A two-hour drive from Brisbane is the charming rural landscape of Killarney. Like much of the Darling Downs, this small town is known for its fresh produce and excellent meat, but that’s not all.
Every year, on a chilly July night, the town heats up with Killarney Bonfire Night. Celebrating 15 years, the even started as part of a community effort to fundraise for the local aged care home, Killarney Memorial. It has since expanded and now raises funds for other key community groups and is run purely by volunteers! This year, on Saturday, July 19, the town will light up with a huge bonfire, thrilling fire performances, country rock music, and even fireworks.
There’s also a Fire Drum Exhibition, whose creativity and wow-factor make it a crowd favourite. Contestants can enter in the 44 Gallon Drum, Other Metalwork, or Family Drum categories, and are eligible to win prizes in the first two!
There’s unfortunately no BYO but there’s a variety of food stalls and local food trucks with everything from pizza to barbeque and doughnuts for dessert, and two bars serving beers and warm drinks!
This is this year’s full schedule:
4.30pm: Drum Judging/Lighting
6.15pm: Bonfire Parade & Lighting
7.15pm: Fire Performance
7.30pm: Multi Draw Raffle
8.00pm: Fire Drum Winners Announced
8.15pm: Fireworks Display
You can get your tickets online, or on-site, but either way, you won’t want to miss out on this sizzling night!