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 the scenery.
Start your journey in Linville at the headwaters of the Brisbane River which became a settlement for farmers in the early 1880’s, before the arrival of the train line in 1910 and a bustling timber industry. Travel south east to the Colinton War memorial which was unveiled by Henry Plantagenet Somerset on 18 January, 1917.
Visit the historic churches of Toogoolawah along with the Somerset Regional Art Gallery – The Condensery, before heading to the historic Caboonbah Church. The church was founded by Henry Plantagenet Somerset and built by Lars Anderson in 1905 to serve the farming community of Mt Beppo. This undenominational church is a photographers dream with its unusual church spire and scenic landscape and is a must see along this drive.
Head further south in the region to experience the historic cemeteries and churches of Esk, Fernvale, Lowood and Coominya. Stop at Esk for morning tea at one of the many cafes and make sure to explore the Chapel on the Green which was previously St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church built in 1876. Make sure to stop at the WWII Lowood Airfield Memorial to commemorate the RAAF Station which was constructed in 1941 and was used as an operational base in world war II. After the war the sealed runway and taxiway circuit was used for motor racing, before being redeveloped as Daisy Road.
Drop into one of our visitor information centres at Esk, Fernvale or Kilcoy to find out more information about the region.
Sources:
https://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/conflict/ww1/display/91177-colinton-war-memorial-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caboonbah_Undenominational_Church
https://www.ww2places.qld.gov.au/places/?id=870
https://www.qldwarmemorials.com.au/memorial/?id=884
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