From soaring high above rolling country landscapes to enjoying a latte with a llama twist, here are 10 must-do tours and experiences to add to your Somerset wish list.
1. Explore The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail
If you love the idea of discovering the countryside at your own pace, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) deserves a spot at the top of your Somerset bucket list.
Stretching 161 kilometres through the Brisbane Valley and South Burnett, the BVRT is Australia’s longest recreational rail trail. Following the route of a former railway line, the trail winds through charming country towns, rolling farmland, forests and wide-open landscapes, with historic railway infrastructure offering a glimpse into the region’s past.
You don’t have to tackle the entire trail to enjoy it, either. Choose a section that suits your fitness and timeframe, whether that’s a leisurely walk, a scenic ride on your mountain bike or a longer adventure on an e-bike.
Along the way, stop in the quaint villages that line the route for a coffee, a bite to eat or a wander through the local shops.
It’s a wonderful way to experience the region’s changing landscapes while supporting the communities that make Somerset so special.
Find out everything you need to know about the BVRT here.
2. Venture beyond the farmgate at Cumquats Australia
If you’ve never tried a cumquat, here’s your excuse. These little citrus fruits pack a delicious punch, combining sweet, fragrant skin with a tart centre. And there’s no better place to discover their versatility than Cumquats Australia, located just outside of Toogoolawah.
Meet Roslyn, affectionately known as the cumquat queen, and discover the story behind her orchard of more than 600 cumquat trees. What began with a passion for these distinctive little fruits has grown into a celebration of local produce, handmade products and small-batch craftsmanship.
The farmgate experience includes an orchard, shopfront and distillery, where visitors can explore the many ways, cumquats can be transformed into delicious treats. Think marmalades, syrups, preserves, shrubs and more!
3. Take a sweet trip to yesteryear with Kilcoy Candy
This colourful sweet shop serves up a nostalgic trip down memory lane, with a tempting range of chocolates, lollies and childhood favourites. Settle into one of their retro pastel diner booths to enjoy a spider or indulge in one of their signature loaded milkshakes before browsing the candy cane striped shelves for a treat to take home.
4. Explore a working cattle farm
You don’t have to go outback to experience authentic country life.
See behind the scenes of a real-life working property on this farm-to-fork journey with Esk Beef. Their guided tours will see you explore paddocks, meet their cattle, learn about regenerative farming and gain a fascinating insight into the day-to-day workings of a real cattle farm.
Bookings are essential. Click here for more information.
5. Perfect your picnic provisions at Picnic Society
This charming local business located in Queensland’s Top Tiny Tourism Town, Toogoolawah, is your one-stop-shop for picnic provisions and essentials (plus their pastries are pretty tasty too!).
The cafe operates only on weekends making it a great daytrip destination for morning tea or lunch before building a bounty of pickles, jams, chutney and picnicware to take home.
6. Take the leap with Skydive Ramblers
If your idea of a memorable getaway involves a serious adrenaline rush, it’s hard to top jumping out of a plane at 14,000 feet.
Located in Toogoolawah, Skydive Ramblers is one of Queensland’s major skydiving operations, welcoming both first timers and experienced jumpers.
Never been skydiving? A tandem jump is an opportunity to experience the thrill of freefall while securely attached to an experienced instructor. After the leap, take in spectacular bird’s-eye views across the Somerset region as you descend towards the countryside below.
7. Enjoy a Latte with a Llama
Llamas and lattes are two delightful experiences you likely never thought you’d experience in tandem. Until now that is!
This wonderfully quirky experience will see you lead a friendly llama along the streets of Esk or Linville, before settling down to enjoy a freshly brewed cuppa and bite to eat.
Bookings are essential. Find out more here.
8. Discover a modern art gallery in an old Nestle factory
Somerset is home to a thriving creative community, and one of the best places to celebrate this is The Condensery in Toogoolawah.
Housed in an historic 1920s Nestlé condensed milk packing shed, this award-winning regional gallery hosts changing exhibitions and a program of artist talks, workshops and creative activities throughout the year.
It’s a great opportunity to see works by local and visiting artists, explore new ideas and connect with the people contributing to the Queensland’s cultural scene.
Click here to view the current program.
9. Hunt for handmade treasures in Lowood
For travellers who prefer their souvenirs with a little local character, Lowood Folk Art Cooperative is a delightful stop.
Part gallery and part community market, this welcoming space brings together a collection of locally made and artisan products. Browse shelves of jams, honey and other foodie finds, alongside plants, crafts and artworks created by local makers.
It’s the sort of place where you can pop in looking for a small gift and leave with a bag full of unexpected treasures. Better still, your purchases help support the local creative community and the people who put time and care into making their products.
The cooperative also retails plants, crafts and other art items – you won’t be leaving empty handed!
10. Float over Somerset in a hot air balloon
Some experiences are worth setting the alarm for, and a sunrise hot-air balloon flight over Somerset is one of them.
Launching from Ipswich, balloon flights offer a chance to drift above the region’s rolling valleys, patchwork farmland and beautiful lakes and waterways as the countryside wakes up beneath you.
There’s something special about seeing a familiar landscape from above. The quiet of the early morning, the gentle movement of the balloon and the changing colours of the sunrise create an experience that feels both exhilarating and wonderfully peaceful.
Your pilot will share insights into the landscapes below, giving you a new appreciation for the region’s geography and rural character. After landing, round off the morning with a delicious breakfast.
Bookings essential. Find out more here.
