Lockyer Valley Visitor's Guide

Forest Hill

THE NEW-LOOK LOCKYER VALLEY TOURISM GUIDE IS DESIGNED TO PUT YOU

– OUR VISITOR – FIRST.

Our hope is for you to use this Guide as a tool to create an authentic and bespoke visitor experience to our region. Be it stepping off the beaten track and getting back to nature, the best to-do list for travelling with kids or animals or planning a foodie’s delight, this Guide has you covered.

The region boasts an array of colourful farming fields, which are home to Australia’s best fruit and vegetables. Known as Australia’s salad bowl, the Lockyer Valley is one of the 10 most fertile farming areas in the world and a leading producer of some of the highest quality and freshest produce.

You wouldn’t be in the Lockyer Valley without a smorgasbord of mouth-watering foodie stops, whether that be fresh produce stalls, country pubs, cafes and bakeries, or on-farm experiences. We will tell you about the South East Queensland Food Trail and how to make your own magical foodie trail, which is sure to be an experience to remember. We truly believe the genuine character of our people and the authenticity and freshness of our products speak volumes, as does the skill of those who grow and make them.

Whether you’re here for one of our signature events, such as the Laidley Spring Festival in September, a day trip, long weekend or longer, I hope your experience will be memorable and encourage you to come back and visit our region again soon.

Cr Tanya Milligan, Mayor, Lockyer Valley Regional Council

Acknowledgement of Country

The Lockyer Valley Regional Council acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the region, the Yuggera – Ugarapul people and pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of other communities who may live here. Lockyer Valley Regional Council is committed to cultivating inclusive environments for all staff, customers, residents and visitors.

DISCLAIMER: The Lockyer

only. The

Towns and Villages of the LOCKYER VALLEY

EACH TOWNSHIP IN THE LOCKYER VALLEY HAS ITS OWN UNIQUE HISTORY AND CHARACTER.

Helidon

Murphys Creek

Just below the range north of Toowoomba

Originally known as Fingal or Murphys Waterhole, the town was built around the railway station and the ‘wye’ for reversing tanker engines. It housed several thousand workers who worked on construction of the railway line up the range in the 1860s.

DON’T MISS

> Murphys Creek Railway Museum (open by appointment on 07 4630 5183).

> Jessie’s Cottage – built by Scottish immigrant William Taylor in 1899. Restoration commenced in 1993 and was completed to near original condition in 1997.

> Spring Bluff Railway Station – the prettiest railway station in Queensland.

> Monthly markets on the third Saturday of the month.

toowoomba

Withcott

At the foot of the Toowoomba Range

Small village with world-class sandstone and mineral water

Famous for sandstone, which has been mined since the 1880s and used to build Brisbane’s City Hall, Central Post Office, Treasury Building and Parliament House. Today it is exported around the world and has become the international benchmark for grading sandstone.

There were once several active mineral water spas around Helidon and local mineral water was bottled as far back as 1879. The Indigenous people of the area bathed in the water to ward off illness and promote healing. Helidon mineral water was marketed across Australia under several brand names and continued to be sold for over 120 years.

DON’T MISS

> The beautifully crafted town clock, unveiled in 2011.

> The heritage walk that showcases Helidon’s rich history.

Getting here

BY CAR

From Brisbane, follow the M2 Ipswich Motorway and take the Toowoomba exit onto the Warrego Highway, A2 at Dinmore. The Warrego Highway runs directly through the Lockyer Valley.

From the Sunshine Coast, follow signs to Ipswich. Once on the Ipswich Motorway, follow Toowoomba signage to the Warrego Highway. Approximate travel time is 2.5 hours.

From the Gold Coast travel on the M1 Pacific Highway, taking the Logan Motorway exit. Follow Toowoomba signage to the Warrego Highway. Approximate travel time is 1.5 hours.

Withcott was named Queensland’s Friendliest Town 2016. Renowned for its multiple Tidy Towns awards, Withcott is a credit to the local litter patrol volunteers. Offers the traveller a rural atmosphere interspersed with cafes, bakeries and a great hotel established in 1889.

DON’T MISS

> Tabletop Mountain with its breathtaking views of the region –accessible via South Street, Toowoomba (don’t forget to pack water, a snack and wear comfortable shoes as the climb is quite steep with loose rocks).

THE PICTURESQUE LOCKYER VALLEY IS CONVENIENTLY LOCATED LESS THAN ONE HOUR’S DRIVE WEST OF BRISBANE. GATTON, THE REGION’S LARGEST TOWN, IS JUST 30 MINUTES’ DRIVE EAST OF TOOWOOMBA.

BY PLANE

Fly to Brisbane Airport and in less than an hour’s drive you are in the region. Fly direct to Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport from Sydney, Melbourne, Townsville and Cairns. Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport is a 30 minute drive to the region.

Con-X-ion Airport Transfers offers transfer services, stopping at convenient locations along the Warrego Highway con-x-ion.com.

For further information visit our website luvyalockyer.com.au or phone (07) 5466 3425.

BY BUS

Buses travel regularly from Brisbane and surrounding areas including services by TransLink, Murrays and Greyhound Australia.

Electric Vehicle

Charging Stations

University of Queensland Gatton Campus

Rooms Motel Gatton: Destination charger (motel guests only)

Grantham

A little village surrounded by rich farming land

Formerly the centre of the dairying district, Grantham was one of four butter factories controlled by The Queensland Farmers’ Co-operative Company.

The town is also home to Stanbroke, one of Australia’s leading beef producers, who export prime beef to world markets including their Diamantina brand.

DON’T MISS

> The original Grantham Butter Factory (opened in 1907).

> The Floating Café.

Gatton

Centred around primary production and agriculture

Officially gazetted in 1855, Gatton has a culturally diverse population of approximately 8,000 and enjoys a laidback, country lifestyle.

