Your next excuse to high-tail it out of town has arrived.
Over one cumquat jam-packed weekend, visitors can explore the flavours and produce of Somerset’s top eats in this tasty trail that will see you explore cafes, markets, farms and roadside stalls – all set against the stunning backdrop of Somerset’s rolling hills and waterways and Queensland’s Top Tiny Tourism Town of Toogoolawah!
There’s 20 tempting reasons to join the Backroads & Bites trail, but here are the highlights to add to your Google Maps.
Cumquats Australia Farmgate and Distillery
Known for their unique hand-crafted preserves and shrubs, Cumquats Australia will give you a taste of this diverse citrus fruit and how it can be used to elevate your home cooking or cocktails. Explore their orchard of over 500 trees, a ginger crop and the on-site distillery, and learn how local produce transforms into delectable pantry staples. Â Be sure to stock up from their farm shop!
Llamas and Lattes at Brisbane Valley Roasters
Llamas and lattes are two delightful experiences you likely never thought you’d experience in tandem, but at Brisbane Valley Roasters, you’re in for a treat. Lead a friendly llama through the streets of Esk and along Sandy Creek, before enjoying BVR’s beloved freshly roasted coffee and a sweet or savoury bite to eat. Bookings are essential! Find out more here.
Picnic Society
Toogoolawah’s utterly unique picnic and preserves destination is always worth visiting on a weekend to see what’s on offer in the cafe, and especially during the Backroads & Bites weekend. Sample a French-inspired lunch with French mushrooms, quiche and a French vanilla cappuccino that will put a pep in your step.
Somerset Country Markets
There are few better ways to explore and support regional growers, producers and artisans than by stopping by a local market. During the Backroads & Bites weekend, you’ll have a number of markets and craft cooperatives to explore offering arts, crafts, home-grown produce and small batch goodies – the perfect way to stock up your home pantry and keep enjoying the best of Somerset beyond the weekend.
- Esk Country Markets: Early risers on Saturday can visit these markets from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm to browse stalls bursting with fresh local produce, homewares, plants and more.
- Kilcoy Craft Market: From 9:00 am to 3:00 pm both Saturday and Sunday, this market event is a hidden gem of handcrafted wonders. Browse handmade and homemade treats spanning preserves, local honey, soaps, dried flowers, candles and so much more.
- Moore Hall Markets: Head into Moore on Saturday morning between 7:00 am to 12:00 pm for a taste of the country life, picking up artisanal goodies direct from the friendly producers.
- Fernvale Country Markets: On Sunday morning from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm, stock up on fresh fruit and veg, sweet treats, condiments, plants and country crafts.
The Barn Yard Stall
Any visitor to the Somerset Region would be remiss not to visit the Barn Yard Stall in Mount Hallen to score one of their crowd favourite sourdough or herb focaccia loaves. This roadside farm stall also sells delectable homemade mulberry and chilli jams, pickles and relishes to make your morning tea break that much more impressive. For easy gifting, you can pick up some of their handmade soaps, diffusers and scented candles – perfect stocking stuffers for the upcoming festive season!
Kilcoy Candy
Take a trip down memory lane with Kilcoy Candy’s range of sweet treats. Settle into one of their retro pastel diner booths and sip on a spider or one of their loaded shakes. You’ll find all your childhood favourites from chocolates and lollies here, perfect for sharing with the whole family.
Signature Dishes
Somerset’s pubs and cafes are getting in on the action with their own Signature Dish and specials on over the weekend. Be sure to download the full trail brochure here to see what’s on offer.
When: Saturday 17 October to Sunday 18 October
Where: Multiple venues across the Somerset region
What to bring: An esky and a huge appetite
