Art enthusiasts can experience stories of Somerset and a farm that’s anything but calm as part of two new exhibitions at The Condensery. ‘Colourful Chaos II’ is full of vibrant 2D colour pieces featuring animals and the occasional human. Each piece is inspired by Sandi Harrold’s country upbringing. Get carried away in the colourful chaos […]
The Somerset Bendigo Bank Art Awards returns to Somerset this Saturday, 27 and Sunday, 28 July. Showcasing entries from South-East Queensland and New South Wales, this exhibition provides a visual feast at Somerset Civic Centre in Esk. Mediums include 3D/sculptures, textiles, painting, works on paper, photography and more. EXHIBITION TIMES Saturday, 27 July | […]
Looking for a great day out with family and friends? The Esk Cultural Festival is a free event on Saturday, 27 July at Pipeliner Park, Highland Street, Esk. The festival celebrates the diverse histories, foods and cultures of Somerset and its neighbouring regions. Come along and enjoy a day full of cultural activities showcasing international […]
Bring the family and celebrate with us at the Somerset Rail Trail Fun Run or Ride festival from 9am to 12pm this Sunday, 14 July. There will be free activities galore including jumping castles, rock climbing wall, slide, baby animal farm, live music, DJ and more. All welcome! Food and drinks available for purchase. […]
Come and enjoy some of Queensland’s finest regional racing at Esk this Saturday, 13 July. Treat your family to an action-packed day of racing, fashions on the field with cash prizes and more. Gates open | 10.30am First race | 12.45am Fashions on the field | from 1pm Last race | 4.15pm Food and drinks […]
Just because the weather is getting cooler doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the beautiful outdoors in Somerset. If you’re a keen cyclist, warm up your legs and keep active by joining the BVRT 100 Challenge Bike Ride in June, on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. BVRT 100 CHALLENGE BIKE RIDE This Brisbane Valley […]
Enjoy all the family fun of a rural show. Treat the children to rides, activities, games, stalls and more. Oh, and did we mention the laidback country atmosphere? LOWOOD SHOW Held on Friday, 14 and Saturday, 15 June. Features horse, cattle and pavilion displays. Saturday features fireworks, demolition derby, children’s entertainment, facepainting, live music […]
Enjoy a day out in the winter sunshine at the Esk Garden and Lifestyle Fair on Saturday, 15 June from 8am to 3pm. This family friendly event will cater for people of all ages, with more than 100 stalls featuring plants, gardening products, hand crafted bush furniture and more. Free lectures by Claire Bickle, […]
Warm up this winter with a drop of wine at one of Somerset’s boutique country wineries. Set among the rolling pastures and native landscape of the stunning Somerset countryside, our wineries are sure to surprise. WINYA WINES Visitors to Winya Wines can drop into the cellar door and choose from a selection of eight […]
Treat your family to an action-packed day of racing, fashions on the field, raffles, prizes and more at the Kilcoy races on Saturday, 15 June from 10am. Enjoy the spectacle of harness and gallop races held throughout the day, and delight in the mini trots featuring children aged from six to 15 years of […]
With Mother’s Day fast approaching on Sunday, 12 May 2019, it’s time to start planning something special to let mum know just how wonderful she is! Here are a few ideas to get you started… FOR MUMS WHO LOVE MARKETS AND MUNCHIES Take mum for a stroll through the Fernvale Country Markets this Mother’s Day […]
If you’re looking for a special gift, why not drop into one of our country markets and choose from a range of handmade treasures and treats. SATURDAY, 4 MAY 2019 Esk Markets 7am – 12pm, Pipeliner Park, Esk Linville Hall Markets 7am – 12pm, Linville Hall, Linville SUNDAY, 5 MAY 2019 Fernvale Country Markets […]
We can’t wait to celebrate the arts, of all kinds, at the inaugural Somerset Art Beat Festival. Held at the Somerset Regional Art Gallery – The Condensery in Toogoolawah on Saturday, 1 June 2019 the free festival will be a family friendly event celebrating all things creative. The festival will offer a range of art […]
The 2019 Somerset Rail Trail Fun Run or Ride will be held on Sunday, 14 July 2019. This event is back for its seventeenth year and will, for the third consecutive year, include a 24km bike ride in addition to the popular 8km and 3km run/walk events all held on Australia’s longest recreational rail trail. […]
Winter is coming and we all know there’s nothing better than relaxing in front of a warm fireplace to beat the chill. So be sure to book your next cosy winter stay in Somerset. THE HOLLOW LOG COUNTRY RETREAT AND KOALA SANCTUARY Perfect for families or small groups, The Hollow Log Country Retreat and Koala […]
