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 rail line was completed, continuing the line from Lowood to Esk station. The town doubled in size between 1905 and 1907 and quickly became a hub for agricultural and timber industries in the valley due to the railway line. The township boasted sawmills, a butter factory, post office, school and hotels before officially being named Esk in 1913.
TAKE A STROLL THROUGH TOWN TO WITNESS THE PAST
Esk Memorial Park is home to the heritage listed Esk War Memorial which was designed by George Brockwell Gill and built in 1920 by Frank Williams and Co. The memorial was unveiled on 28 September 1921 by General Lachlan Chisholm Wilson to commemorate the 462 shire residents who enlisted in World War I.
A number of heritage buildings still stand in Esk today, including St Agnes Anglican Church, built by Lars Andersen in 1889, St Andrews Presbyterian Church, built between 1876 and 1929 and most notably Lars Andersen House which lives on as Nash Gallery and Cafe.
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VISIT ESK
Drop into the Esk Visitor Information Centre for more information on Esk and to pick up a town map to explore on your own.
Esk Visitor Information Centre
82 Ipswich Street, Esk
(07) 5424 2923
Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday to Sunday 9am to 2pm
Open public holidays 9am to 2pm
Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day and New Years Day
Sources
https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Travel-and-transport/Pedestrians-and-walking/Brisbane-Valley-Rail-Trail
http://www.brisbanevalleyheritage.org.au/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esk,_Queensland
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esk_War_Memorial
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Agnes_Anglican_Church,_Esk