DON’T MISS

> The Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre – Visitor Information Centre, Queensland Transport Museum, along with a café, library, art gallery and function centre.

> A stroll around Lake Apex, surrounded by a wealth of bird life in the wetlands.

> The poignant Lights on the Hill memorial.

Plainland

Popular with travellers as a refuelling stop for both vehicles and passengers

The locality was once grazing country, but today Plainland is an important mix of expanding business, commercial and residential premises.

DON’T MISS

> The historic Porters Plainland Hotel, a great spot for a meal and live music on the deck.

> Markets located next to the family-owned Porters Plainland Hotel, third Sunday of the month.

> Award-winning Schulte’s Fresh Gourmet Market.

Forest Hill

An unspoiled feel, reflected in gift shops and tastefully renovated buildings

Forest Hill sits on the Cobb & Co Tourist Drive as a staging post for stage coach transportation in South East Queensland. It was originally part of a large rural ‘run’, but was subdivided into small farms in the 1880s.

DON’T MISS

> Two beautiful large corner pubs.

> Hours of exploring, shopping, eating and drinking.

> The Forest Hill Post Office where you will find a treasure trove of gifts as well as Café 4342 for a memorable dining experience.

Mulgowie

Best known for its real farmers’ market and traditional country pub Just 12 kilometres south of Laidley, ‘Mulgowie’ is derived from the Aboriginal word Mt Mulgowie, roughly meaning ‘big round hill’.

Take a drive around the region to explore lush farmland and see where your vegetables are grown and explore further up the valley to Thornton for a beautiful scenic country drive.

DON’T MISS

> Mulgowie Farmers’ Markets (first Saturday of the month)

> The Mulgowie Hotel, affectionately known as ‘The Mulga’, famous for twice yearly outback bull ride events.

Laidley

An important centre for crop farming and agriculture

Settled in the 1840s after being discovered by European explorers in 1829, Laidley was a popular rest stop with teamsters and wagon drivers after traversing the Little Liverpool Range enroute to the Darling Downs.

The town retains a nostalgic feel with its heritage shop fronts and antique style lamp posts and community spirit shines throughout the annual festivals, parades and exhibitions.

DON’T MISS

> Friday market stalls and displays lining the sidewalks.

> Das Neumann Haus, hand-built in 1893, showcasing the town’s German heritage.

> Laidley Pioneer Village and Museum – storytelling the region’s rich historical ties.

Snap away at our top Instagram worthy locations

THE LOCKYER VALLEY IS RENOWNED FOR ITS CHARMING TOWNS, HISTORIC BUILDINGS, BREATHTAKING MOUNTAIN VIEWS, FARM EXPERIENCES, AND OF COURSE, TASTY PRODUCE GROWN RIGHT HERE!

There are plenty of stunning locations to take Instagram-worthy snaps to brighten up your social media. Here are the top locations we recommend visiting on your country adventure.

The crystal blue skies and a patchwork of seasonal crops | Pull over safely on the side of the road and grab your camera – there is plenty of beautiful scenery to capture.

Fordsdale Farm Stay | Meet the Arabian horses and enjoy a trail ride through the bush.

The Barn and Scotty’s Garage | Car and motorbike aficionados will find a number of lovingly restored vehicles, including a vintage Indian motorcycle and a 1956 Ford Thunderbird, thousands of rare memorabilia items, as well as a hidden 1950s diner, complete with a checkered dance floor, jukeboxes, pinball machines and even a dodgem car!

Grantham Butter Factory | Take in the beautiful façade of this 1907 building.

Roadside produce stalls | Stop by the many roadside produce stalls, snap the beautiful colours of the food and grab a few items to take home with you.

Don’t forget, you can share your photos using the #luvyalockyer or follow @lockyervalley on Instagram for more inspiration!

Awassi Cheesery | Enjoy a gourmet lunch in the avocado grove or indulge in a cheese platter made with 100 per cent sheep milk at this artisan and bespoke cheesery.

Cunningham’s Crest Lookout | With panoramic views, it is the perfect spot to get a bird’s eye view of the lush Lockyer Valley, as well as snap a few selfies to showcase your visit.

9Dorf Farms | Experience life on this working farm with its aquaculture and pasture-raised chicken operations.

Holmwood Produce Lavender Farm | Add a splash of colour to your page by visiting the beautiful purple lavender fields (in season).

German Bake and Wurst House | You will feel like you have travelled to Europe without the need for your passport or jetlag!

Queensland Transport Museum | See a wide range of transport history, including cars, motorbikes, a fire engine and even a cropduster plane.

Das Neumann Haus | Where’s the Tiffin Room? Explore the fully restored home that was hand-built by German immigrant Hermann Neumann in 1893.

Spring Bluff Railway Station | Visit during the warmer months when the landscaped gardens that surround the heritage-listed train station are in full bloom.

Streetscapes | Capture the architecture of the many townships.

on

in the Lockyer Valley

IN THE LOCKYER VALLEY YOU WILL FIND MUSIC FESTIVALS, SWAP MEETS, MOTORSPORT EVENTS, HERITAGE FESTIVALS, HORSE EVENTS INCLUDING FABULOUS COUNTRY RACE DAYS AND LOTS MORE.

MARCH

Mulga Bull Ride

Thrills and spills across an actionpacked night out for the family, followed by entertainment until late. Camping available opposite the hotel.

mulgowiehotel.com.au

MAY

Clydesdale and Heavy Horse Field Days

Appreciate the heavy horses that helped build our nation – working exhibitions and heavy horses in action, decorated harness displays, working teams ploughing and much more.

gattonheavyhorses.com.au

Lockyer Valley Heritage Festival

Laidley Heritage Weekend: A great way to discover the heritage of Laidley, at Das Neumann Haus and the Laidley Pioneer

Village and Museum – displays, activities and entertainment including live music and activities for the kids.

