Country Drives and Rides
Hit the road and breathe in the fresh country air as you leave the city and your worries behind. Whether you’re on two wheels, or four, the rural panoramas and water-side stops are a day tripper’s delight, while the curves, dips and slopes make for an epic ride.
The Epic Somerset Ride
Winding roads, tight corners, long stretches, knee scrapers and spectacular views. Our roads are built for motorcycles. Twist the throttle and drop a knee, because you’re always in for an epic ride in Somerset.Wivenhoe Dam Circuit*
- Your ride to remember starts in Fernvale – Why not fuel up for your ride with an award winning pie at the Old Fernvale Bakery?
- Fly out of Fernvale and see spectacular scenes of the Brisbane River and Wivenhoe Dam
- Cruise into Esk, some 40km from Fernvale and enjoy a break at one of the many cafes
- As you leave Esk, take a right onto Esk-Kilcoy Road towards Somerset Dam
- Drop a knee as you take a right onto Somerset-Wivenhoe Road
- Discover where Lakes Somerset and Wivenhoe meet as you cross the Stanley River
- Circle back around to the eastern side of Wivenhoe Dam and ride the entire stretch of the road
- Take a left as your cruise back into Fernvale to end your ride
- For added adventure, before heading back to Fernvale, turn left onto Northbrook Parkway for a glorious ride through Mount Glorious
*Note: this road has limited overtaking opportunities and has a large number of heavy vehicles and recreational vehicles towing caravans/boats etc.
Behind the WHEEL
It doesn’t have to be Sunday to get behind the wheel and embark on a scenic drive through Somerset.
Drive – Somerset Lakes
- Your adventure starts in Yowie country, Kilcoy. Explore Yowie Park and 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 Kirkleigh, 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 Wivenhoe Hill Trails. Visit the Spillway Lookout for amazing views of the Wivenhoe Dam wall
- Head to Fernvale along the Brisbane Valley Highway and explore the country cafes, quaint shops and grab an award-winning pie from the Old Fernvale Bakery for the road
Drive – 4WD Country
- Hit the dirt road in Conondale National Park for some real four-wheel fun
- Ride the ups and downs of the rugged Conondale Ranges
- Get some mud on your tyres on Sunday Creek Road from Jimna to Charlie Mooreland Camping Area near Kenilworth
- Head north from Kilcoy along the Kilcoy-Murgon Road and turn off at Sunday Creek Road, 3km south of Jimna
- Kick up some mud as you follow the forest road through the national park
- For some bonus four-wheel drive action, take a side trip to Booloumba Creek
- Keep an eye out for Booloumba Creek Road and explore the Booloumba Creek walks and camping areas
*Be sure to check road conditions and park updates before heading out on the four-wheel drive tracks.
Fuel up
Fuel stops available in Fernvale, Esk, Toogoolawah, Kilcoy, Colinton, Moore and Somerset Dam.
Safety First!
Be sure to check qldtraffic.qld.gov.au or roadconditions.racq.com.au for up-to-date information or road safety advice. Always drive to conditions and make safety a priority when on your travels.