We sat down with Jim and Naomi McKenzie, owners of the Blacktop Motorcycle Works in Esk to chat about living and working in Somerset. DESCRIBE BLACKTOP MOTORCYCLE WORKS We are a family owned and run business and we work hard and believe in producing quality products. To put it simply, we restore and repair pre-1980’s […]
Somerset will host the 2019 Reel Wivenhoe Classic at Captain Logan Campground, Lake Wivenhoe from Saturday, 17 August 2019 to Sunday, 18 August 2019. The event is open to competitors and day visitors and is perfect for families with free family fun festival including jumping castles, slides, rock climbing wall, live music, fireworks, kayak and […]
It’s that time of year again, when Lowood comes alive with creative flair and cultural experiences. All are welcome to join in on all the fun at the Lowood Art Cultural Festival on Saturday, 27 April 2019. Get the chance to immerse yourself among the cultural performances available on the day including unique fire dancing, […]
Lace up your boots, grab your camping chairs and get your mates together and travel to the Toogoolawah Showground on Saturday, 13 April 2019 for the 24th annual Toogoolawah Charity Rodeo. Starting at 11am with some of Australia’s best cowboys and cowgirls this rodeo is going to be an event you do not want to […]
Treat the kids to a host of outdoor adventure activities in Somerset during the school holidays. HORSE RIDING ADVENTURE – NASH HORSE TREKKING Nash Horse Trekking can tailor packages to suit families with children from as young as three years. Children can brush, feed and interact with their horse as they ride the Brisbane Valley […]
The Exchange Hotel Kilcoy doesn’t just have the X-factor, it’s got the S-factor. We sat down with Jim Davies to find out about what it’s like to own an authentic Aussie pub and chat about the three S’s; steak, staff and service. DESCRIBE THE EXCHANGE HOTEL KILCOY The Exchange Hotel has been part of […]
This November marks the 100-year anniversary of the signing of the Armistice, which brought an end to World War One. To mark the occasion, the Somerset Regional Art Gallery – The Condensery will display a historical exhibition, An End to Conflict. This important exhibition presented by the Toogoolawah and District History Group includes a series […]
With Christmas fast approaching why not join in on the cheer and travel to the Kilcoy Yowie Country Markets to find that perfect Christmas gift. You are sure to find a unique handmade gift. The markets are held at Yowie Park, Kilcoy every second and last Saturday of the month from 7.30am to 12.30pm. The […]
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 […]
Jensens Swamp Environmental Reserve is located seven minutes drive west of Lowood in Somerset. The reserve covers 20 hectares of bushland and has bush walking tracks suitable for young children through to adults. FACILITIES Features sensory garden with wheelchair walk, bush walking tracks, picnic tables (some with shelters), quiet sitting areas, toilets, beautiful bushland and […]
Do you like to start your weekend off in an active way? Why not join the Cormorant Bay parkrun held every Saturday. The Cormorant Bay parkrun is held every Saturday at Cormorant Bay Recreational Reserve, Lake Wivenhoe. The event starts at 7am and is a free 5km timed run in scenic Somerset. Nobody is too […]
Just in case you needed another reason to experience Somerset’s Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Somerset Regional Council won an engineering excellence award for the newest section of the trail on Thursday, 11 October 2018. This award recognises Council’s achievements and its collaboration with various stakeholders including all tiers of government to complete the project, which […]
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 […]
Did you know that Somerset has its very own art gallery trail? Yes, that’s right, Somerset offers galleries north and south of Somerset housing traditional oil paintings, creative fabric, crafts, sculptures, photography and modern impressionist pieces by Somerset artists. With various pieces on display throughout the region, you are guaranteed to find something that will […]
We sat down with Bruce Potter, new proprietor of the Kilcoy Gardens Motor Inn to chat about accommodation, country living and the beauty of Kilcoy. DESCRIBE THE KILCOY GARDENS MOTOR INN The Kilcoy Gardens Motor Inn is a country highway motel conveniently located in the beautiful township of Kilcoy. WHAT MAKES YOU’RE THE KILCOY […]