Lockyer Valley Heritage Festival

Lockyer Multicultural Festival

Travel the world in one day, in one place! Celebrate the diverse cultural fabric of the Lockyer Valley with cultural performances, cultural cuisines and a global groove.

Lockyer Valley Multicultural Festival

JUNE

Chrome & Clutter Retro Festival

Get your engine revving and head back in time to an era of poodle skirts, bobby socks, rock’n’roll and classic cars. Held in Laidley, Chrome & Clutter features a drive-in, markets, car and bike shows, dancing and a whole lot of retro cool.

Chrome & Clutter Retro Festival

JULY

Gatton & Laidley Shows

Munch on a dagwood dog, pick up a showbag, ride the dodgem cars, watch arena events, and bask in the glow of the nightly fireworks.

AUGUST

LAMA Tractor Trek

A rumbling convoy of farming heritage. Keep an eye out along the road as the parade of tractors ambles past you over two fabulous days. Be sure and give them a wave.

lama.com.au

SEPTEMBER

Laidley Spring Festival

Celebrate Spring in the Lockyer Valley with a collection of events and activities held over three days. Don’t miss the colour and excitement of the street

parade on Saturday, flower and orchid shows, quilt and craft show, gem show, art exhibition, markets and more.

laidleyspringfestival.com

Mulga Bull Ride

Thrills and spills across an action-packed night out for the family, followed by entertainment until late. Camping available opposite the hotel.

mulgowiehotel.com.au

Murphys Creek Chilli Festival

Murphys Creek Chilli Festival will satisfy your craving for flavour and fire. Sample chilli (and non-chilli) products, shop and enjoy the fun family vibe at the Murphys Creek Community Grounds.

Murphys Creek Chilli Festival

OCTOBER

Lights on the Hill Memorial Convoy Twin convoys make their way to Gatton from Withcott to the west and Brisbane to the east, commemorating valued members of the trucking community, with a service at the Memorial Wall the following day. A two-day event with live entertainment, kids’ rides, market stalls, a truck show and charity auction.

Lights on the Hill Trucking Memorial Inc

Find More

Lockyer Valley Turf Club Race Days

lockyervalleyturfclub.com.au

Lockyer Valley Turf Club

Equestrian Events

The Lockyer Valley is home to amazing equestrian events. From cowboy dressage to world cup show jumping, you will find something on every month at the Gatton/Lockyer Indoor Equestrian Centre.

Gatton/Lockyer Indoor Equestrian Centre

THERE’S NOTHING BETTER THAN COMPILING A PLAYLIST OF YOUR FAVOURITE SONGS AND HITTING THE OPEN ROAD FOR A DAY TRIP IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD.

Sitting at the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, nestled between Brisbane and Toowoomba, the Lockyer Valley is the perfect place to feel the fresh country air sweeping through your hair as you take the road less travelled.

Whether you have two wheels or four, here are our top tourist drives to add to your GPS that will guide you to the farm gates, past picturesque landscapes and many of the region’s historical sites.

Follow the farm gates to pick up a range of tasty produce

We hope you brought an empty Esky with you, as there will be lots of farm fresh goodies to purchase on this drive itinerary.

Starting off in Gatton, head to Ghost Gully Produce, a family-owned and operated hydroponic lettuce and herb farm. Seven days a week you can visit their Salad Shed where you can stock up on luscious leaves, herbs and even edible flowers.

If you love nothing more than sitting around with friends and enjoying a platter of cheese and crackers, Awassi Cheesery in the Grantham hills is the place for you. Cheese aficionados will have the opportunity to indulge in a wide range of artisan and bespoke cheese products, including handcrafted camembert, mango labneh, yoghurt and ice cream, all made from 100 per cent Awassi sheep milk.

Phone ahead to organise your own cheese tasting platter, or look on their Facebook page for their many upcoming events. You will love dining in the sunshine in the avocado groves. Best of all, you can take cheese products home with you to share with others.

Afterwards, it’s a quick journey to 9Dorf Farms in Lilydale where you can learn more about sustainable farming. 9Dorf Farms provides hands on tours where guests can collect eggs from out in the paddock and even catch a fish in the recirculating fish farm.

They are open by appointment for tours and the farm gate is open seven days to purchase items to take home with you.

Admire classic cars, rare collectables and vintage machinery

Whether you are travelling by yourself, with friends, or are part of a car or motorcycle club, these three pitstops that celebrate vintage cars, rare collectables and machinery that has stood the test of time, are all worth a visit.

The Barn and Scotty’s Garage in Upper Flagstone houses several classic vehicles and is also packed to the rafters with rare collectable items and memorabilia you won’t find anywhere else in Australia. The Barn and Scotty’s Garage is open Friday to Sunday only, with an entry fee of $10 per adult into the garage.

If you’re feeling a little peckish, duck into The Barn, an authentic and rustic venue that showcases the best of country

eat drink & be kerry crafting delicious road trips

Experienced and highly regarded Brisbane travel writer, Kerry Heaney writes about food, travelling the world bite by bite. For Kerry, it’s all about where to go to eat and where to eat when you go, and she’s been writing about that for the past 20 years. Kerry’s mapped out her ‘Love You Lockyer Valley Road Trip’. Be sure to check out her guide on exploring fertile fields, eating country fresh food and enjoying country hospitality.

living and hospitality. On the menu you will find fresh scones, cakes, muffins, omelettes, pancakes, waffles, pot pies, savoury spuds, cold drinks and more. They are open every Friday from 10am to 3pm, and 8am to 4pm every Saturday and Sunday. Transport enthusiasts of all ages will also enjoy getting up close to the many vehicles on display at the Queensland Transport Museum in Gatton. There are display cabinets brimming with models. The exhibitions inside the museum are ever-changing and each new visit takes you on a new adventure. They are open seven days a week from 9am to 4pm.

