Carroll Nature Reserve Kokoda Track

In 1995 The Kingaroy Apex Club erected the plaque and gateway to mark the start of the Kokoda Track and the Carroll Nature Reserve. This was to commemorate the 50th anniversary of victory in the Pacific in 1945 and to honour the people who gave their lives defending Australia in the Pacific Islands.

Descendants of Kingaroy’s earliest settlers, Dan and Bridget Carroll, donated the use of these five-acres of soft wood vine scrub to the people of Kingaroy as a nature reserve. The area was dedicated in 1987; this marked the 100th anniversary of Dan Carroll’s arrival in Australia from Ireland in 1887.

The Kingaroy Shire Council together with the Kingaroy and Districts Branch of the Society for Growing Australian Plants (SGAP) have developed a re-vegetation project to create a peaceful area. This project has been implemented to protect the nature reserve and eradicate weeds and replace and protect the native vegetation. It has provided the wider community with an opportunity to be involved in protecting the native bushland.

The nature reserve is a peaceful oasis of bushland close to the centre of Kingaroy and the track offers an enjoyable walk through native bushland - a fitting memorial to those who gave their lives in the Pacific.

Take time out to relax, enjoy the serenity of your surroundings and listen for the birds in the area. This track gives visitors the opportunity to stretch their legs after a long day of travelling. This conveniently located bird watching area will give sightings of Indian Koel, Dollar Bird, Rufous whistler, Rufous Fantail and Eastern Whipbird.