Couple riding horses along dirt track with grassland and trees in the background.

5 Fun Free Activities in Somerset

Located in the heart of Queensland Country, Somerset is just one hour from Brisbane, the gateway to Toowoomba and on the doorstep of the Sunshine Coast. With more than 5,000km2 of countryside rich in lakes and landscapes, it’s surprising to learn that you don’t need to spend a dollar to enjoy the best of Somerset. With a range of free rest areas and activities on offer, there’s no time like the present to head to Somerset and experience what the region has to offer.

1. Stay for Free!

Travelling in a self-contained recreational vehicle? Somerset has you covered with 8 free overnight rest areas conveniently located around the region. Park up and stay for free, for up to 20 hours at one of these fabulous, scenic spots.

  • Dundas - Wivenhoe-Somerset Road, Dundas
  • Fernvale - Geoff Fisher Bridge, Brisbane Valley Highway, Fernvale
  • Harlin - Simeon Lord Park, Brisbane Valley Highway, Harlin
  • Kilcoy - South end of Seib Street, Kilcoy
  • Linville - Linville Railway Park, George Street, Linville
  • Moore - Moore Stanley Gates Park, Main Street, Moore
  • Toogoolawah - Gardener Street, Toogoolawah
  • Toogoolawah - Poll Crandell Park, Brisbane Valley Highway, Toogoolawah
Couple sitting on camping chairs in front of their caravan.
Poll Crandell Park, Toogoolawah, Somerset Region

2. The Condensery | Somerset Regional Art Gallery

The Condensery | Somerset Regional Art Gallery in Toogoolawah is a unique cultural precinct, formerly home to the Nestlé condensed milk factory packing facility. Admission to this state-of-the-art regional gallery is free and with a rolling array of exhibitions, it’s a bucket list experience for the creative and curious.

Older couple inside art gallery admiring art on walls.
The Condensery, Toogoolawah, Somerset Region

3. Art Gallery Trail

Continue your exploration of the galleries of Somerset with this free Somerset Art Gallery Trail. Brimming with traditional oil paintings, creative fabric crafts, sculptures, photography and modern impressionist pieces, the Somerset Art Gallery Trail is a great way to fill your creative cup without burning a hole in your pocket. Experience the region's creativity at the following galleries.

  • Two Galahs Gallery - Fulham Street, Toogoolawah
  • Toogoolawah Pictures - Cressbrook Street, Toogoolawah
  • Glen Rock Gallery - Ipswich Street, Esk
  • Open Door Gallery - Railway Street, Lowood
  • Folk Art Cooperative - Railway Street, Lowood
  • Kilcoy Craft Market - Hope Street, Kilcoy
  • Kilcoy Courthouse Art Gallery - Hope Street, Kilcoy
  • Supper Room Art Gallery - Main Street, Moore
  • Linville Community Garden - George Street, Linville
Front of pink and green shop on street
Two Galahs Gallery, Toogoolawah, Somerset Region

4. Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Who would have thought that you could explore Australia’s longest recreational rail trail, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail for free? Bring your own gear and hike, cycle or horse-ride this epic 161km trail through the great outdoors of Somerset.

Family riding only dirt trail through green, flat countryside.
Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Somerset Region

5. Wivenhoe Hill Trails

Explore the beauty of the great outdoors for free at the Wivenhoe Hill Trails, a collection of recreational trails purpose built for hikers, cyclists and horse-riders. Located on the banks of the expansive waters of Lake Wivenhoe, the trails are dotted with native flora and fauna, and is the perfect spot to get back to nature.

Couple staring at sign on side of road about Wivenhoe Hill Trails.
Wivenhoe Hill Trails, Somerset Region