Somerset Region

EXPERIENCE SOMERSET

Skip the skyscrapers and escape the traffic

Enjoy Australia’s longest recreational rail trail – the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail – and cycle, walk or ride a horse to townships bursting with character.

Thrill seekers will witness the breathtaking expanse of countryside from a different perspective as you fall from the sky. Bring your fishing gear and drop a line at some of Queensland’s most picturesque lakes,

including Somerset and Wivenhoe. With three RV Friendly Towns, Somerset is the perfect place to embark on a cara-venture. Enjoy country cooking and kick back with a coldie at one of the region’s iconic cafés or pubs. There’s even boutique wineries just waiting to be discovered. Whether it’s thrills or chills, Somerset has something for your next getaway. Start by visiting experiencesomerset.com.au

BRISBANE VALLEY RAIL TRAIL

This is adventure - Somerset style

This is no highway or byway. It certainly isn’t a road less travelled. The 161km Brisbane Valley Rail Trail stretches from Wulkuraka to Yarraman, taking in historic towns and the heritage listed Lockyer Creek Bridge and Yimbun Railway Tunnel.

The trail was named Public Works Project of the Year at the 2019 Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia Awards for Excellence, putting the South East Queensland region of Somerset on the world stage. It’s a mecca for mountain bikers. Home to horse riders and hikers. Clydesdales will do the work if a wagon is more your style. There’s something for everyone – leisurely links like Moore

to Linville (7km), Fernvale to Lowood (8km) and Harlin to Moore (13km). More rigorous routes include Blackbutt to Yarraman (19km), Wulkuraka to Fernvale (23km) and Coominya to Esk (24km). Australia’s longest recreational rail trail is dotted with cafés, pubs, bakeries, art galleries and shops. Accommodation options range from camping and caravanning to hotels, motels and boutique B&Bs.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out of the car and choose your own adventure – Somerset style.

SOMERSET SCENIC LAKES DRIVE

Breathe in the fresh country air

Hit the road and breathe in the fresh country air as you leave the city and your worries behind. The rural panoramas and water-side stops are a day-tripper’s delight, while the curves, dips and slopes make for an epic ride.

Your adventure starts in Yowie country, Kilcoy. Explore the environmental centre and the surrounds of Yowie Park. Why not fuel your morning with a famous Yowie Coffee while you’re there?

Head south to Lake Somerset via the expansive beauty of the waters at Kirkleagh, the Spit and Somerset Park. Just below the dam wall, lies the quaint and peaceful village of Somerset Dam. As you travel southward, the waters of Lake Somerset begin to flow into Lake Wivenhoe through the Stanley River.

Stop at O’Shea’s Crossing for a peaceful pause, where the two great lakes meet. Next up, the town of Esk awaits, brimming with country cafes, galleries and authentic Aussie pubs. Esk has the rugged beauty of Mount Glen Rock as its backdrop. Admire the historic shopfronts and pop in to explore offerings of local arts, crafts, fresh produce and antiques.

Let the Brisbane Valley Highway be your guide as you venture alongside Lake Wivenhoe. Discover the native flora and fauna at Hamon Cove or Logan Inlet, or take a bushwalk through the scenic Wivenhoe Hill Trails. Visit the Spillway Lookout for amazing views of the Wivenhoe Dam wall before heading to Fernvale to explore its country cafes and quaint shops including the iconic Old Fernvale Bakery.

SOMERSET AND SOUTH BURNETT

Allow a couple of days for this trip

Head to Ipswich, take time to explore this historic city and the Railway Workshops Museum. Turn off onto the Brisbane Valley Highway, have a look at Fernvale, Lake Wivenhoe, Esk and Toogoolawah. Upon reaching the D’Aguillar Highway head west up and over the Great Dividing Range through the towns of Moore, Blackbutt and Yarraman.

From Yarraman you can drive direct to Nanango or through Maidenwell to the spectacular Bunya Mountains National Park. This park celebrates the Bunya Pine and its place in Aboriginal folklore as an important food source. Short walks into the National Park are rewarded with splendid views over the surrounding countryside.

From Yarraman, the Burnett Highway and its thick pine forests signal your arrival into the South Burnett. Nanango is home to the South Burnett Energy Centre highlighting the nearby Tarong Power Station. Turn off the highway to Kingaroy, centre of the South Burnett and famous for peanut growing.

Further on is Wondai and its Timber Museum, and Murgon where many of the South Burnett’s wineries are to be found. Take a different route home to Brisbane via Goomeri, Kilkivan and on through Gympie on the Bruce Highway.