It covered an area of 8,448.4 square kilometres (3,261.9 sq mi), and existed as a local government entity from 1892 until 2008, when it amalgamated with the Shires of Aramac and Jericho to form the Barcaldine Region.

Kargoolnah Division was created on 11 November 1879 as one of 74 divisions around Queensland under the Divisional Boards Act 1879, and included the areas of Blackall, Tambo and Barcaldine as well as parts of Jericho.

On 3 September 1892, a new Barcaldine Division was proclaimed and excised from Kargoolnah.

On 15 March 2008, under the Local Government (Reform Implementation) Act 2007 passed by the Parliament of Queensland on 10 August 2007, the Shire of Barcaldine merged with the Shires of Aramac and Jericho to form the Barcaldine Region.

[2] The Barcaldine Shire Hall built it in 1912 is now listed on the Queensland Heritage Register.