A Tribute to our Traditional Owners 

Somerset is home to the Aboriginal tribes of Dungibara, Jagera,  Jinibara, Kabi Kabi and Yuggera Ugarapul people. Their songs and stories live on in the flora, fauna and natural beauty of our region. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Country. As you travel through our region, we ask that you respect this land and the stories of our ancestors as you walk in the footsteps of those who came before. 

The Yowie, the Myth, the Legend

The Himalayans have the Yeti, the Scottish have Nessy, but here in Kilcoy, we have the Yowie. Described as nine foot high, with dark chocolate coloured hair covering his body and an ominous physique, the Yowie is a seriously misunderstood creature. He’s actually a really nice guy. Sensitive and in tune with his feelings, he enjoys long romantic strolls by the lake in Yowie Park. He likes taking in the art at the Kilcoy Courthouse Art Gallery and knitting baby bonnets and booties to sell at the Kilcoy Craft Cottage. His beverage of choice? A Yowie Coffee of course. He’s surprisingly shy for a guy of his stature, and the public debate about his existence has really thrown him into an existential crisis.

So next time you’re in Kilcoy, show the Yowie you care by grabbing a selfie with his statue and picture in Yowie Park. After all, Yowies are people too. 

1873: The Year of the Deer

When driving through our region, we ask that you travel carefully and watch out for our deerest friends. That’s right, it’s not uncommon to see Red Deer grazing among the rolling hills and roadsides of Somerset. 

In 1873 Queen Victoria sent a gift of Red Deer to Queensland in celebration of the state being named in her honour. Although it may seem like an unconventional gift to us today, remember that these were the days when it was quite acceptable to gift your true love with four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree. So, when two stags called Norman and Bolingbroke and four hinds, Atlas, Alma, Ada and Martha arrived from the Windsor Castle gardens aboard the Great Queensland, no one batted an eyelid.  

On 19 September 1873 the deer were released at the McConnel family property, Cressbrook. Releases of Red Deer continued at Cressbrook until 1878. In honour of this significant event, a life-sized Red Deer sculpture named Norman was hand crafted in bronze by world renowned artist, the late Bodo Muche. Today, Norman stands in pride of place next to The Condensery | Somerset Regional Art Gallery in Toogoolawah, where he dutifully watches over Somerset.  

Heritage Events

With historical landmarks like The Condensery | Somerset Regional Art Gallery, Watts Bridge Memorial Airfield and Stonehouse Moore, there’s a range of events throughout the year that celebrates Somerset’s rich heritage. Uncover more heritage and cultural events here.