A little further down the road, The Laidley Pioneer Village and Museum features a unique collection of machinery and old wares from early pioneers, including restored wagons, horse buggies, vintage tractors from the 1920s and more. The site is home to a fully furnished 110-year-old school and authentic police station with restraints display. They are open Monday to Sunday from 9am to 3pm. Entry is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $2.50 for school aged children.

Get off the busy motorway and slow down on the country roads

You don’t get to see or experience much when you’re driving 100km per hour on a busy highway, so take an exit and opt for a slower pace on one of the many country roads which will see you cruising past fields of crops and stopping to take photos of rusty windmills for that #countryliving Instagram post.

Many of the Lockyer Valley’s smaller townships are easily accessible by country roads, which boast an abundance of mountain scenery, wildlife and secret hidden gems that you might otherwise have missed.

Heading north west of Gatton, start your day off right by stopping for a coffee and breakfast at the Floating Café

in Grantham, followed by a quick visit to the century old Grantham Butter Factory for photos. Then it's onwards to Helidon where you can take a leisurely stroll on the Helidon Heritage Walk, enjoy traditional German food at the German Bake and Wurst House in Helidon Spa, raise a glass at Preston Peak Wines, or if you’re travelling on the weekend, check out the Murphys Creek Market, where you can buy fresh produce and knickknacks on the third Saturday of every month.

Cobb & Co Tourist Drive

If you’re a real history buff, you are sure to enjoy this journey back in time to an era where stage coaches were one of the main sources of transport.

This historic route celebrates the early mail routes that were awarded to Cobb & Co in Queensland, when on 1 January 1866 the mail service commenced from Brisbane to Ipswich before expanding to Grandchester, the Lockyer Valley and Toowoomba.

By following the wagon wheel directional signs, you too can take that same historic journey, which follows the railway line and original route coach drivers would have taken more than 150 years ago. The staging posts in Forest Hill and Gatton are both inscribed with historical dates and information, and are places where tourists can stop for food, refreshments and amenities.

If afterwards you are still wishing to take in the scenery, be sure to head to the nearby Spring Bluff Railway Station. If you’re in no hurry, why not stop for a coffee and cake in one of the townships before visiting the heritage-listed railway station or take a picnic to enjoy in the picturesque grounds.

During spring, the beautifully landscaped gardens at Spring Bluff Railway Station attract plenty of people who are keen to snap the blossoming flowers and the 150-year-old tracks.

CAFE

“Wouldn’t it be nice if a little bit of the future was a little bit of the past.”

Visit the Lockyer Valley

Cobb & Co Tourist Drive

The Cobb & Co Tourist Drive celebrates the early days of stage coach transportation in South East Queensland. The drive follows the railway line and original route from Ipswich to Toowoomba via Gatton.

COBB & CO TOURIST DRIVE

CunninghamHighway

Follow the signs:

The Cobb & Co Tourist Drive is easy to follow and these distinctive ‘wagon wheel’ directional signs will sh ow you the way to go. Your experience can be further enhanced by following the informative brochure available from Lockyer Valley Visitor Information Centre. This guide gives more details about locations you can visit and the history of the route.

Staging Posts:

Just as Cobb & Co’s passengers needed occasional stops during their journey, so d o m odern-day travellers. Three convenient locations in Rosewood, Forest Hill and Gatton have been d esignated u nique signs.

Toowoomba

Gatton UQGatton ForestHill

SpringBluff

Laidley Grandchester

Plainland Marburg

Rosewood Walloon

Ipswich

Brisbane

Helidon

WarregoHighway

Grantham

DISCOVER THE EVENTS AND PEOPLE WHO HAVE SHAPED THE LOCKYER VALLEY ON ONE OF THREE DOCUMENTED HERITAGE TRAILS. LACE ON YOUR WALKING SHOES TO UNCOVER THE STORIES AND SEE MONUMENTS, HISTORICAL SITES AND BUILDINGS OF LAIDLEY, FOREST HILL AND MURPHYS CREEK.

Murphys Creek

Historic, Heritage & Railway Sites

Murphys Creek was named after Peter Murphy (a ticket of leave man) who had worked on the Helidon Run since 1841, as a shepherd and later as a manager. He was well known and respected by the immigrants who settled on the Run when it was later broken up.

In the mid 1860s Governor Bowen named the area Fingal and planned the layout of a township. The street names are the only remaining evidence of Fingal. The name Fingal persisted in official records into the 1910s, although the railway station had always been known as Murphys Creek.

MURPHYS CREEK Historic, Heritage & Railway Sites

www.luvyalockyer.com.au

DON’T MISS:

> Heritage-listed Water Tower – Murphys Creek Railway Station was established as a feeding place for the engines , which included filling thirsty steam engines. This tank is very rare as most tanks were demolished at the end of the steam locomotive era.

Laidley Historic Buildings & Sites

On 19 June 1829 explorer Allan Cunningham discovered ‘Laidley Plains’ when he crossed the Little Liverpool Range and descended into the valley. He named the area after John Laidley, Deputy Commissary-General of the Colony of New South Wales.

In 1860, Laidley’s son, James Turquand, represented the Lockyer Valley in the Upper House of the Colony. The area from which Allan Cunningham descended is now known as ‘Cunningham’s Crest Lookout’. The lookout includes depictions of the early settlement of Laidley.

DON’T MISS:

> Laidley’s Spring Festival and Chrome & Clutter Retro Festival

FAST FACT

> A broom factory was once a thriving Laidley enterprise. Broom millet was grown locally to supply the factory.

COMMUNITY SENSORY GARDEN

A welcoming community garden. A safe, vibrant and quirky space, delivering various sensory experiences.

All welcome!

