
Where can you camp near Kilcoy?
Camping at Lake Somerset is in designated areas run by private campgrounds, booked directly with each one.
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