Somerset, Queensland – Lake Days, Country Drives and One of South East Queensland’s Best Kept Secrets
Somerset, Queensland – Where the Road Trip is Half the Fun
If you’re anything like us, and you have been reading my articles, you’ll know that some of
Australia’s best destinations aren’t the ones with the biggest signs or busiest shopping strips.
They’re the places you come across by accident or while taking the scenic route, pulling over
for a coffee, or deciding to see where that little country road takes you.
That’s exactly what happened when we headed to Somerset, Queensland, and we’re
bloody glad it did.
Located in the beautiful Somerset Region, around the stunning waters of Lake Somerset,
this part of South East Queensland delivers everything we love about a caravanning
holiday—wide open spaces, country hospitality, fantastic fishing, boating, peaceful
campgrounds and plenty of genuine Aussie characters.
We based ourselves at Somerset Park Campground, proudly part of the Kui Parks family,
and it turned out to be one of those places where we’d planned to stay for three nights… and
quietly started discussing extending the trip after the first afternoon.
In Short – Why Visit Somerset?
Grey Nomads:
- Relaxed lakeside camping
- Excellent freshwater fishing
- Scenic country drives
- Birdwatching
- Peace and quiet away from busy tourist towns
Families:
- Boating and watersports
- Swimming
- Kayaking
- Wildlife spotting
- Huge open spaces where kids can be kids, even the big kids!
Young Adventurers:
- Jet skiing
- Wakeboarding
- Mountain biking
- Hiking
- Camping beside one of Queensland’s best recreational lakes
Couples:
- Romantic lakeside sunsets
- Winery visits
- Country pubs
- Scenic picnic spots
- Quiet weekends away from the city
Fishing Enthusiasts:
Many visitors travel here purely to chase Australian Bass, Yellowbelly and Saratoga,
making Somerset one of Queensland’s premier inland fishing destinations.
Where is Somerset?
The Somerset region sits roughly between Brisbane and Toowoomba, with the heart of
tourism centred around magnificent Lake Somerset.
Approximate driving distances:
- Brisbane – 115km (around 1 hour 40 minutes)
- Toowoomba – 95km (around 1 hour 20 minutes)
- Sunshine Coast – 160km (around 2 hours 20 minutes)
- Gold Coast – 180km (around 2 hours 45 minutes)
One of the real highlights is the drive itself.
Rolling farmland, tiny country communities, mountain views and winding roads make getting
here every bit as enjoyable as arriving.
A Little History
The Somerset Region is named after the historic County of Somerset.
Somerset Dam, one of Queensland’s most significant water storage and flood mitigation
projects began construction in the late 1930s, was interrupted by the Second World War, and
was finally completed in 1959.
The dam was named after the earlier County of Somerset, one of Queensland’s historic
land administration divisions established during the colonial era. While few visitors would
ever hear the county mentioned today, the name has lived on through both the dam and the
wider Somerset Region.
The Somerset Dam, which was an integral community project by the Queensland
Government as part of flood mitigation and water storage for South East Queensland.
The lake created behind the dam transformed the district into one of Queensland’s premier
freshwater recreation destinations.
Today, visitors come for boating, fishing, camping, nature and the relaxed country lifestyle
that seems to have disappeared from many parts of Australia.
First Impressions
Unlike many destinations, Somerset isn’t about one busy main street.
Instead, the entire region revolves around the lake and nearby country communities
including Kilcoy, Esk and Toogoolawah.
We spent time wandering through Kilcoy, which offers supermarkets, cafés, country pubs,
fuel, bakeries, gift shops and everything you’d need to stock up before heading back to the
campground.
The locals were friendly, conversations happened naturally, and nobody seemed to be in a
hurry—which suited us perfectly.
Staying at Somerset Park Campground (Kui Parks)
Our home base was Somerset Park Campground, one of the standout properties within
the Kui Parks network.
Positioned right beside Lake Somerset, it’s one of those parks where your biggest daily
decision becomes whether to launch the boat, throw in a fishing line or simply sit back with a
cold drink watching the sun disappear over the water.
Accomodation options include:
- Powered caravan sites
- Unpowered camping sites
- Spacious grassed camping areas
- Lakefront camping
Facilities include:
- Well kept amenities
- BBQ areas
- Plenty of room for larger caravans
- Open grassy areas perfect for families
What makes the campground stand out is the sheer amount of space.
You’re not parked shoulder-to-shoulder like many coastal caravan parks.
There’s room to spread out, relax and actually enjoy being outdoors.
For families, there’s loads of room for kids to kick a football.
Grey Nomads appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and easy access for larger rigs.
Fishing enthusiasts simply love being able to launch the boat within minutes.
Top 5 FREE Things To Do
- Explore Lake Somerset
Walk the shoreline, enjoy the views or simply relax watching the boats.
Every corner seems to produce another postcard-worthy photo.
2. Vist Somerset Dam
Standing atop the dam wall offers impressive views across one of Queensland’s largest
recreational lakes.
3. Walk or Cycle the Somerset Valley Rail Trail
The famous Somerset Valley Rail Trail passes through nearby towns and offers outstanding
walking and cycling opportunities.
4. Picnic at The Spit
A favourite local recreation area perfect for swimming, kayaking and watching the sunset.