14 Crescent St, Gatton

OPEN 7 DAYS

FREE ENTRY

Forest Hill HISTORIC SITES OF A LARGE RURAL ‘RUN’

According to the Daily Mail Brisbane of 9 August 1907, ‘Ten years ago, Forest Hill was a very small centre with only a few solitary houses scattered here and there. There was no hotel or other place of accommodation; but since then, a vast change has occurred. A big township has sprung into existence developed with mushroom growth. Three churches in the town and a fourth quite adjacent, three two storey hotels, a bank and a score of thriving businesses, not to mention a legion of houses. The tiny provincial school of ten years ago has given place to a fine state school with a staff of four teachers. Forest Hill is the largest centre within the Shire of Laidley and is more convenient to the outlying portions of the shire. But it is for the output of produce that Forest Hill far outstrips its elder and larger neighbours. Passing through in the train, strangers have marvelled at the busy appearance of the railway yard, but it is solid business all the time.’

Today, a visit to Forest Hill easily converts to hours of exploring, shopping, eating and drinking. It’s a weekend gem and the perfect spot to kick back with a coffee or lunch.

DID YOU KNOW?

> In 2006, the Forest Hill Police Station became the base for the South Eastern Stock and Rural Crime Investigation Squad, now known as the Major and Organised Crime Squad (Rural). The original jail cell is now located at the Gatton Historical Museum.

www.luvyalockyer.com.au

Forest Hill Self Guided Tours

Food

& Farms in the Lockyer Valley

Spirit of our Age the

‘GOOD JUDGEMENT IS THE RESULT OF EXPERIENCE AND EXPERIENCE THE RESULT OF BAD JUDGEMENT.’

This aphorism by Mark Twain resounds and informs how I prepare and cook food.

For example, it’s been a long time since I’ve peeled an Upper Tentill parsnip, boiled a Gatton broccoli or neatly diced Mt Sylvia Dutch Creams. I prefer a handsoff approach. Instead, bake parsnips whole until tender on a bed of rock salt; quarter broccoli and grill or roast pieces until well caramelised; and never ever peel a potato!

Experience has taught me that there’s no appreciable link between how tricky a dish is and how delicious it is. These days I seek to cook food that delights rather than food that impresses. The key to achieving this ambition is the provenance, the source, the origin of the ingredients you bring to your kitchen.

The Lockyer Valley, on the edge of Brisbane, has a proud agrarian past, present and future where growing

9DORF FARMS

BY CHEF ALASTAIR MCLEOD

and harvesting is an important part of life. It is a community where you can discover the simple pleasures of gathering and cooking with produce as close to the source as possible. This, more than anything, will improve the food you put on your table and moreover will ignite your passion for the craft of gastronomy.

This notion of creating a clear line between the produce, producer and plate is, I believe, the spirit of our age. This conversation ensures the nutritional density of the food we feed our children; it restores the romance of eating with and respecting the rhythm of nature; and ultimately preserves our food security. These decisions support community and our primary producers who feed your family.

Producing pasture-raised chicken, eggs, and farmed Australian native fish. Farm gate sales available. Tour groups and visitors welcomed by appointment.

(Farm) 542 Flagstone Creek Road, Lilydale

P 07 4697 5215 or 0428 845 417 | E bronwyn@9dorf.com.au www.9dorf.com.au

I recently boarded the Merry Muster – an initiative created by Kristin Bonner to shine the light on regions affected by drought, bushfire and flood – all of which have afflicted the Lockyer in recent years. Busloads of Merry Musterteers spent the day in the Lockyer, sampling and sipping the wares of a proud panoply of producers. The afternoon culminated in a stunning luncheon of local produce at the Grantham Butter Factory. It crystallised for me how profoundly blessed we are to have this food bowl so close to a major city.

My cooking has long benefitted from the produce of the region with my guests universally enthralled by the quality of the food. As a chef, that praise makes me feel good. To quote Mark Twain, ‘I can live for two months on a good compliment.’

CEDAR GULLY OLIVES

A family-run olive grove making their signature marinated olives. The pruned trees become natural wood and wood charcoal products. We use the whole tree, not just the olive fruit. Find us at Mulgowie Markets and on Facebook and Instagram.

Cedar Gully Lane, Mulgowie E cedargullyolives@gmail.com www.cedargullyolives.com.au

FARM BOX

CAN YOU IMAGINE THE SMELL OF THE SWEET CORN AND BRASSICAS AND PICTURE THE SNAP OF THE BEANS? THESE LOCKYER VALLEY BUSINESSES OFFER A HOME DELIVERY SERVICE TO AREAS IN AND AROUND THE REGION.

If you’re keen for a country drive, pack the Esky and the vege bags and journey to the region to create your own farm box! Remember the importance of seasonality! Some produce will be available year-round, some will be subject to seasonal availability. Check out the harvest calendar on page 23 to get an idea on what might be on offer.

Free-Range Family Co-op

Determined to deliver premium quality produce, grown with farming practices healthy for you, the animals and the environment. They deliver to Brisbane, Ipswich and Toowoomba.

Free-Range Family Co-op

UB’s Farm

Visit to grab some deliciousness and skip the queues at the farmers’ markets or jump online to book your 'grab and go' vege boxes at ubsfarm.com.au.

Lockyer Valley Farmers Direct

A Facebook page that let’s everyone know what’s available in the Valley and the location ie. where to grab those Kent pumpkins for your favourite pumpkin soup. You’ll find individual farmers as well as posts for local businesses who are doing farm box deliveries.

Lockyer Valley Farmers Direct

Fair Dinkum Local Produce

A local market stallholder supplying fresh fruit and vegetables from the Lockyer Valley to Plainland, Gatton, Grantham and Toowoomba. Give their Facebook page a like and a follow.

Fair Dinkum Local Produce

Beer & Croissantswith Kerri McConnell

Kerri and Stirling from Beer and Croissants love enjoying local food. For them, travel is food!

For the food and fun, Kerri suggests leaving the big smoke in your rearview mirror and pointing the car towards Grantham and the Awassi Cheesery.

