Take a step back into yesteryear – Coronation Hall was originally a picture theatre used by builders and their families during the construction of the dam wall at Somerset Dam. Opened in 1936, Jubilee Hall was the place to be in Somerset Dam and it still is today especially for couples tying-the-knot. The hall was […]
Lockyer Creek Railway Bridge
Wander along the Lowood to Coominya section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and you will see the heritage listed Lockyer Creek Railway Bridge (Clarendon). The bridge was added to the Queensland Heritage register in 1992. Henry Charles Stanley designed the bridge which was built between 1885 and 1886 and is considered significant due to […]
Yimbun Railway Tunnel
Experience a piece of history at the heritage listed Yimbun Railway Tunnel along the newest section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail near the town of Harlin. The Yimbun tunnel was constructed in 1910 along the Brisbane Valley branch rail line, Queensland’s second branch line. This branch line was fundamental in the development of settlements […]
Brisbane Valley Railway Line
Before becoming Australia’s longest recreational rail trail, the Brisbane Valley railway line was built to access timber resources from the Brisbane Valley. It was an extension to the Brisbane and Toowoomba railway line. The first section of the railway line opened in 1884 connecting Wulkuraka (previously known as Brisbane Valley Junction) to Fernvale and Lowood. […]
Experience Toogoolawah History Museum
The Toogoolawah History Museum is home to a unique collection of historical memorabilia from Toogoolawah and surrounding areas. Housed in the old railway station, this museum is full of artefacts and information about the past. The museum’s historian even offers a local family search for those history buffs who are interested in tracking down their […]
Billy Mateer- the greatest story never told
You may recall in the February edition we told you how Somerset Dam came about through the perseverance of Henry Plantegenet Somerset, here is a little bit more to the story. Three cyclones hit South East Queensland in February 1893 saturating the Brisbane and Stanley river catchments. The first cyclone delivered 914mm of rain over […]
The historic township of Esk
Nestled beneath magnificent Glen Rock, Esk is a scenic country town with a range of cafes, shops and historic sites to explore. The township was established in 1872 and originally known as Gallanani, which is thought to be the Aboriginal name for the Eastern swamp hen. In 1886 the second section of the Brisbane Valley […]
Coominya Murals
Step back in time to experience the pioneering history of Coominya. A VILLAGE RICH IN HISTORY The charming village of Coominya centres on the old railway station, originally known as Bellevue station when established in 1886. In 1905 the station’s name changed to Coominya to avoid confusion with the nearby Bellevue pastoral station. Today Coominya […]
A rare church in Somerset…Caboonbah Undenominational Church
One of the very few undenominational churches left in Queensland is nestled in beautiful Somerset. Founded in 1905, the Caboonbah Undenominational Church located on Cressbrook Caboonbah Road at Mount Beppo is a must see. The church is located just 12km from Toogoolawah so can easily be included into a scenic drive of the region or […]
Did you know that Somerset Dam took 24 years to complete?
Construction of the dam started in 1935 but had to be suspended in 1942 due to World War II. The dam was finally completed in 1959 and holds a 904,000-megalitre reservoir of water at full capacity. The site for the dam was first recommended by Henry Plantagenet Somerset after the 1893 Brisbane Floods. Henry Somerset […]
Explore Somerset’s Churches and Memorials Trail
History buffs make sure to experience Somerset’s Churches and Memorials Trail for a fascinating drive through the region. Go back in time and explore the religious and social history of the area. Allow a full day to travel the 160km trail, as we guarantee you will be stopping every chance you get to take in […]
Explore Kilcoy’s History Trail
Step back in time and stroll along Kilcoy’s History Trail. Discover the original purposes of the town’s buildings and how they are still used today. In an age where the old is discarded for something new, the past is always present in Somerset. Kilcoy is the northern gateway to Somerset and was named in 1841 […]