Ready to hit the road? Trade the traffic for country roads, big skies, and a trail of hidden gems waiting beyond the highway. Add this unforgettable Brisbane to Somerset Dam road trip itinerary to your weekend adventure list and experience some of South East Queensland’s most scenic countryside for yourself.
Until next time… Now, sit back and enjoy the drive.
This loop through Fernvale, Wivenhoe Dam, Esk, Toogoolawah and Lake Somerset pulls you in. One minute, you’re grabbing a hot pie from an award-winning local bakery, the next you’re standing at a lookout over a massive stretch of water, wondering why you don’t do this more often.
The towns are small but full of character, the stops are easy, and the scenery keeps changing just enough to keep you curious about what’s coming next. It’s the kind of day that flows without trying too hard – good food, great views, a few unexpected finds, and plenty of reasons to keep driving just that little bit further.
Heading north-west from Brisbane, the city is a distant memory as we are soon driving through open farmlands and sweeping rural panoramas. Fernvale is the natural first stop on this trip.
The morning drive out of Brisbane sets the tone. Suburbia gives way to the open road, and before long you’re pulling into Fernvale, a must-stop on any day trip. This is also an ideal place for picking up picnic food for later.
First Stop: Fernvale Bakery. Known for its award-winning pies and baked treats, it’s the kind of place that grabbing a snack is part of the experience.
Just across the road, pop into the Fernvale Visitor Information Centre. It’s quick, friendly, and surprisingly useful – a great way to pick up local tips and maps and uncover a few hidden spots that mightn’t be on Google.
If you feel like stretching the legs, Fernvale has a few small parks and playgrounds, with the local Sunday Markets always a treat and well worthwhile having a wander through.
🔥Tip: 🤔 Always expect the unexpected when you are on a ROAD TRIP’N drive, and Fernvale has little secret. Here you can join the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT – click her for more information) – walk, cycle, horse ride (No cars allowed). The BVRT, the longest rail trail in Australia at 161km is an off-road adventure trail following the disused Brisbane Valley railway line from Wulkuraka west of Ipswich to Yarraman, west of Kilcoy.
From Fernvale, the road begins to wind slightly as you head towards Wivenhoe Dam, where several picnic spots and lookouts offer sweeping views across the lake.
Drive to the Cormorant Bay Picnic Area or the Spillway Lookout (a great viewing platform to get up close to the floodgates), both have massive panoramic views over the largest lake in South East Queensland. If you manage to be at the Dam when it is spilling, the views of the spillway are a real adrenalin rush. 🔥Tip: If the dam is spilling, take some wet weather gear, you can get close to the action, it can be very wet from all the spray.
By the time you roll into Esk, best known for its stunning backdrop of Mount Glen Rock, you’re ready to slow down and feel that country vibe. Esk isn’t a place you rush, there’s no checklist here.
Take a wander down Esk’s main street. You might step into an antique shop “just for a look,” or browse the gift shops, and craft outlets lining the main street. There are also several locally owned cafes and restaurants that offer real country hospitality and delicious meals.
🍴 Decision made, time for an early lunch, we headed over to Nash Gallery & Café (212 Ipswich St, Esk.) for a unique country dining experience. (Gluten Free, dairy free, nut free, vegetarian, and vegan options available).
Set inside the beautiful, historic Lars Anderson House, with indoor/outdoor dining options, you’ll enjoy fresh seasonal food surrounded by local pottery and artwork in their pet-friendly gardens. You might even have the local bird life drop in to say hello. Great service, delicious food and coffee, you could easily settle in here for the afternoon, but it is time to hit the road again.
The drive from Esk to Toogoolawah is short, but it shifts the mood again – quieter roads, wide open spaces, and that sense you’ve slowed down without even trying.
At first glance, the town feels quiet, but the longer you stay, the more it opens up.
We started at the Condensery (29 Factory Road, Toogoolawah); you can’t miss it on the outskirts of town. Housed in the former Nestle condensed milk factory, inside is a beautifully restored contemporary regional art gallery. The space is bright, modern, and creative and features ever changing exhibitions, events, workshops, and performances for children.
It’s the kind of place you don’t expect to find out here – which is why it’s worth the stop. We wandered through the exhibitions, talking to the creative staff, no crowds, soaking up the atmosphere without rushing.
Just down the road, things shift again.
Just a short stroll from the main street, Two Galahs Gallery is one of those places that’s easy to spend far longer in than you planned.
At first glance it looks like another local gallery, but once inside you’ll discover antiques, collectables and works from dozens of artists and artisans from across the Brisbane Valley and Somerset Region.
The Gallery features a huge mix of paintings, pottery, jewellery, woodwork, quilting, candles, soaps, one of a kind handcrafted gifts, and unique garden art.
One famous Australian athlete (Ron Grant) has a large display of his own collected art pieces on display and ready for sale. Have a talk to his wife, she helps run the place, and find out the history of the art collection and her amazing husband.
Then we take a step back in time.
A visit to the Toogoolawah History Museum (Cressbrook Street, Toogoolawah) adds another layer to the stop. Set in a heritage building, it gives you a glimpse into the town’s past – from early settlement and farming life to its railway history. 🔥👉 Hot Tip: Check the museum’s opening/closing times. This Museum was closed on the day of our visit.