5. Explore Esk
The charming township of Esk offers heritage buildings, boutique shops, cafés and country
hospitality.
Top Must-Do Paid Attractions (Within 100km)
- Fish with Australian Freshwater Fishing Charters
Matthew Langford is the local guide and he know exactly where the Bass are hiding and
dramatically improve your chances. We only booked a half day, but full day charters are
available.
2. Taste Local Wines at Ocean View Estates
This fantastic winery offers tastings overlooking beautiful countryside, our afternoon tasting
rolled into dinner at their fantastic restaurant!
3. Cycle the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail
Several operators hire bikes and organise shuttle services.
4. Hidden Vale Adventure Park
Beautiful countryside on a Mountain Bike on a readymade track was a great way to
experience the countryside – can’t recommend this activity enough.
Best Pub
Exchange Hotel Kilcoy – Classic Queensland country pub, I stand to be judged
by you readers, but I reckon Queensland has the best pubs! This one had extra Cold beer,
Great steaks, the locals were very friendly and welcoming, it was exactly what you’d hope
for.
Best Tour
One of the region’s best experiences is joining a Australian Freshwater
Fishing Charters guided trip. Even if you’ve fished before, learning how locals target Bass
on Lake Somerset is fascinating. If fishing isn’t your thing, cycling organised sections of the
Brisbane Valley Rail Trail has become hugely popular.
Fishing
Lake Somerset is famous for:
- Australian Bass
- Golden Perch (Yellowbelly)
- Saratoga
Popular fishing areas include:
- Bay 13
- Queen Street
- Pelican Point
- Kirkeigh
Golf
Nearby Esk Golf Club offers a relaxed country course perfect for holiday golf.
A Hidden Gem Most Visitors Miss
One of our favourite discoveries wasn’t on any major tourism brochure.
We found ourselves driving the quiet backroads between Somerset Dam and
Toogoolawah, pulling over at tiny roadside lookouts and forgotten picnic areas overlooking
rolling farmland and the lake.
Sometimes the best part of travelling isn’t ticking attractions off a list and simply getting in the
car and driving around the area helps give you perspective of what the place is really like.
It’s simply taking that road that looks interesting.
Those little moments often become the memories you talk about long after the holiday
finishes.
Travelling on a Budget
Somerset is wonderfully budget-friendly. Some great low-cost activities include:
- Watching sunrise over Lake Somerset
- Walking the lake foreshore
- Birdwatching
- Scenic drives through the Somerset countryside
- Picnic lunches by the water
- Photography around the dam
- Exploring nearby country towns
- Enjoying a campfire back at the campground (when permitted)
Best Time to Visit
Spring (September-November) – Arguably the best weather with warm days and cool
nights.
Summer (December-February) – Perfect for boating, swimming and watersports, although
afternoons can become quite warm.
Autumn (March-May) – Excellent fishing conditions and pleasant temperatures.
Winter (June-August) – Probably our favourite, and recommended time.
Clear blue skies, crisp mornings, campfires and comfortable daytime temperatures make
winter ideal for caravanners and Grey Nomads.
Don’t overlook the quieter months either.
Outside school holidays you’ll often enjoy more space, quieter boat ramps and a far more
relaxed atmosphere.
Pro Travelling Tips
- Stock up on groceries before arriving at the campground.
- Bring bikes if you’re travelling with the family.
- Pack binoculars for birdwatching.
- Book waterfront campsites early during holiday periods.
- If you’re towing a caravan, fuel up before leaving larger centres.
- Take insect repellent in the warmer months.
- Allow extra time for the drive—you’ll want to stop for photos.
Final Thoughts
Somerset isn’t trying to compete with the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast. Not even close. If
you are a family though and your kids still want that day out at a waterpark or any other Gold
Coast theme park its still achievable from Somerset – just make a day of it, then head back
to the peace that Somerset provides.
Somerset doesn’t need to compete. Its appeal lies in wide-open spaces, freshwater
adventures, peaceful camping and genuine country hospitality.
Whether you’re a Grey Nomad chasing the next great fishing spot, a family looking for a
weekend packed with outdoor fun, a couple wanting a relaxing country escape or a young
adventurer keen to get out on the water, Somerset delivers far more than many people
expect.
Our stay at Somerset Park Campground, part of the fantastic Kui Parks network, was the
perfect base for exploring everything this beautiful region has to offer. With spacious sites,
excellent facilities, direct access to one of Queensland’s premier freshwater playgrounds and
a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel at home from day one, it’s easy to see why so
many travellers return year after year.
If you’re planning a road trip through Southeast Queensland—or simply looking for
somewhere that feels a world away from the city without actually being that far—put
Somerset on the itinerary. Slow down, throw a line in, fire up the barbecue, enjoy a laugh
around the campfire and discover why some of Queensland’s best holidays happen beside a
quiet country lake.
And wherever your Australian adventures take you next, keep Kui Parks in mind. Their
network of independently owned holiday parks continues to prove that some of the best
stays aren’t the biggest—they’re the ones where the welcome is genuine, the locations are
memorable, and the road trip becomes every bit as enjoyable as the destination.
To find out more about the Somerset Region in Queensland – HERE
To book your stay at Kui Parks Somerset Park Campground – HERE
To see find a Kui Parks Holiday Park that suits your next holiday – HERE