You might have heard about the two amazing lakes in Somerset… Yes, we’re talking about Lake Wivenhoe and Lake Somerset. Both lakes provide fantastic locations for camping and spending a day out on the water. But have you heard how fantastic the fishing is? Did you know an Australia Bass, weighing 4.455 kilograms, measuring 59cm […]
We sat down with David and Josie Sheehan of Out There Cycling to chat about cycling, Somerset and the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. DESCRIBE OUT THERE CYCLING? Out There Cycling is the perfect service for those wanting to adventure along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. Our service is a one stop shop for cyclists and […]
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 […]
Are you on the hunt for a cosy beanie? Trying to find a jar of that homemade relish similar to what Nanna used to make? Or some unique craft goodies, after all Christmas is just around the corner. Look no further, Folk Art Cooperative might just be the one stop shop you’ve been looking for. […]
Enjoy a glamourous night out at the second annual Mayoral Gala Charity Ball this October. Join us for a magical evening of delicious food, engaging live entertainment, charity auctions and much more at the 2018 Mayoral Gala Charity Ball. The ball will be held on Saturday, 6 October 2018 at the Somerset Civic Centre, 35 […]
If you’re a keen photographer, be sure to check out Shiels Lookout. Head out early to Shiels Lookout and capture the early morning sunrise with breathtaking, uninterrupted views over Lake Somerset, Hazeldean and Kilcoy. After your photo session, pop into one of the neighbouring villages of Esk, or Kilcoy for a hearty breakfast at one […]
Jody Davis, co-owner of The Girls Coffee Bar in Fernvale, spills the coffee beans about making quality coffee and serving it with a smile. Nestled in amongst the shops along the Brisbane Valley Highway in Fernvale, Queensland you’ll find The Girls Coffee Bar. Outside, a couple of gents and their pet dogs are seated in […]
Esk is a beautiful country town known for its friendly atmosphere, backdrop of Glen Rock and abundance of cafes. But, there’s more! Esk is home to the heart and soul of the Somerset Art Society group with their displays on show at the Glen Rock Art Gallery. In 2009 a group of Somerset artists formed […]
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. […]
Are you a keen angler? Looking for a great opportunity to spend a weekend away fishing with family and friends? Register for the Reel Wivenhoe Classic family friendly fishing competition held at Captain Logan Campgrounds at Logan Inlet, Lake Wivenhoe on Saturday, 18 and Sunday, 19 August 2018. With $20,000 in prizes to be won […]
Looking for place to launch your boat or go kayaking on calm waters? Hamon Cove is the ideal location for you. Located along the Brisbane Valley Highway in Somerset only 12 minutes south of Esk, Hamon Cove is great place to spend a relaxed day by the water. FACILITIES Hamon Cove, Lake Wivenhoe features toilets, […]
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 […]
Join in on the fun of the annual Somerset Rail Trail Fun Run and get to experience a section of what is soon to be Australia’s longest recreational rail trail. The event, now in its sixteenth year is held along the iconic Brisbane Valley Rail Trail between Lowood and Fernvale and this year, for those […]
Soak up the sunshine at Logan Inlet day use area this winter. This location is the perfect place for the whole family as far as location goes. You can pack a picnic, enjoy some fishing, a swim, or camp at one of the adjacent camp grounds for a longer stay. HOW TO GET THERE […]
If you’re looking for a fantastic place to spend the school holidays, whether it’s a day trip or longer stay, Somerset is the perfect destination. We know it’s a bit chilly, but as the sun rises each day the weather is perfect for getting the family outdoors and into nature. KIDS ACTIVITIES Check out […]
The Somerset Regional Art Gallery – The Condensery has recently welcomed new exhibition Sitting Quietly by Elizabeth Poole to its gallery walls. This beautiful display, capturing the artist’s joy and appreciation of the Brisbane Valley’s natural environment, features various 2D and 3D artwork pieces made from organic and industrial objects. In this exhibit you are […]
Come in and see the Experience Somerset team at the Brisbane RNA Showgrounds, on now until Monday, 11 June 2018. It’s a caravanning, camping and touring paradise! There are some amazing deals on offer and fantastic information on the great places you can visit in our beautiful country including Somerset, Queensland. Plus, visit our stand […]
If you’ve been looking for that perfect place that combines art and warm country hospitality, the Supper Room Art Gallery at Moore is the place for you. You will find this hidden gem housed in the historic Moore Soldiers Memorial Hall. This beautiful space is owned and supported by The Moore Soldiers Memorial Hall Association. […]
