Our top tips for the perfect Esk-cape

Looking for a quick country getaway?

Look no further than Esk, Queensland for the perfect weekend Esk-cape.  

Just a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Brisbane along the Brisbane Valley Highway, awaits Esk, a quaint country town full of charm and character. With a range of excellent accommodation, country cafes, pubs and unique activities on offer, there’s all the makings for a magical country getaway in Esk, Queensland. To help you on your way, we’ve compiled our top picks for accommodation, dining and experiences so you can curate the perfect Queensland country Esk-capade. You’re welcome. Put your feet up, grab a cuppa and read on to start planning your next Somerset Esk-cape.      

Top spots to stay:

Esk Caravan Park

The award-winning Esk Caravan Park is nestled along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and at the base of the spectacular Mount Glen Rock. Offering a variety of caravanning, camping, cabin and glamping safari tent accommodation options, there’s something to suit everyone. The park features a large open air communal kitchen complete with pizza ovens and a blazing fireplace for the cooler months. In Summer, kids can make a splash in the family pool, while adults can relax in the over 18’s oasis lagoon. With the township of Esk on its doorstep, the Esk Caravan Park is the perfect spot for a weekend Esk-capade. Phone 07 5424 1466 or book online here.

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Motel

Located along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail in Esk, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Motel is fast becoming a favourite among trail trekkers and cyclists. The rooms feature Platinum Supreme beds, free unlimited Wi-Fi, reverse cycle air-conditioning/heating, smart TV, bar fridge, microwave, tea and coffee making facilities and more. What’s more, visitors have access to all the facilities at the Esk Caravan Park including the heated pools, camp kitchen, BBQ areas and more! It’s no wonder that trail hikers and cyclists are hanging their hats (and helmets!) at the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Motel. Phone 07 5424 1466 or book online here.

Esk Wivenhoe Motor Inn

Nestled in the heart of Esk, this four-star motel is clean, comfortable and conveniently located. With giftshops, galleries, cafes and pub just a short and pleasant stroll away, the Esk Wivenhoe Motor Inn is well located for a relaxed Esk-cape. Rooms are spacious and feature complimentary Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs, bar fridge, tea and coffee making facilities and more. Phone 07 5424 1466 or book online here.   

The Stonehouse Retreat

Looking for something a little more secluded? Head to the hills of Somerset for the perfect Esk-cape at The Stonehouse Retreat. Just a short 20-minute drive from Esk, it’s a stone’s throw away. With panoramic views of Somerset’s natural wonders by day, and the fire roaring by night, The Stonehouse Retreat always makes for a perfect getaway. Set on 175 acres, this unique hand built, eco-friendly masterpiece awaits. Made of natural stone, raw timbers, polished concrete, and recycled materials, The Stonehouse Retreat is your home away from home in the hills. Discover more here or call 0488 759 990 to book.

Esk Grand Hotel

For the ultimate country pub experience, why not head to the Esk Grand Hotel and stay the night? Do your wining and dining downstairs then head upstairs to the seclusion and sanctuary of your own private room. Treat yourself to a five-star snooze in the luxuriously comfortable King Koil Platinum Supreme beds. Featuring reverse cycle air-conditioning, TV, vanity and bar fridge, you’ll have everything you need for an authentic Aussie pub Esk-cape. Click here to book your next grand getaway. 

Twilight Grove Bed and Breakfast

Just a short 10-minute drive from Esk, nestled among the ancient trees of the state forest, awaits Twilight Grove Bed and Breakfast. Surrounded by 120 acres of beautiful bushland, you’ll feel a million miles away. Enjoy a hearty, home-cooked breakfast on the deck overlooking the forest and take in the tranquil sounds of the native birdlife. As a bonus for rail trail riders, the property also offers free trail transfers to and from Esk so you can experience everything the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail has to offer. Sound good? Get on your way and book your stay by phoning (07) 5424 1432 or emailing admin@twilightgrove.com.au     