For a WOW nostalgic experience, Kerri rates Scotty’s Garage, where the 'memorabilia is gobsmackingly incredible'. A must-visit for everyone!

9Dorf Farms

Pasture-raised chicken, eggs, beef and pork, and Australian native fish. Farm gate sales available, tour groups and visitors welcome by appointment

542 Flagstone Creek Road, Lilydale | P 0428 845 417 9dorf Farms

Australian Organic Farmers

Open between 9.00am — 2.30pm, every Tuesday to Friday

Groups by appointment

Fully certified organic vegetables, some fruit, and the AOFC range of soups, pasta sauces, juices and fruit purees.

88 Carpendale Road, Carpendale | P 4697 6349

Australian Organic Farmers

Roadside produce Seasonal Stalls

Flagstone Fresh

Have Gourmet, Roma, Cherries and Mini Roma tomatoes for sale every day.

946 Flagstone Creek Road, Flagstone Creek P 4697 5240

Just Geraniums

Open by appointment only

Geranium Nursery. Try the famous ‘Rose Geranium Jelly’. Bring your own picnic and sit under the shady trees (bookings required).

39 Berlin Road, Mount Berryman | P 0411 662 782

Just Geraniums

Ghost Gully Produce

Open 7 days

Hydroponic lettuce and herb farm.

2 Rangeview Drive, Gatton

Ghost Gully Produce Pty Ltd

Col’s Fig Shop

Figs for sale seasonally which are sourced directly from the farm at Tenthill (along with any other produce they have available – custard apple and limes when in season).

At Higgins Engineering Shed: 600 Gatton Clifton Road, Winwill

Forest Hill Farm Shed Stall

North of the Forest Hill township.

GPS Co-ordinates: 27 35 148 S / 152 21 726 E

12 Forest Hill Fernvale Road, Forest Hill

Wegner Farms @ Fordsdale

Fresh sebago potatoes and jap pumpkins are available seasonally. The stall operates on an honesty system.

Cnr Gatton Clifton Road & Spinach Creek Road, Fordsdale | P 5462 6815

Wegner Farms

Natalier Farms

41 Upper Tenthill School Lane, Upper Tenthill | P 0422 291 866

Natalier Farms

Native Oz bushfoods Australian Bushfood Products

Doug & Tracey Goebel from Native Oz Bushfoods, an Aboriginal family-owned and operated business, farm and retail shop offering a range of Australian Bushfood products.

Drought hit them hard on their 40 acres and with no option of water to irrigate crops they had to re-think what they could farm. For years Doug had eaten bushtukka and made a bush blend salt mix from different native spices.

Doug and Tracey started researching, trialling, harvesting and buying various edible native plants and seeds such as desert quandong (native peach), saltbush, various edible wattles and other native desert plants to see if they could be grown this side of the range. They’ve added Kakadu plum (Gubinge) and Tasmanian mountain pepper to the farm and now boast over 400 plants from 40 different varieties of edible native bushfoods.

Native Oz Bushfoods is now making jams, salt mixes and sauces, as well as selling dried and fresh leaves and nuts such as aniseed and lemon myrtle for a refreshing cup of tea, saltbush, warrigal greens, native thyme, bunya nuts, native limes and other fruits and nuts native to Australia.

at Toowoomba’s Cobb & Co Farmers Market every Saturday or purchase Native Oz Bushfoods products from the Lockyer Valley Visitor Information Centre

Peter Schulte

a family legacy of paddock to plate

Following in the footsteps of his ancestors, Peter Schulte is the face behind Schulte’s, a family-owned and operated business that was founded in 1952.

Schulte’s Fresh Gourmet Market offers a unique paddock to plate service culminating in the highest quality fresh red meat, pork and lamb products. Their delicatessen offers an extensive range of Schulte’s gluten free quality small goods, Schulte’s world famous Mettwurst, as well as local and imported cheeses and European and local continental dry goods.

In addition, their full range of fresh fruit and vegetables sourced from local markets daily, just bursting with freshness and flavour, allows Schulte’s to boast it is a Fresh Gourmet Market.

Dozens of accolades have been awarded to the store for their high-quality products, including multiple trophies for taking out the title of Regional Winners in the Sausage King Awards, Australia’s Best Bacon Awards, and taking out the top spots in numerous categories at the Royal Brisbane Show (Ekka), just to name a few.

Peter believes there are a few simple tricks that can turn even the novice cook into a barbecue chef.

1. Always buy quality. If you shop at Schulte’s, it’s guaranteed!

2. Start with a clean BBQ and commence cooking with products at room temperature, not straight out of the fridge.

3. Cook steaks (medium rare) on a hot and fast BBQ. Cook sausages on a low and slow heat.

Salt to flavour after the cooking process whilst the steaks are left to settle for a few minutes. It is great if you can sous vide the steaks, or have the steaks cryovacced and placed in a sink with hot water. This will hold the steaks at the right internal temperature ready for a perfect medium rare cook.

Boutique cheese

Award winning smallgoods

Ballandean Estate Wines

THERE’S NO BETTER WAY TO SPEND YOUR MORNINGS THAN TAKING A SCENIC COUNTRY DRIVE TO ENJOY ONE OF THE LOCKYER VALLEY’S MANY COMMUNITY MARKETS.

Each market has its own individual vibe, with friendly stallholders and a mix of stalls including local produce, collectables, locally made arts and crafts, books, as well as coffee and delicious treats.

