Feel the Freedom
ESCAPE TO SOMERSET & LOCKYER VALLEY
Feel the Freedom Escape to Somerset and Lockyer
Hit pause on the everyday and point the car towards Queensland Country. Somerset and Lockyer Valley invite you to slow down, stretch the drive and settle in for a five-day escape shaped by country pubs, well-worn backroads and some of the best bakeries in the region.
Just an easy hour from Brisbane, Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast, this relaxed getaway proves you don’t need to travel far to feel a world away.
Valley
Follow scenic country roads through heritage towns and village streets, where the smell of fresh baking pulls you in and a welcoming pub is never far down the road.
Pull up for a long lunch, grab something sweet for later, then roll on to lakeside camps, charming caravan parks or comfortable stays set among Queensland Country’s open landscapes. With low-cost camping options and plenty of choice, it’s easy to travel your way and linger where it feels right.There’s no rush, no rules, just good food, great scenery and the freedom to enjoy it all at your own pace.
Fuel up on pies, pubs and five days of
freedom in Queensland Country
Kilcoy
Fernvale
Toogoolawah
Esk
TOOWOOMBA
Gatton Laidley Forest Hill
Helidon
SUNSHINE COAST
BRISBANE
GOLD COAST
5 Days of Freedom
DAY 1: BRISBANE – LAKE SOMERSET
As you journey north from Brisbane along the Bruce Highway, take a turn (for the better) to the D’Aguilar Highway towards Kilcoy. Your first stop is the Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre. Drop in and have a chat to the friendly volunteers who will offer expert local tips and advice on what to do with your time in Somerset.
Indulge in a tasty pastry from one of two bakeries or get your coffee hit from the Yowie Coffee van in the park, whilst exploring the Kilcoy Craft Market, Kilcoy Courthouse Art Gallery and Hall of History. After you’ve stocked up on tasty treats in town, head to Lake Somerset.
STAY IN STYLE: NRMA Lake Somerset Holiday Park: Camp and caravan your way to holiday heaven at this tranquil, lakeside park, or relax in style at a lakeside cabin or safari tent.
LOW COST CAMP: Nestled quietly, just 2km from the charming town of Kilcoy, the Kilcoy Showgrounds awaits. Enjoy up to seven days caravanning and camping and soak up the laid-back country atmosphere.
PLAY: Take a dip or enjoy a spot of fishing on the lake, or for those a little more adventurous, bring your boat for the ultimate watersports adventure where you can jetski, wakeboard, tube ride or canoe.
EXPLORE: Explore the region’s rolling hills and lakeside views along the Somerset Scenic Lakes Drive. Make sure to stop at O’Shea’s crossing just south of the village of Somerset Dam, where Lakes Somerset and Wivenhoe meet along the Brisbane River.
Hot Tip
Stop in Kilcoy and fill your baskets with tasty treats from the bakeries, butcher and foodie outlets. Enjoy your goodies in picnic paradise at The Spit on the banks of Lake Somerset.
DAY 2: LAKE SOMERSET – ESK
Revel in the wonders of a Somerset sunrise, before you pack up and head south for an Eskcape like no other.
STAY IN STYLE: Esk Caravan Park: Boasting stunning views of Mount Glen Rock, a spacious camp kitchen complete with pizza ovens, a family pool, separate adult’s oasis pool and a range of in-park events, the Esk Caravan Park is a glamping, camping and caravanning mecca.
LOW COST CAMP: Take a 15 minute drive north to Toogoolawah and check in at the Toogoolawah Showgrounds. Located conveniently within walking distance to cafes, pubs and shops, it’s the perfect home away from home for travellers. Spread out and relax in spacious sites with the perfect country backdrop of expansive paddocks and pastures.
PLAY: Join Ottaba Llamas and let a llama be your guide, as you take a stroll through town and see a new side of Esk.
EXPLORE: Arts and Culture: Discover the ultimate in arts, crafts and creativity at the Glen Rock Gallery, Nash Gallery and Café, and just up the road in Toogoolawah, The Condensery | Somerset Regional Art Gallery and Two Galahs Gallery.
