Located just an hour from Brisbane, Somerset is an under the radar region quietly serving slow, grounding, village vibes with lakeside glamping, artisan coffee, art-filled spaces, boutique shopping and hiking trails just waiting to be explored.
Step away from the usual and embrace a short country escape with these 7 reasons why Somerset is the escape you never knew you needed… until now!
Reason 1: You’ll wander where the wifi is weak
Yes, you heard us. It’s time to step away from the scroll and lean into a proper digital detox. And before you panic — Somerset does have Wi-Fi. It’s just the kind of place where your phone naturally stays in your pocket. You’ll be too busy breathing in fresh air, watching the light change over the hills and remembering how good it feels to be present.
Pop your phone on Do Not Disturb and don’t look back.
Reason 2: It’s Close
Somerset is just over an hour from Brisbane, which means you can leave after work on a Friday and be sipping wine under the stars that same night. No long-haul flights, no airport chaos — just a scenic drive that feels like you’re slipping into another world.
It will be easy to get to, but hard to leave.
Reason 3: You’ll Have All the Little Luxuries
You won’t need to compromise on your little luxuries. The Esk Caravan Park delivers one of Somerset’s most polished glamping experiences without sacrificing your standards. Think: wine on the deck, fairy lights, and zero tent-pegging stress.
Pure Glamping at Lake Wivenhoe offers an effortlessly stylish escape with uninterrupted water views.
For something even more secluded, The Stonehouse Retreat (via Esk) is peak couples energy. It’s all private, architectural charm, rolling views on your private deck.
Reason 4: Somerset’s Coffee Culture Is the Real Deal
Coffee does maketh the weekend and Somerset is punching well above its weight with its blossoming coffee and café culture.
Brisbane Valley Roasters is a standout for coffee lovers. Serving excellent coffee, delicious bites and boasting an urban-chic alfresco space, it’s a great spot to settle in for breakfast, morning tea or lunch.
Splityard Social brings the cool-kid energy with an edgy fitout and great coffee blends, while Picnic Society in Toogoolawah nails the graze-and-go brief with style. Even the local store in Linville is pulling Merlo — so yes, you’re covered.
Reason 5: Insta Worthy Wanders
The Condensery is an award-winning regional art gallery set inside a beautifully restored 1920s Nestlé condensed milk packing shed. The gallery hosts changing exhibitions, artist talks and hands-on workshops, perfect for those who like their weekends with a little culture.
Then hit the Somerset Mural Trail — a colourful, creative wander through town that turns quiet streets into open-air galleries. It’s the kind of stroll where every corner is content.
Reason 6: Serving Village Vibes
Somerset’s quaint villages offer a surprisingly diverse boutique shopping experience. Esk has a great diversity of retail shops featuring gifts, fashion, jewellery, local providores and homewares. It’s literally a treasure trove of discovery for these happy to wander and explore.
Toogoolawah’s quaint main street also makes for a lovely stroll while Wilde n Pretty in Kilcoy is a boutique that understands the assignment when it comes to elevated country style.
Reason 7: Grazing Boards Come With Views
Somerset is where your picnic era truly begins. Stop at Picnic Society to stock up on beautiful grazing items and treats or preorder a custom grazing box for you to take with you. Then find your perfect location, spread out the rug, pour the wine, cue the playlist and soak in Somerset.
Click here to view our Perfect Picnics location edit.
The verdict? Dare to be different and ditch the cliché coastal escape for fresh air and countryside charm.
Somerset is a step into to a slower life where hearty food, good coffee, local business and creativity are nurtured and celebrated. Somerset offers a slow, simple but thoroughly relaxing experience – the perfect anecdote for busy city life.
