There’s a quiet shift happening just beyond Brisbane’s edge. Travellers who once flocked to popular hinterland locations are now looking towards the country – searching for closer to home short escapes rich in character and still pleasantly under the radar.
Located just over an hour from Brisbane, the Somerset region is stepping into that space with a growing pool of bespoke accommodation options and a blossoming coffee, art and small-batch foodie scene.
Less hype and more heart best describe this appealing enclave consisting of a series of small country villages nestled amongst rolling hills and South East Queensland’s lakes and waterways, including Toogoolawah.
With a population of 1,200 and just 1.5 hours from Brisbane, this tiny town is fast emerging as a darling of the tourism scene, most recently being awarded as Queensland’s Top Tiny Tourism Town.
Here, sleepy streets come to life on a weekend and conversations with the locals are as much a part of the experience as everything else on your itinerary.
For those looking to enjoy something real, relaxing but rewarding – this is your guide to a slow weekend in Toogoolawah, one of Queensland’s quietly compelling regional escapes.
No passport or lengthy planning required, just an esky or cooler bag to bring home your fresh foodie finds while in region!
A Creative Pulse in the Country
At the centre of Toogoolawah’s cultural scene is The Condensery, a contemporary art space housed in a restored former condensed milk factory. The architecturally designed gallery features a rotating program of exhibitions showcasing both established and emerging Australian artists. It also hosts artistic talks and hands-on workshops, perfect for those who like their weekends with a little culture.
Village Vibes Reward the Curious
Toogoolawah’s charm lies in its small village vibe. Here, the town’s streets reward those that wander – with heritage shopfronts, friendly faces and small discoveries in every corner.
Two Galahs Gallery is one such gem. This much-loved space showcases the talents of local creatives and makers. With over 80 artists displaying their work, the gallery is a celebration of local talent across painting, pottery, jewellery, woodwork and more.
Wander between galleries, stop in at local stores, or settle in at one of the town’s classic pubs, where long lunches stretch into the afternoon and the pace is refreshingly unhurried.
A highlight of Toogoolawah is the Toogoolawah Pictures. Tucked unpretentiously in the historic Alexandra Hall, this old-time movie house comes with authentic sling back canvas chairs and fresh popcorn. It’s simple, charming and a reminder that not all entertainment needs to be high-tech to be memorable.
Coffee and Conversations
Like any destination that’s popular with the people, good coffee is a must, and Toogoolawah delivers this in droves.
In a cute-as-a-button cottage in the main street you will find Thee Coffee Shack where locals linger over great coffee. You’ll also find a range of products from the region’s small batch makers.
Further along the main street is Picnic Society, a weekend pop up that has a cult following. With a carefully curated café and retail experience, it feels more Byron Hinterland than rural Queensland. This unexpected find offers picnic provisions and beautiful condiments including jams, chutneys and relishes. The café also serves up French pastries and excellent quality coffee on weekends.
A short skip up the road and you’ll find Hav’A’ Chat Cafe — exactly what it sounds like. Friendly, unpretentious, and full of character, it captures the essence of the town: welcoming and reminisce of small-town milk bars back in the day.
Small Batch Scene
One of the most charming elements of Somerset is the region’s small batch scene – where coffee roasters, bakers, chefs, local producers and gourmet artisans turn simple ingredients into perfect morsels.
Think hand crafted pastries pulled fresh from the oven, coffee roasted just metres from where you drink it, farm-fresh meats produced just metres up the road and farm gates with a refreshing twist.
Just outside of Toogoolawah, Cumquats Australia invites visitors onto a working cumquat orchard. Their farm gate and distillery opens at set times throughout the year allowing you to hear about their production processes and try their liqueurs and shrubs.
A short drive away, Esk Beef allows you to venture beyond the farm gate in a unique paddock to plate experience, with a three-hour guided tour. You’ll explore their paddocks, meet the cattle and learn about regenerative farming in this educational tour which includes a premium beef tasting (washed down with billy tea of course!).
Brisbane Valley Rail Trail
Toogoolawah is located along Australia’s longest recreational rail trail. The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail features 161km of trail that runs through country towns, rolling farmland and Somerset’s villages, including Toogoolawah.
Whether you plan to cycle, e-bike, walk or horse ride, the BVRT offers a soft adventure activity that the whole family will enjoy with scenic stops, tunnels and historic bridges, cafes and pubs at regular points along the trail.
Toogoolawah is a great base for those exploring the BVRT with its central location and availability of accommodation and shuttle services.
And if you like your adventure at a slightly higher thrill level, Toogoolawah is also a central stopover for those planning to skydive at nearby Skydive Ramblers, Queensland’s largest and longest established skydiving facility.
Where to Stay
Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, the region’s bespoke retreats are worthy of a slow weekend – think stunning views, crackling fireplaces and plenty of rustic charm.
Just a short 30-minute drive from Toogoolawah, you’ll find The Stonehouse Retreat. This secluded country lodge is set on 175 acres of bushland and is made of natural stone, raw timbers, polished concrete and recycled materials – all overlooking the escarpment of the Deongwar State Forest. Spend your days spotting wallabies, walking bush trails or settling in with a book on the deck, where views stretch across the surrounding lakes. Settle into a sunset with cheese board and bubbles on your private deck.
Nestled high in the hills, Mount Byron Retreat pairs rustic country comfort (think an authentic log cabin) with panoramic views across rolling farmland. Spacious accommodation, tranquil surrounds and lots of space make this an ideal place to reconnect for families or small groups.
Further North, The Archer Retreat near Mount Archer, is designed for switching off. Rustic cabins overlook Lake Somerset and the Glasshouse Mountains, while the outdoor baths, nearby national parks and spectacular sunsets invite guests to embrace a slower pace. As evening falls, gather around the fire pit and soak in the spectacular views.
For those that don’t want to venture far though, there are comfortable accommodation options within the Toogoolawah township. Peddlars Rest, the Exchange Hotel, Toogoolawah Hotel and Toogoolawah Motel, all provide comfortable accommodation within walking distance of the town centre and offering easy access to the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.
