Escape to the country with a Samford Valley weekend

Escape to the country with a Samford Valley getaway. A few days is all you need to acquaint yourself with the charming village and its surrounding countryside, which sits on the cusp of the Queensland capital of Brisbane, just within Moreton Bay. It may only be 30 minutes from the city centre, but Samford feels a world away thanks to its winning combination of rolling pastures, rainforest, and thriving local arts community. You’ll find greener pastures (quite literally) around here. Let us help you explore with this curated Samford Valley weekend guide.

Day One

Morning

You’ve made it to Samford Valley, only around a 35-minute drive from the city centre. Introduce yourself to the region’s charming town with an exploration of its main streets. Head for the Lifestyle Centre, where a gathering of small businesses will greet you, alongside a cafe, plant nursery and some farm animal encounters.

But it’s not all agricultural pursuits - there’s magic too we promise, with one of only two official Harry Potter stores (dubbed the Store of Requirement) found here. Don’t forget to check out Samford’s thriving arts community with a visit to the Good Egg Gallery. If you’re visiting at the right time grab yourself a souvenir at Millen Farm, which hosts a market on Wednesdays, doleing out local produce, alongside organic, handmade products like specialty soap.

Afternoon

Settle in for lunch at one of the many eateries that now populate Samford Valley. There’s plenty of decent coffee and hearty dishes on offer, like the bakery of Little Tree, the specialty caffeine from Buzzstop, the cafe selection at converted church, the Flying Nun, and the toasties at The Longyard Larder.

Though you may prefer to sample the Mediterranean fare at Pause, which champions local produce, or drop by the iconic Samford Hotel for some pub grub and a beer. 

Evening

Make yourself at home at your temporary abode while on your Samford Valley weekender. You’ll find plenty of accommodation to choose from within Samford Valley, with options plentiful and varying in budget. Embrace life in the country with a stay at Samford Lakes Cottages, where a scattering of holiday entertainers reside. Picture a handful of log fire cottages for two, a four-bedder for a family, a self-contained studio, as well as a large luxury barn for bigger groups.

Or choose to splurge on Clear Mountain Lodge run by Mercure, a 51 room and suite-strong accommodation option well-versed in romance, that’s settled on 20 hectares of native bushland with spa and vineyard on site.

Day two

Morning

Rustle your sense of adventure for a morning spent among the fresh air on this Samford Valley weekender. Animal lover? Head for Lyell Deer Sanctuary where you’re welcomed to interact with a herd of orphaned and injured deer - the owners have been caring for this motley crew of red, rusa and fallow deer for 30 years. Or take to the water at Cedar Creek. Popular among families, this picturesque waterway runs its way from Mount Glorious in the D'Aguilar Ranges to the South Pine River, encompassing rock pools, cascading waterfalls, stunning picnic spots, and animals galore (platypus included). Continue your exploration of natural local landmarks at Samford Conservation Park, a 624 hectare park that forms a refuge for native flora and fauna, as a part of the Mountains to Mangroves Corridor.

Afternoon

Dive deep into Samford Valley’s history this afternoon. Take a trip down memory lane at the Samford Museum and its displays of the area's past, from model schools to farm machinery - just be warned opening hours are limited. Later, stroll your way along the Samford Village Heritage Trail. Weaving its way along Main street to Station Street, this historic foray encounters 13 historical sites along its 13-kilometre stretch.

There’s also the Samford Valley Rail Trail to explore, 8.3 kilometres of bike path that begins at Ferny Grove Railway Station and connects to Samford along Lanita Road, marking the original railway system.

Evening

Trek a little further afield this evening towards the luscious greenery of Mount Glorious before you bid farewell to Samford Valley (or choose to extend your trip). When it comes to selecting a base for the night, seek seclusion at Mount Glorious Getaways or Turkeys Nest Rainforest Cottages, nestled among the foliage.

This duo of accommodation options offers easy access to the multitude of walking tracks that run through the region, including the 1.9 kilometre Rainforest Circuit. While post-walk you’ll find plenty of venues to grab a feed (Elm Haus included) you may prefer to instead enjoy the serenity with a picnic - drop by Graze Samford before your journey to Mt Glorious for one of the venue’s famous picnic baskets, overflowing with local produce.

Looking for more things to do in the region? Check out these things to do in Redcliffe and Moreton Bay.