Brisbane Valley Rail Trail: Explore Australia’s longest recreational rail trail by foot, horseback or bicycle. Do a little or a lot, feel free to choose!
Hot Tip
Fuel your onward journey with a coffee from Brisbane Valley Roasters. Roasted onsite, their brew is bound to refuel your caffeine-o-metre.
DAY 3: ESK – GATTON
Roll along the Gatton-Esk Road and let the countryside set the pace. Pull into Gatton to explore town, grab something from one of the local bakeries or settle in at a welcoming country pub, before heading out to your chosen camping spot. With rolling hills and the Great Dividing Range as a backdrop, Gatton serves up classic country hospitality that’s well worth the stop.
STAY IN STYLE: Murphy’s Creek Escape is bush camping at its best. Set among natural surrounds, it’s the ideal place to slow down, switch off and recharge. For those feeling more active, there’s plenty to explore, from adventure activities and creekside wandering to mountain biking. With powered sites, toilets, showers, pet-friendly areas and an eco pool, it’s an easy, comfortable stay in nature.
LOW COST CAMP: Rocky Creek Homestead tucked away on Brookside Place at Postmans Ridge, offers off-grid serenity in a truly quiet country setting. Unplug and play in nature’s backyard as you camp beside the creek, meet friendly goats and local wildlife, including Millie and Maple the Highland Coos, and soak up genuine country peace and stillness. Self-contained setups only.
PLAY: Stop by the Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre home to an Art Gallery, Queensland Transport Museum, Library, Visitor Information Centre and Café.
EXPLORE:
Tins & Trays is a much-loved patisserie in Gatton, serving decadent sweet treats, pies and sausage rolls, alongside a solid breakfast and lunch menu. The local food scene is also home to two classic pubs, the Royal Hotel and Falveys Hotel, as well as three bakeries: Gatton Bakehouse, Valley Bake and Coffee, and Sweet Treats
Hot
Tip
Caravan Essentials: Find your nearest dump point, water refilling stations, and top-notch caravan parts & accessories at luvyalockyer.com.au
DAY 4: GATTON – LAIDLEY
On to your next stop, ease into lakeside living and classic country town charm. Laidley serves up relaxed vibes, rich farmlands and friendly faces, with bakeries and pubs ready to welcome you like a local.
STAY IN STYLE: Pull in at Lake Dyer. Choose from powered or unpowered sites, sweeping lake views and settle in for a peaceful night under the stars. Paddle a kayak, cast a fishing line or slow things right down with bushwalking and birdwatching in tranquil surrounds.
LOW COST CAMP: Laidley Showgrounds set along Laidley Creek and just a short stroll to the CBD. Large sites, pets welcome, with showers, toilets and power available, easy, central and caravan-friendly.
PLAY: Pull the wheels up at Narda Lagoon & Lions Park and enjoy some downtime. Stretch your legs with a stroll along the lagoon, cross the suspension bridge and spot turtles gliding below.
EXPLORE:
Laidley township: A favourite stop for caravanners who love good food and country hospitality. Pick up something fresh from Sweet Valley Bakery or Golden Harvest Bakery, both known for classic baked goods and sweet treats. Settle in for a meal at the Queensland National Hotel, a true country pub, or head to The Exchange Hotel, a local favourite for its Thai dishes. Round out your visit with a coffee at Evolve Coffee Co. or a classic Devonshire tea at Grace Eats.
Hot Tip
If you’re travelling in September, the Laidley Spring Festival is worth timing your visit around a three-day celebration of food, community events, markets and local colour.
DAY 5: LAIDLEY – BRISBANE
Savour that day-five freedom feeling with one last stop before heading home. Roll out via Plainland and pull up at Porters Plainland Hotel, a family-run icon that’s been serving country hospitality for over 100 years. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’s the perfect final feed before the journey home.
Fernvale Visitor Information Centre
1483 Brisbane Valley Highway, Fernvale (07) 5427 0200
Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre
41 Hope Street, Kilcoy (07) 5422 0440
Lockyer Valley Visitor Information Centre
34 Lake Apex Drive, Gatton (07) 5466 3426