Looking for wide open spaces for your littlest faces these holidays? Ditch the devices and rediscover life’s simple pleasures with these screen-free escapes and experiences – just one hour from Brisbane.
Where to go
Somerset, located just an hour from Brisbane, is home to lakes, charming villages and the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Australia’s longest recreation rail trail.
The region is a paradise for people wanting to get back to nature or to simply spend quality time with family and friends. We’ve rounded up our top tips for places to stay and things to do these summer holidays.
Where to stay
If you’re travelling with kids, the Esk Caravan Park is a great option.
Located in Esk, this well considered park has an onsite pool, wood fired pizza oven, playgrounds and a lively calendar of events and activities which the kids can enjoy while you relax in the adults only pool. The park offers camp sites, cabins and safari tents so plenty of accommodation options for those that don’t have a caravan.
NRMA Lake Somerset Holiday Park is located on Lake Somerset and is ideal for those wanting to enjoy the water. Bring your boat and spend the days fishing, water skiing, tubing, swimming or just relaxing.
Both properties will see the kids spending their days outdoors and being active – well away from the WIFI.
To immerse the kids fully in nature, stay at Neurum Creek Bush Retreat. This sprawling property borders the D’Aguilar National Park and with no WIFI, will encourage your tiny faces to explore outdoor activities such as swimming in the creek, bushwalking, canoeing or exploring the grounds on their bikes.
For a more relaxed stay, try Jimna Base Camp. This 2-acre unpowered campground is on the former schools oval – the kids will love a game on the cricket pitch!
What to do
Whether you choose to make a weekend of it or head out for the day, below are a range of things to do with the kids that will ensure their summer holidays are one to remember.
Hit The Rail Trail
Get the bikes out and ride along Australia’s longest recreational rail trail, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. This epic 161km flat and scenic trail is the perfect family-friendly activity to cycle, hike or horse-ride through Somerset’s beautiful countryside.
Lattes and Llama Love
The kids will love an Ottaba Llamas Walk. Here you will take a llama along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail at Sandy Creek and through the town of Esk before stopping in at a local café for a coffee with your llama.
Find out more about the Llamas and Lattes walk here.
Stars Of The Silver Screen
With authentic canvas seats, modern digital projection, fresh popcorn and hot dogs, the Toogoolawah Pictures serves up a real taste of yesteryear. Take the short drive from Esk to Toogoolawah (around 15 minutes) to enjoy this this classic country cinema that has spades of old school charm – complete with sling-back canvas seats.
Make A Splash
Need to cool off from the summer heat? The Toogoolawah Swimming Pool was recently upgraded to a 25 meter pool with wheelchair access and extensive shaded areas. It has already proven a hit this summer. Let the kids have a swim and a splash before heading down to Picnic Society or The Exchange Hotel for lunch.
Paddle Power
If your family loves the water, Somerset is a water sports paradise with lakes and rivers ripe for fishing, waterskiing and boating. Pack the canoe and paddle on the lakes or for the more adventurous, explore the Brisbane Valley Canoe Trail, a self-guided route that will see you traverse the Upper Brisbane River (complete with some shallow rapids for some extra thrills).
Find out more about the Brisbane Valley Canoe Trail here.
On Farm Experiences
Enjoy an authentic on-farm experience at Esk Beef with this guided tour through their farm. Explore paddocks, meet the cattle and learn about regenerative farming on this education tour which will allow you children to learn more about their food and farming.
Saddle Up With A Horse Trek
Perfect for kids (over 10) and beginners, Nash Horse Trekking offer horse trail rides along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. The family will love this riding adventure which will see you enjoy the surrounds of the trail while horseback.
