 The shire was part of the "Scenic Rim", a group of mountain ranges forming part of the Great Dividing Range, and contained four national parks—Main Range, Mount French, Moogerah Peaks and Mount Greville National Park which is now part of Moogerah Peaks National Park.The Goolman Division was incorporated on 11 November 1879 under the "Divisional Boards Act 1879" with a population of 1,542.It was centred on Boonah and its board consisting of six councillors.