We sat down with Jimna Base Camp owners, Robyn and Ross of Jimna Queensland, to chat about their walk on the wild side. They say the city can be a jungle. Workers running from meeting to meeting, like monkeys swinging from trees, deadlines creeping up, like cheetahs stalking their prey and bosses roaring like lions. […]
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 […]
Green thumbs unite for the Esk Garden and Lifestyle Fair this June. Thousands of people are expected to arrive at Pipeliner Park, Esk on Saturday, 16 June 2018 to enjoy everything garden related. Come along and wander through the garden stalls, enjoy the abundance of food offerings that will at the fair or enjoy a […]
For a fun-filled family day out, head to Watts Bridge Memorial Airfield on the weekend of 26 to 27 May for the Red Thunder Air Show. The air show has something for everybody including vintage military aircraft, modern aircraft shows, skydiving displays, joy flights, military vehicles, hot rod cars, live music, food and beverages. […]
The Somerset community is a resilient one and that camaraderie is integrated into an artistic display in Fernvale’s CBD known as the Fernvale Murals. The murals were created post 2011 floods. Through difficult times, the Fernvale community and Somerset Regional Council banded together to create something incredible. The Fernvale Murals, a touching ode to Fernvale’s […]
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 […]
We sat down with Ian and Dot Roy, owners of Coolana Olives at Minden in Somerset, Queensland to chat about life, love and olives. Nestled in the peaceful hills of Minden range in Queensland, you’ll find Coolana Olives. Since 1985, Ian and Dot have toiled to pave a way for their unique Australian made gourmet […]
Located next to Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre, Yowie Park provides a tranquil lagoon, scenic parklands to explore and Kilcoy’s Yowie statue. FACILITIES Yowie Park features toilets, barbecue, picnic tables, playground, parking, large open spaces, grassed areas, shady trees and a lagoon abundant with birdlife. KILCOY’S YOWIE AND IT’S SIGNIFICANCE A Yowie is a […]
If you’re looking for a beautiful spot to relax, explore nature and spend the day with family, Cormorant Bay, Lake Wivenhoe is for you. This immaculately maintained recreation reserve is located in Somerset only five minutes drive north of Fernvale above the Lake Wivenhoe wall. FACILITIES Cormorant Bay, Lake Wivenhoe features barbecues, under cover […]
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 […]
Looking for the perfect place to reignite your creative senses? Travelling through Kilcoy? Then you should put the Kilcoy Courthouse Art Gallery on your “must visit” list. Nestled in the picturesque Yowie Park, Kilcoy and alongside the Historical Society, Craft Cottage and Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre – lies the hidden gem, the beautifully refurbished Kilcoy […]
If you’re keen to have a real country experience then a visit to Somerset in April is in order. There will be three rodeos on three consecutive weekends kickstarting with Toogoolawah on Saturday, 14 April 2018. TOOGOOLAWAH CHARITY RODEO – SATURDAY, 14 APRIL 2018 The rodeo circuit is always popular with thousands of people […]
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 […]
Easter is a busy time in Somerset with plenty of people flocking to this scenic part of the world to enjoy the abundance of water sports on offer at the lakes or to just enjoy the serenity. If you’re hoping to secure a spot at one of the popular camp sites in Somerset, don’t delay […]
The Open Door Gallery at Lowood, is more than just a space for all things creative. It’s a place created by a group of passionate Lowood Lions Club volunteers who want nothing more than to bring creativity, art and fun experiences to Somerset visitors and residents. It has taken nine years for the building to […]
Discovering the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail just got easier, with mountain bike hire now available from Esk Caravan Park. We recommend booking in advance as numbers are limited: Esk Caravan Park 26 Hassall Street, Esk (07) 5424 1466 Esk Caravan Park website Keen to get started on a Brisbane Valley Rail Trail adventure and don’t […]
The sprinkling of rose petals, the lift of a veil, that glorious first kiss. This is the stuff that dreams are made of, and dreams are certainly coming true in Somerset. With rolling green hills, stunning lakes and a picture perfect landscape, it’s no wonder that couples are flocking to Somerset to say I do. […]