Our top pick for a coffee fix:

Brisbane Valley Roasters

Along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, in the quiet town of Esk, an aroma of freshly roasted coffee percolates through the air. The coffee is always calling at Brisbane Valley Roasters, where coffee is their passion. Brisbane Valley Roasters deliver expertly roasted coffee with unique and honest flavours. With an authentic roasting process that delivers premium quality and flavour, you can be rest assured that each drop of Brisbane Valley Roasters coffee will be fresh and full of flavour. The roastery itself is warm and inviting. With both an espresso bar and café, coffee connoisseurs can relax and savour the moment as they sip on the perfect brew. Click here for your Brisbane Valley Roasters coffee fix.  

 

Our top pick for breaky and brunch:

Nash Gallery and Café

Housed in the historic Lans Andersen Queenslander, circa late 1880’s, along the Brisbane Valley Highway, Nash Gallery and Café awaits. Open for breakfast, brunch and sweet in-betweens and surrounded by beautiful gardens, the café is a picture-Esk place for a breaky or brunch bite. The café also doubles as a gallery, with arts, crafts and colourful creations awaiting around every corner of the historic house. With a range of savoury and sweet dishes packed with local produce, the Nash Gallery and Café is always the flavour of the month.   

Our top pick to wine and dine:

Esk Grand Hotel

There’s nothing quite like the Esk Grand Hotel, a classic country pub with some of Somerset’s finest farm-fresh flavours. The Esk Grand Hotel serves up a range of exceptional and mouth-watering meals to tempt the inner foodie in us all. Their team of in-house specialty chefs seek out seasonal, top-quality Queensland produce for a true farm-to-fork finish.  With a mix of hearty country classics, inspired modern cuisine and delicious desserts, the Esk Grand Hotel is sure to be a dinner winner. Click here for more tasty morsels from the Esk Grand Hotel.

Must do’s in Esk:

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Walk, jog, cycle or horse-ride your way along Australia’s longest recreational rail trail.

Llama walks and encounters

Put a spring in your step with a llama-lead experience with Ottaba Llamas. Let a friendly llama be your tour guide as you stroll through the town of Esk. There are a range of walks and tours on offer, from ‘Llamas and Lattes’ to Brisbane Valley Rail Trail adventures and more. Book an Ottaba Llamas experience and discover why there’s a lot to love about this unique country experience.

Glen Rock Gallery

Get your art and craft on at the Glen Rock Gallery. Housed in the Esk Visitor Information Centre, the gallery is bursting with art, crafts and creations locally produced by Somerset artists. With monthly changing exhibitions, there’s always something new to discover. 

Treasure hunt for antiques, collectables and gifts

While in Esk, there’s nothing like a little shopping spree to fill your baskets and hearts. Uncover treasures, treats and goodies galore as you explore the main street of gift stores and galleries. Select from a range of antiques, hand-crafted jewellery, timbercraft, clothing, art, metalcraft, sculpture, candles, soaps, artisan beauty products and more. Little Country Lane is a must visit. The gorgeous pink shop proudly showcases many unique local businesses from Somerset alongside other family-owned brands from rural communities around Australia.  

Esk Country Markets

Don’t miss the Esk Country Market at Pipeliner Park each Saturday from 7am – 12pm. The market stalls are brimming with farm-fresh produce, plants, nursery items, unique giftware, tasty treats, crafty creations and more.

Events in Esk  

Home to premier event venues like the Somerset Civic Centre, Esk Showground and Esk Race Club, it’s no wonder Esk is a hive of activity when it comes to events. With country race days, country music, live entertainment and extravaganzas galore, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Click here and discover all the latest and upcoming events in Esk and Somerset.

Esk Visitor Information Centre

Looking to discover more? Pop into the Esk Visitor Information Centre and have a chat with the team of friendly volunteers – all proud Esk locals. Peruse the brochures, purchase some official Esk souvenirs and don’t forget to check out the latest exhibition at the Glen Rock Gallery.