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Somerset Escapes

Leave the city in your rear-view mirror and cruise down the road for a real country escape to Somerset.

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The Ultimate Somerset Self Drive Escape

Do as much or as little as you like of this fun-filled itinerary. Pick one, two, three or the ultimate four-day escape and build your own Somerset adventure.

Day One: Fernvale ~ Esk:

Head down the Warrego and take the Brisbane Valley Highway turn off.

Stop for a snack in Fernvale – why not try an award-winning pie at the Old Fernvale Bakery?

Optional: Giddyup for a trail ride with Nash Horse Trekking along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail in Coominya, Lowood or Fernvale.

Turn left onto Fernvale Forest Hill Road and head to One Tree Canoe. Enjoy a paddle down the Brisbane River followed by a sunset picnic packed with fresh Somerset produce.

Head to Esk and grab dinner at the Grand Hotel Esk.

Check in at The Stonehouse Retreat, just 10 minutes from Esk, for a remote country experience or stay in town at the Esk Caravan Park or Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Motel.

The Stonehouse Retreat

Day Two: Esk ~ Lake Somerset ~ Toogoolawah ~ Linville:

In the morning, grab a delicious breakfast at Nash Gallery Café or Angie’s Country Café.

Explore Esk at your own pace including the Glenrock Gallery, the Esk Visitor Information Centre, antique stores and the many boutique giftshops.

Stock up on local produce featuring fresh Somerset flavours at the Esk Fruit Shop and head towards Lake Somerset for a picnic.

Take Esk Kilcoy Road and head to The Spit for the perfect picnic location. It’s a great spot to drop a line in if you’ve got your fishing gear!

Head to Toogoolawah along Mount Beppo Road and admire the rolling hills and farmland along the way.

Visit The Condensery, the Toogoolawah History Museum and drop in for a cold one at the Handle Bar, Exchange Hotel Toogoolawah or Toogoolawah Hotel. Don’t forget to stock up on hand-made fudge, sweets and treats from Sister Bake Co.

Optional: Hire a bike from Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Cycles and enjoy a sunset ride along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

Optional: Take a llama walk along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail with Ottaba Llamas

Take the Brisbane Valley Highway and D’Aguilar Highway towards Moore. Turn off towards Linville and grab a bite and a bed at The Linville Hotel.

Sister Bake Co

Day Three: Linville ~ Kilcoy:

Explore the old railway carriages and station in Railway Park Linville before taking an easy 7km walk (or bicycle) ride along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail from Linville to Moore.

Work up an appetite and have breakfast in Moore at one of the cozy cafes.

Arrange a shuttle with Out There Cycling to take you back or retrace your steps back to Linville.

Drive from Linville to Kilcoy via the D’Aguilar Highway, stopping at Colinton War Memorial, a heritage-listed war memorial on the corner of the D’Aguilar Highway and Emu Creek Road, Colinton.

Take a stroll through town and check out the shops along the way.

Head to Woongooroo Estate, enjoy a wine and cheese tasting and a guided llama walking tour through the winery, but make sure to call ahead to book your experience. 

Head back to Kilcoy and check in at the Kilcoy Gardens Motel. Alternatively, drive 10 minutes up the road and stay at the NRMA Lake Somerset Holiday Park for lake-view safari tents or cabins. 

Day Four: Kilcoy 

In the morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the beautiful town of Kilcoy.

Next up, explore the town of Kilcoy. Visit Yowie Park and take a leisurely stroll around the Fred Greensill Lake.

Visit the Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre,  Courthouse Art Gallery, Craft Market and Hall of History and learn a little bit about Kilcoy’s past.

Grab a country counter meal and an ice-cold beverage at the Exchange Hotel Kilcoy before heading home with treasured memories.  

Woongooroo Estate

Romantic Escape ~ The Perfect Proposal

Whether you’re popping the question or rekindling the spark, this romantic escape will win you major brownie points with your other half.

Head down the Warrego Highway and take the Brisbane Valley Highway turn off.

Stop in Fernvale and load up your picnic basket with tasty treats. Why not try an award-winning pie at the Old Fernvale Bakery?

Head to Lake Wivenhoe for a romantic waterside picnic with your love.

Travel north along the Brisbane Valley Highway and turn left to Coominya.

Enjoy a romantic trail ride along the scenic Brisbane Valley Rail Trail with Nash Horse Trekking.

One Tree Canoe proposal

Drive back toward Lowood to the One Tree Canoe Company. Enjoy a peaceful paddle by canoe down the Brisbane River, followed by a romantic sunset picnic packed with fresh Somerset flavours. It’s the perfect spot to pop the question!

Grab dinner to go in Lowood or Fernvale and head back to the Brisbane Valley Highway towards Lake Wivenhoe.

Check in for the ultimate lakeside glamping night away at the Wivenhoe Campgrounds.

Wake up with nature and enjoy a morning by the lake before heading back to Fernvale for breakfast.

Family Fun Stay

When it comes to family holidays, Somerset has something for everyone. Make your own family fun with this list of suggested accommodation and activities for your next Somerset stay.

Stay:
Neurum Creek Bush Retreat – bring your own camping gear or hire it.

NRMA Lake Somerset Holiday Park – bring your own camping gear or choose from a range of lakeside accommodation including safari tents, cabins and more.

Do:
Get the kids off their screens and back to nature with a walk along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. For added fun walk with a llama with Ottaba Llamas.

Kids at the Condensery

Visit The Condensery, with changing exhibitions, fine art and a range of kid’s events, there’s something for the whole family.

Get your fill of home-made fudge, sweets and treats at Sister Bake Co in Toogoolawah.

Explore Lake Somerset by water and hire a boat or canoes from Somerset Tackle.

Explore Lake Somerset by land and enjoy a picnic at the Spit.

Get set for a family cycling adventure along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. Hire bikes  from Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Cycles.

Explore the town of Kilcoy. Visit Yowie Park and take a leisurely stroll around Fred Greensill Lake, visit the Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre, Courthouse Art Gallery, Craft Market and Hall of History to learn a little bit about Kilcoy’s past. Don’t forget to take a family selfie with the Yowie Statue and picture board.

Jump in the car for a country drive to Jimna and visit Peach Trees Day Use Area for some wildlife spotting.

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