Laidley Village Markets

Every Friday

7.00am – 1.00pm

Patrick Street & The Mall, Laidley

Mulgowie

Farmers Market

1st Saturday every month

8.00am – 11.00am

Mulgowie Hall Grounds, Mulgowie

Gatton

Village Markets

1st Sunday every month

7.00am – 1.00pm

Gatton Historical Village, Lake Apex

Ma Ma Creek Markets

2nd Saturday every month

7.00am – 12 noon

Ma Ma Creek Community Hall, Ma Ma Creek

Murphys Creek Markets

3rd Saturday every month

7.00am – 1.00pm

Murphys Creek Sports Grounds, 18 Jessie Lane, Murphys Creek

Plainland

Country Markets

3rd Sunday every month

7.00am – 12 noon

Plainland Hotel Grounds, Plainland

Ferrari Park Markets

4th Saturday every month

7.00am – 12 noon

Ferrari Park, Whites Road, Laidley

Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information. Please contact market organisers for additional information.

HOLMWOOD PRODUCE LAVENDER FARM

Lavender crafts and natural skin care products. All hand made using Australian ingredients.

Proudly owned by Gary and Anne Young.

Tour groups and visitors welcome by appointment.

(Farm) 15 Thornton School Road, Thornton P 07 5466 7264 or 0417 799 679 | E holmwood144@gmail.com

www.holmwoodproduce.com.au

It’s a welcoming stop on the drive from Gatton to Warwick for a dine-in or take-away meal. The delicious homemade pies and weekend pizzas are menu heroes! Enjoy friendly service from the historic general store, with its rock ‘n roll vibe. This cafe has been operating for over 100 years on one of South East Queensland’s great scenic drives through the beautiful Lockyer Valley to Warwick.

Harvest Calendar

This calendar is a guide to the planting and harvesting of seasonal produce. It may be handy for seasonal workers and for you to make informed decisions about what is in season.

Don’t forget that while the Lockyer Valley is a horticultural region we also produce some of the best beef, cheese, chocolate and smallgoods in South East Queensland.

Beans

Beetroot

Broccoli

Silverbeet

Cabbage

Capsicum

Carrot

Cauliflower

Celery

Chinese Cabbage Asian Greens

Garlic

Lettuce/Baby Leaf & Rocket/Spinach

Onion

Potato

Pumpkin (Jarrahdale)

Pumpkin (Jap)

Sweet Corn

Tomato/Cherry

Sweet Potato

Watermelon

Straightleaf Onion

A smorgasbord of mouthwatering dishes for all food lovers

TASTING NEW CUISINES AND ENJOYING A BEVERAGE OR TWO ARE SOME OF LIFE’S SIMPLEST PLEASURES, AND IF YOU’RE TRAVELLING, IT CAN ALSO MAKE FOR MANY TREASURED MEMORIES OF YOUR TIME AWAY.

Here in the Lockyer Valley, there is a wealth of dining options to suit every pala te, from fine dining to cosy cafes and a number of charming country pubs, all of which dish up tasty meals made from fresh regional produce.

There are lots of tasty farm fresh goodies that you can pick up directly from the farm gate. Pack your appetite, your chiller bags and ice bricks, because this 48km food trail throughout the heart of the Lockyer Valley is sure to have your stomach grumbling before you even put your keys in the ignition.

For more food trails in the Lockyer Valley, log onto seqfoodtrails.com.au

Porters Plainland Hotel

66 Laidley-Plainland Road, Plainland

Serving modern pub dining, Porters Plainland Hotel is a popular spot for locals and visitors to mingle and enjoy a meal. Their daily menu features all your favourites including salads, gourmet burgers, seafood, pasta and pizzas. Don’t forget about their juicy and tender steaks from the Char Grill, with house made toppers.

Featuring an all-day menu, seniors’ meals, chefs’ selections, kids’ meals and an impressive dessert cabinet, you can grab a quality meal at any time of the day or night.

Schulte’s Fresh Gourmet Market

4424 Warrego Highway, Plainland

Known for winning numerous awards for their quality meat products, Schulte’s Fresh Gourmet Market is your onestop destination for picking up those all-important ingredients for your next barbecue. Schulte’s offer a unique paddock to plate experience where you can purchase fresh red meat, pork, lamb and chicken products.

Their delicatessen also offers a range of quality small goods, cheese and continental dry goods, and in the freezers, you can pick up ready-to-

go meals to store at home for easy convenience. There is also lots of fresh fruit and vegetables to choose from. They are open seven days a week, and located opposite Porters Plainland Hotel. Pedestrians can walk under the motorway to the shopfront. Check their website for full opening times as some days differ.

Amazing Grace Patisserie 111 Patrick Street, Laidley

Serving decadent cakes, slices, truffles, quiches, frittatas and more, Amazing Grace Patisserie is your destination for old-world charm. As you walk in, the vases full of fresh cut flowers on the tables, fine china and soothing music instantly relax you.

If you are looking for something extra special for your visit to the Lockyer Valley, why not preorder a high tea. Enjoy a tower of house made petite sweets, fresh scones with jam and whipped cream, assorted mini quiches, pork and fennel sausage rolls and a selection of their

signature sandwiches. The high tea also includes one beverage per person.

They are open from 8am-4pm Monday to Friday, and 8am-12pm on Saturday.

Tins & Trays

97 Railway Street, Gatton

Located inside a historic century old Queenslander, Tins & Trays is committed to supporting local farmers and producers and strive to incorporate as much fresh produce into their dishes as possible.

Embracing a menu of healthy eats, such as rustic quinoa salad on roasted pumpkin, as well as an array of sweet treats, including Nutella crackle cookies, banana and toffee croissants, classic cream buns and berry and vanilla bean creme choux, there is definitely something to suit every age, palate and dietary requirement.

They are open for all day breakfast and lunch, as well as dine-in and takeaway, every Tuesday to Sunday from 6am to 3pm.

Ghost Gully Produce

2 Rangeview Drive, Gatton

Before leaving Gatton, drop by this family-owned and operated hydroponic lettuce and herb farm. Meet the farmers, learn more about their products and take home some big bunches of greenery from their Salad Shed.

They are open seven days a week.