Want to run a business in the Somerset Regional Council area? Keep on reading. Why? We want to help you. DID YOU KNOW 80% OF START-UP BUSINESSES FAIL TO MAKE IT PAST THEIR FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION? Why? Lack of preparation and planning. Running your own business can be tough at times, but with the […]
We catch up with Bill and Lyn Rose, owner operators of the Old Fernvale Bakery in Fernvale, Queensland to talk pastries, pies and the past. Sydney has the Opera House. New York City has the Statue of Liberty. Likewise, Fernvale has the Old Fernvale Bakery, and it wouldn’t be the same without it. Home to […]
Located five minutes drive north of Fernvale, the Spillway Common provides unique views from Spillway Lookout below the dam wall of Lake Wivenhoe and access to Atkinson’s Crossing, a true fishing, kayaking and canoe lovers paradise. FACILITIES Spillway Common, Lake Wivenhoe features a viewing platform, toilets, barbecue, under cover picnic tables, parking, large open spaces, […]
EXPERIENCE ART AND CULTURE IN SOMERSET Nash Gallery and Cafe, located in the main street of Esk in the historic Lars Anderson house, is a combination of everything owners Gavin Nash and Sandee Boyd enjoy most. They thrive off creating hand thrown crystalline pottery and flavoursome food infused with fresh herbs and local produce. As […]
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 […]
Step back in time and experience an old style country movie theatre experience in the heart of Toogoolawah. The iconic movie theatre has been playing films since the 1920s in Alexandra Hall in Toogoolawah. Now known affectionately as the Toogoolawah Pictures, you can be rest assured a visit will result in more than you bargained […]
Nestled amongst the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, surrounded by the beautiful Somerset country side, you’ll find the Old Church Gallery Moore. Originally built in the early 20th century, the church has been transformed by gallery owners David Mackenzie and Deborah Johnston-Booker, into a beautiful contemporary art space, retaining the buildings character and providing […]
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 […]
Celebrate Australia Day, the Somerset way! If you are looking for a great day out with the family come along to our Somerset Australia Day Pool Party, join us for a swim and lots of fun activities. Held between 10am to 5pm at the following locations in Somerset: Kilcoy Aquatic Centre – Corner Mary and […]
Come out and explore O’Sheas Crossing, a truly beautiful stretch of the upper Brisbane River at the northern end of Lake Wivenhoe. Located between Lake Wivenhoe and Lake Somerset, O’Sheas Crossing offers a relaxing picnic spot and the ideal place to launch your kayak or canoe to go on a natural river adventure. Bring a […]
As I walk into the Esk Wivenhoe Motor Inn, my eyes sweep across beautifully hand crafted rocking horses, an old peddle car and an array of antique toys that would ignite the inner child in anyone. This is not your regular motel reception area. With a bold backdrop of red, black and white and in […]
Located at the southern end of Lake Wivenhoe, Billie’s Bay and Hays Landing offer the perfect destination to spend a day by the water. Enjoy a relaxing swim in the calm, cool waters of Billie’s Bay. Bring a fishing rod, launch your boat, kayak or canoe from the boat ramp adjacent to the swimming area. […]
Owner operator of the Brisbane Valley Tavern in Fernvale on keeping the pub scene family friendly. It’s 2pm on a Tuesday and the lunch time rush at the Brisbane Valley Tavern in Fernvale is over. Around the tavern a group of office staff are just finishing off their lunch and are preparing to return to […]
Many Christmas events are being held throughout Somerset region this December and you are invited to attend. SOMERSET CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TRAIL Plan an evening with friends and family to experience the Somerset Christmas Lights Trail. Homes throughout Somerset will be lit up from Friday, 1 December 2017 to Monday, 1 January 2018 for viewing. […]
The Somerset Regional Art Gallery – The Condensery is situated in the small town rich in country hospitality, Toogoolawah. A magnificent structure, rebuilt and restored to its original glory, Somerset Regional Art Gallery – The Condensery is certainly hard to miss. This building is known to many as the cultural footprint for Somerset providing visitors […]
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ESK | 07 5424 2923 |
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FERNVALE | 07 5427 0200 |
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KILCOY | 07 5422 0440 |
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TOOGOOLAWAH | 07 5423 1036 |