Our Towns
Images on this page supplied by Gary Atkinson and Neil Walker
A Brief History of the Somerset RegionClick for Brief History |
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CoominyaCoominya is well known for the Historic Bellevue Homestead where guided tours are offered. Onsite is an Art Gallery and a Cellar Door for Wine Tasting.The Raiway Station has been restored and the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is now open between Coominya and Esk. The town also has a number of Murals depicting the history of the area and also has a Heritage Trail. Close by is Atkinsons Dam where Water Skiing is popular as well as Shoreline Camping and Picnicing. |
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EskEsk is a small town situated in the heart of the Somerset region. Just one hour from Brisbane, you will discover an amazing area full of natural beauty, whether it is breathtaking scenery, native bushlands, meandering lakes & rivers or the patchwork pattern of our farming land, there is something for everyone to enjoy in south east Queensland’s “Valley of the Lakes”. The township of Esk is nestled below Glen Rock, which provides a setting that is picture perfect for the budding photographer, as do many of our parks & historical buildings throughout the town. Beautiful views of Lake Wivenhoe & many surrounding mountains can be seen from our lookout at the top of Highland Street, which gives you wonderful insight to our proud little town. Enjoy the country charm of visiting the historical homesteads, buildings & rail trails dotted throughout the region. Many of the Esk’s attractions offer an insight into the rural lifestyles and friendly locals.Explore the antique shops and local crafts while strolling down Esk’s historical main street or enjoy a meal at one of the town’s many eateries. To really experience Esk & get to know the locals, plan your trip during one of the many exciting events through the year. The town is well known for the annual Brisbane Valley Multicultural Festival and for Country Race Days. Esk also offers various motels, a caravan park & many B&B’s and other retreats just a short drive from town. Esk History A hotel established in 1872 at a teamster’s camp where the road north crossed Sandy Creek, soon developed into a town officially called “Gallanani”, which is said to be an Aboriginal name for Eastern Swamp Hen. When the railway arrived in 1886 the town continued as Gallanani and the station was called Esk. The town was then known as ‘The Railway Town of Esk’, and was officially changed to Esk in 1913. |
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FernvaleFernvale is a very popular tourist spot, particularly on Sundays when the Fernvale Markets attract large numbers of visitors. As well as the markets the town has a Visitor Information Centre, Parks, Souvenir and Gift Shops, Cafes, Restaurants, and Hotels.A section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail starts here and is suitable for walking or riding your bicycle or horse. Close by are Twin Bridges and Savages Crossing for canoing or swimming. Also close by is Wivenhoe Dam with picnic facilities and Electric Barbeques at Cormorant Bay and Spillway Common. Great views of Lake Wivenhoe are available from Splityard Creek Lookout. The Fernvale.info website provides more information on Fernvale. |
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JimnaNestled amongst the Jimna/Conondale Ranges with peaks rising from 1600 ft to 2000 ft above sea level and adjacent to the Conondale National Park, Jimna is the perfect place to enjoy the forest environment, the bell birds, the crisp mountain air and wild life in abundance, and situated just 140 klms North West from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.Come and visit our attractions, photo gallery and museum at the Jimna Visitor Information Centre, 4 Currawong St. Jimna PH 5497 3174
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KilcoyKilcoy situated on the D'Aguilar Hwy is the northern entrance to the region from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.The town has a Visitor Information Centre in Yowie Park and Markets are held in the park on the 2nd and Last Saturday each month. The town boasts Coffee Shops, Cafes and Restaurants,Souvenir and Gift Shops, an Art Gallery at the old Courthouse as well as Sports and Aquatic Centres. The region around Kilcoy has some wonderful Wineries to visit. Come and sample the wines of this region. A Wood Wine and Art Festival is held annually at the Show Grounds. Accomodation is available nearby at B&B's, Farmstays, and Camping and Caravanning at Neurum Creek. Motels are available in town as well as Camping Grounds at Anzac Park with showers, toilets and a dump point for RV's. For larger groups camping is available at the Showgrounds. |
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LowoodLowood is approximately 8 Km from Fernvale and visitors here can enjoy the local Arts and Crafts at Folk Art. In the town there are murals on the Butchers and a mural at the old restored Railway Station. The Lowood to Fernvale section of the Rail Trail also starts here.The town also has a Supermarket, a variety of other shops, Golf Course, Bowls Club with War Memorial, Swimming Pool, Library and State Government Agency and Open Door Gallery. On display in the park is the old rescue boat used during times of flooding prior to construction of Wivenhoe Dam. Resevoir Lookout gives extensive veiws over Lowood, Wivenhoe Pocket, Wivenhoe Dam and to the Mountains Beyond. The Lowood District Community Website has local information and history as well as information on the many Historic Sites in the town |
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Somerset Dam TownshipThe Somerset Dam Township started out as the construction village for the dam workers. The town having a General Store and Cafe is a popular spot as a base for those using the dam for recreation.The dam is popular for Water Skiing, Swimming, Jetski's and for Fishing. Boating and Fishing permits are required. Two Caravan and Camping areas are nearby Lake Somerset Holiday Park and Somerset Dam Camp Grounds as well as other accomodation. |
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ToogoolawahToogoolawah is just off the Brisbane Valley Highway 18 Km north of Esk. The town has a Supermarket, Hotels, Restaurants and Cafes.Every couple of weeks there are movies held in the old country style at Alexandra Hall. Just outside of town is Ramblers Drop Zone for those interested in Tandem Skydiving or Skydiving Courses. Ramblers also hosts Skydiving Championships. Another attraction is Watts Bridge Memorial Airfield where various events are held throughout the Year. |