How to see Lake Wivenhoe and Somerset Dam in 48 hours

Drive your way to Lake Wivenhoe and the adjoining Somerset Dam, which sits just under an hour from Brisbane central. Eager to stretch your legs? Stop for a break at the historic town of Esk en route, stroll down the main street and enjoy the collection of boutique cafes, gift and antique shops, country pubs and more that you’ll find.

By the time you reach Lake Wivenhoe you’ll have worked up an appetite. Luckily you can throw down a rug and enjoy a picnic with your family and friends at the day use areas of Kirkleagh, The Spit, and Somerset Park. Don’t forget your swimmers - you’re welcome to take a dip in the lake post-feast. Or, if you’re not such a fan of getting wet you could choose instead to throw in a line - Somerset Dam is one of the most popular freshwater fishing and camping destinations in the country thanks to its bountiful population of bass, silver perch, saratoga, Mary River Cod and Golden Perch.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon trawling the work of local creatives. The Somerset Regional Art Gallery hosts a collection of rotating exhibitions from within the former home of the Nestle condensed milk factory packaging facility. If you haven’t had your fill of galleries, follow the region’s art trail which will see you venture through the likes of the Folk Art Cooperative, Glen Rock Gallery, Nash Gallery and Cafe, not to mention the Fernvale Murals - a community ode to the 2011 floods which rocked the district.

Evening

Pitch a tent under the stars (or pull up your caravan) at the trio of local campgrounds. Camp Somerset, Somerset Park Campground, and Lumley Hill Campground each offer lake or river-front sites for easy access to the water morning, noon or night. But those who aren’t yet fans of sleeping bags may prefer one of the 13 self-contained cabins available at Camp Somerset, which sleep up to groups of 10. Pet owners take note - dogs aren’t allowed at Lake Wivenhoe or Somerset or their surrounds. However Queensland boasts plenty of other dog-friendly campsites to enjoy.

Day Two

Morning

Greet the morning on the water, making the most of the impressive array of watersports available to enjoy. Don your swimmer and hop in a kayak or canoe, or even a Stand Up Paddle Board before you meander your way along the surrounding waterways. While you’re welcome to bring your own, you can easily hire gear from the One Tree Canoe Company and its neighbours. Jetski and waterski fans will also be pleased to know that the watersports are permitted in some areas.

Afternoon

Hit the road and make way for the local wineries. Named in ode to local Kingaroy pioneer William Butler is Winya Wines. Drop in to the cellar door to tuck into homegrown beef ribs or cheese platters alongside the 8 wines and 2 ports produced on site. Or there’s Woongoooroo Estate on Mount Archer, the family-owned award-winning vineyard with both cellar door and cafe to tempt passersby. And Mount England Estate, where red and fortified wines are the specialty, and made using traditional methods, using only locally grown grapes.

Evening

See a new side to Lake Wivenoe and Somerset Dam with a night’s stay at Lake Somerset Holiday Park, perched on the water. Sitting in the heart of the Valley of the Lakes, the accommodation option sits amidst 45 hectares on the Dam’s northern shores and offers its guests a choice between three-bedroom cabins, lakeview villas, safari tents and even a log cabin for groups. There are also powered and unpowered sites for campers. Or make way slightly inland to Nuerum Creek Bush Retreat. A picturesque space worthy of an exploration which borders the Mount Mee and D’Aguilar National Park.