Take a breath of fresh air IN THE LOCKYER VALLEY THIS SPRING
FRESH AIR • OPEN ROADS • SPRING BLOOMS • LOCAL FLAVOURS SLOWING DOWN • EASY ESCAPE FROM THE CITY LUVYALOCKYER.COM.AU
LAIDLEY Spring FESTIVAL Just one hour from Brisbane, the Lockyer Valley offers something increasingly rare, space to breathe, genuine community connection and a festival that still feels proudly local. The 2026 Laidley Spring Festival returns 11–12 September in Laidley, followed by Bee Happy Day in Forest Hill on 13 September, transforming the region into a vibrant, town-wide celebration of spring. This isn’t a ticketed mega-event or a commercial city activation, it’s a main-street takeover where parades roll past heritage shopfronts, businesses dress their windows, and growers, makers and artists step forward to share their stories.
Renowned private chef Tony Tierney will headline the Producer’s Patch, bringing his passion for Lockyer Valley produce to the stage. With strong personal ties to the region, Tony is a proud champion of local growers and farmers. Across a series of live cooking demonstrations, he’ll showcase how to turn the Valley’s incredible seasonal ingredients into delicious, inspiring dishes while sharing tips, stories and a few chef secrets along the way.
Across the weekend, visitors can experience twilight gatherings under festoon lights, a highly anticipated stage program, family fun and plenty of energy, including the chance to see Bluey and Bingo on stage! Don’t miss the Show ‘n’ Shine, where some of the finest rides will be gleaming in the spotlight. A dedicated Spring Gardening Fair, community exhibitions and bustling markets. Three generations line the parade route, neighbours reconnect, and visitors are welcomed like locals.
Sunday is dedicated to the little ones - Bee Happy Day in Forest Hill brings a hive of activity with artsy workshops, live shows, and plenty of treats to keep smiles wide. Stay updated on all the latest Festival news by following the Laidley Spring Festival on social media and visiting their website at www.laidleyspringfestival.com.
PICNICS IN FULL Bloom FIND YOUR PERFECT SPRING PICNIC SPOT Pack the esky, grab a rug and leave the city behind. Spring is the perfect time to slow down, breathe deeply and enjoy the simple pleasure of a picnic in the Lockyer Valley. From lakeside escapes and historic lookouts to colourful gardens bursting with blooms, you’ll find plenty of places to spread out and soak up the sunshine.
FOR A LAKESIDE ESCAPE
FOR VIEWS THAT TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY
A SPRING FAVOURITE
Lake Apex
Gorman’s Gap
Spring Bluff Railway Station
3 4 Lake Apex Drive, Gatton 4343
Gormans Gap Road, Preston 4352
Take a wander through one of the region’s most beautiful natural wetland areas. Keep your eyes peeled for birdlife as you stroll through the Dry Rainforest Arboretum before settling in for a relaxed picnic beside the water.
Perched high above the valley at Preston Peak, Gorman’s Gap delivers spectacular countryside views. It’s the ideal place to pause, unpack lunch and admire the patchwork of green paddocks stretching to the horizon.
Lake Dyer
Cunningham’s Crest Lookout
1 34 Gatton-Laidley Road, Laidley 4341 A local favourite, Lake Dyer offers sparkling water views, shady picnic facilities, free barbecues and a playground for the kids. It’s also the only public fishing location in the Lockyer Valley, making it perfect for a laid-back spring afternoon.
Mountain Road, Laidley 4341 Stand where explorer Allan Cunningham once looked out across the plains below. Today visitors are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views alongside public artworks, sculptures and stories celebrating the region’s rich history and culture.
cCormack Drive, M Spring Bluff, Toowoomba 4352 No spring visit to the Lockyer Valley is complete without experiencing Spring Bluff. With heritage charm, spectacular floral displays and beautifully maintained gardens, this iconic railway station transforms into a vibrant showcase of colour each season. Wander among blooming garden beds, enjoy a picnic among the flowers and soak in the atmosphere of one of South East Queensland’s most photographed spring destinations. Please note: steep access road, limited accessibility and no pets.
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BITES, BLOOMS & Beyond From 1–20 September, Bites, Blooms & Beyond brings together some of the region’s best seasonal experiences, with exclusive offers from local businesses to help you make the most of your visit.
Spring High Tea GRACE EATS
Spring Sips & Swirls BAKED BY BROOKE & LIQUIDUS DISTILLERY
Spring Stay & Dine Special GATTON CAMPUS MOTEL
Stay & Save at The Cabin THE CABIN, GHOST GUM GULLY
Spring Flower Bar GATTON FLORIST
A Taste of Spring
PORTERS PLAINLAND HOTEL
Spring Blossom Matcha Latte LOVE AND K ARMA GATTON
Laidley Spring Festival LOCKYER VALLEY
FIND OUT MORE & BOOK IN HERE
All Aboard
POHLMANS NURSERY
Elderflower Sparkler
Fresh Farmgate Roses TAMOR ROSES
TINS AND TRAYS
Pick Your Own
Spring Picnic Box SPANO’S IGA GATTON
WILD ACRES FLOWER FARM LUVYALOCKYER.COM.AU
Rollicking Drives, RIDES and rambles WINDOWS DOWN. PLAYLIST UP. SPRING AWAITS. There’s something magical about spring in the Lockyer Valley. The paddocks are greener, the wildflowers are showing off, and every winding country road seems to lead to another hidden gem. So, queue up your favourite road-trip playlist, grab your camera and follow the scenic routes less travelled.
HELIDON HILLS Wildflower DRIVE CHASE THE WILDFLOWERS Spring transforms the Helidon Hills into a colourful wonderland, making this drive one of the most rewarding seasonal adventures in the region.
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Along Collingwood Road, spring takes centre stage as native wildflowers burst into bloom, creating a spectacular display beside the road. Round out your journey in Murphys Creek where hearty country meals, local history and warm hospitality await. Please note: sections of gravel road. Not suitable for caravans or buses.
VISITOR GUIDE
GLEN ROCK Tourist DRIVE FOLLOW THE GOLDEN WATTLE TRAIL If spring had a signature colour, it would be the brilliant gold of blooming wattles lining this unforgettable drive. Journey through the welcoming communities of Ma Ma Creek and Junction View beneath the backdrop of the Great Dividing Range. Discover stories of pioneers at the historic church and cemetery before travelling through impressive engineering history at Heifer Creek and the Thiess Memorial.
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As the road unfolds, the scenery becomes increasingly spectacular. Lagoon Creek Road offers breathtaking valley views while Glen Rock State Forest rewards visitors with striking basalt ridges, rainforest gullies and endless opportunities to stretch the legs and reconnect with nature. Perfect for travellers seeking fresh country air, stunning scenery and a little adventure.
VISITOR GUIDE
Please note: sections of gravel road. Not suitable for caravans or buses.
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JUST AN HOUR FROM Brisbane A WORLD AWAY When the city feels loud, the Lockyer Valley offers room to breathe. Explore colourful festivals, blooming wildflowers, rolling countryside, scenic drives, special offers and charming country towns all within easy reach.
START PLANNING YOUR SPRING ESCAPE TODAY
Lockyer Valley Visitor Information Centre 34 Lake Apex Drive, Gatton 4343 07 5466 3426
FOLLOW ALONG FOR UPDATES