By the time you leave Toogoolawah, the day already feels full. You’ve explored country towns, wandered through galleries, stopped at lookouts, and taken more photos than you expected. But the best part of the drive is still ahead.
The road to Lake Somerset is one of the most enjoyable stretches of the entire trip. It winds through undulating countryside, with pockets of forest, open farmland, and occasional glimpses of water that builds anticipation for what’s coming.
Along the way, you’ll pass a collection of campgrounds and holiday parks, all perfectly positioned for those wanting to spend a little longer exploring rather than just passing through.
Before reaching the dam, make a stop at the Lookout opposite the spillway, mountains in the background, a glimpse of the lake, this is a fantastic photo opportunity. You’ll now realize just how big Lake Somerset & Somerset Dam really are.
Back on the road, a quick stop at the Somerset General Store is almost mandatory. Here, you can grab some food, coffee, cold drink, or an ice-crème.
🔥👉 Tip: The Spit at Lake Somerset is a beautiful, expansive Lakeside Park with excellent picnic facilities, but it does not have an onsite café. If you’re looking at having an afternoon tea or dinner by the lake, it’s highly recommended to grab your supplies at the nearby Somerset Dam General Store before heading down to The Spit.
The Spit, with grassy spaces, shady trees, picnic tables, barbecues, kids’ playground, and a designated swimming area, is perfectly set up for a lakeside stop. I picked my picnic table, spread out my basket of goodies, relaxing, while watching the boats and jet skis moving across the water.
Whether you’re here for a swim, a picnic, a paddle, or simply to take a lakeside stroll letting the afternoon drift by, welcome to one of Queensland’s favourite lakeside escapes.
As the afternoon came to an end, it was time to pack up and leave The Spit. After a relaxing time by the water, we loaded everything into the car and started the journey home.
So what are you waiting for? Fuel up, grab your camera, and hit the road. This unforgettable Brisbane to Somerset Dam road trip is the perfect reminder that some of Queensland’s most spectacular scenery, charming country towns, and hidden treasures are just a short drive from home. Save this itenary, share it with your mates, and start planning your next adventure today.🚗🌿✨
Suggested Day Trip Itenary – 📍🚗 Route Overview
Brisbane → Fernvale (The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail) → Wivenhoe Dam → Esk → Toogoolawah → Somerset Dam (The Spit) → Brisbane
🌅 1. Early Morning: Quick Stretch in Fernvale. 📍All drive times are approximate, and are subject to driving speeds, road conditions and extra stops along the way.
- Drive Time: 1 hour from Brisbane.
- What to Do: Make a quick first stop in the historic country town of Fernvale. If it is a Sunday, stretch your legs at the local country markets.
- Grab an award-winning snack from the famous local bakery to save for later or view the heritage street murals along the main road.
- Visit the Visitor Centre
- Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail
☕ 2. Morning Tea: Wivenhoe Dam & Cormorant Bay
- Drive Time: 10 minutes from Fernvale.
- What to Do: Head to Cormorant Bay Park or the Wivenhoe Dam Spillway Lookout. Find a quiet picnic table overlooking Southeast Queensland’s largest lake.
- Check out the lookouts. Playground for the kids. Clean toilets.
🍽️ 3. Late Morning: Exploring Esk & Lunch at Nash Gallery
- Drive Time: 30 minutes from Wivenhoe Dam.
- What to Do: Arrive in Esk, a picturesque town nestled directly beneath Mount Glen Rock. Browse the boutique antique stores, gift shops, and craft outlets lining the main street.
- Lunch Spot: Head over to Nash Gallery & Café (212 Ipswich St). Set inside the beautiful, historic Lars Anderson house, you can enjoy a fresh, seasonal lunch surrounded by local pottery and artwork in their pet-friendly gardens. Gluten Free options are available.
🎨 4. Early Afternoon: Sights and History in Toogoolawah
- Drive Time: 20 minutes from Esk.
- What to Do: Continue up the highway to Toogoolawah. Visit The Condensery, a spectacular regional art gallery creatively housed inside the architecture of a unique, heritage-listed Nestlé condensed milk factory.
- If you want a quick walk, check out the nearby Toogoolawah History Museum (check opening and closing times to ensure the museum is open when you visit – very limited hours.)
- Visit the Two Galahs Gallery – have a talk to the ladies that run the place, you’ll be amazed to hear the stories of the famous Australian long-distance runner who has some of his own personal art collection on display – Ron Grant.
🌊 5. Late Afternoon: Lake Somerset & Afternoon Tea at The Spit
- Drive Time: 30 minutes from Toogoolawah (heading east via Esk-Kilcoy Road).
- What to Do: Arrive at Somerset Dam village. Stop into the Somerset Dam General Store to pick up your late afternoon coffee, cold drinks, or sweet treats.
- Stop at the Dam Spillway Lookout. Great spot for a photo opportunity if the dam is spilling that’s a bonus.
- The Experience: Drive 2 minutes down to The Spit Lake Somerset. Unwind on the grassy peninsula, take a walk while watching the boats and jet skis out on the water.
- Enjoy your afternoon tea under several picnic gazebos as the sun starts to dip lower over the lake.
🏡 6. Sunset: Return to Brisbane from The Spit, Somerset Dam. Drive Time: 1hour 45 minutes
ROAD TRIP'N 