JAK & MO TASTE CO

17A Railway Street, Gatton

Real, whole food! Ange loves whole fresh market shopping and creating a meal from grinding spices to dicing meat and stirring the pot for hours to perfect the flavour. Driven by fresh, real food nurturing her children and a love of health and wellbeing has brough to life JAK & MO.

Open Monday to Friday from 7am to 2.30pm and Saturday from 7am to 12.30pm.

Australian Organic Farmers

88 Carpendale Road, Carpendale

Pick up some certified organic produce that is sure to have your meals bursting with fresh flavour. Australian Organic Farmers are open from 9am to 2.30pm every Tuesday to Friday.

People can also drop in at any time to choose their own produce during their business hours, or orders can be prepacked with 24 hours’ notice before pick up. Cash and Eftpos facilities are available.

Colonial Cafe & RESTAURANT

34 Lake Apex Drive, Gatton

From casual dining to a formal meeting/ event venue and menu, along with parties, weddings and bus tours, Colonial Cafe & Restaurant entice with homestyle offerings that are lovingly prepared and baked in house, from locally grown

produce. A proud, family business welcoming patrons for breakfast, lunch, all-day coffee and cake, and dinner Friday and Saturday nights.

Open Monday to Thursday 7am to 5pm, Friday & Saturday 7am to 9pm and Sunday from 8am to 4pm.

Café 4342

40 Victoria Street, Forest Hill

A hidden gem serving high quality gourmet food within a beautiful historical Post Office. Award-winning Abisca coffee, specialty teas and delicious cakes made in house with organic stone ground flour. The courtyard offers intimate alfresco

dining, perfect for a weekend treat or for celebrating a significant event.

Open every day 9am to 4.30pm.

The Floating Café

2 Harris Street, Grantham

After a big day of driving, sit back and enjoy the ambience from this small country town at The Floating Café. Their display cabinet is always stocked with delectable cakes and muffins, the coffee is always hot and their lunch menu very filling.

They are open Wednesday to Monday. Check website for their opening hours, as some days differ.

Wet your whistle at these great country pubs

ROAD TRIPPING CAN BE THIRSTY WORK, SO WHY NOT DROP INTO ONE OF THE MANY PUBS IN THE LOCKYER VALLEY FOR A PINT.

> Porters Plainland Hotel

> Mulgowie Pub (The Mulga)

> Queensland National Hotel in Laidley

> The Lockyer Hotel in Forest Hill

> The Forest Hill Hotel

> The Royal Hotel in Gatton

> Commercial Hotel in Gatton

> City View Hotel in Gatton

> Withcott Hotel

> Brightview Tavern

> Murphys Creek Tavern

> Tenthill Hotel

> Fairways Tavern

Remember to drink responsibly, and if needed, have a designated driver.

Step off the beaten track

– and get –back to nature

ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO EXPLORE THE RICH AND LUSCIOUS OPEN SPACES THROUGHOUT THE LOCKYER VALLEY IS TO TRAVEL BY FOOT.

With the Lockyer Valley home to national parks, state forests, mountain trails, lakes, parks and lookouts, lace up your hiking boots, because we have compiled a list of the best natural spaces to add to your itinerary.

Lockyer National Park

Getting there: Approximately ½ hour north of Gatton, via Smithfield Road Gatton, Forestry Road, and Wallers Road Ringwood.

Located north of Gatton, the Lockyer Valley National Park is home to some of the best four-wheel driving and motorbike touring in South East Queensland. This largely undeveloped park features remote sandstone gorges surrounded by eucalypt forest, making it a great place to experience the natural beauty of the region.

In dry weather only, four-wheel-drive vehicles are permitted on Wallers Road from Seventeen Mile Road through to Forestry Road; from Millers Road through to Logans Road; and from Krugers Road through to Millers Road/ Redbank Creek Road.

Conventional, two-wheel-drive vehicles can access Seventeen Mile Road only. Normal road rules apply throughout the forest, and all roads allow two-way traffic. Alternatively, if you wish to park your vehicle and explore at a slower pace, the Lockyer National Park offers some great remote bushwalking opportunities. The rugged terrain should only be walked by experienced and prepared walkers, and it is recommended that visitors check out a topographic map of the area beforehand. A high level of fitness and navigational skills are essential.

Inside the Lockyer Valley National Park, walkers can discover a wide range of plants and animals, including the nearthreatened mountain guinea flower Hibbertia monticola and black-breasted button-quail.

Camping is not permitted inside the Lockyer National Park.

Pitch the tent at Glen Rock State Forest

Getting there: Head to the intersection of Gatton-Toowoomba Road and Mount Sylvia Road on the western edge of Gatton. Take Mount Sylvia Road south through Tenthill and then continue south to Junction View. At Junction View State Primary School veer left and follow East Haldon Road to Glen Rock State Forest.

Camping permits: Before camping in a national park, conservation park, state forest or recreation area you must book and pay for a camping permit.

Glen Rock State Forest is a popular spot for campers in the Lockyer Valley, with picturesque views of the surrounding creeks, ridges and plateaus of the Great Dividing Range and Mount Mistake.

Campers can spend up to a maximum of 30 nights camping at the Casuarina camping area – an open, flat, grassy area close to the Blackfellow Creek. Caravanners and camper trailers are also welcome to stay in the forest. Camping permits are required and fees apply.

As you kick back around the fire at night, be sure to take in the beauty above, as it is one of the best uninhibited views of the starry sky.

While staying in the pristine Glen Rock State Forest, visitors can choose from two walking tracks – The Blackfellow Creek Trail is a 16km round trip that starts at the gate near the camping area, then makes its way to the historic Top Yards. Water in the creek is limited during winter and early spring (August to November) when rainfall is scarce.

The second track is Christies Loop Trail, which is a 5.2km walk. This trail starts 1.2km from the Casuarina camping area back along East Haldon Road. This steep and rocky trail should be traversed with caution, but if you are up for the walk, you will be rewarded with views overlooking Blackfellow Creek Valley and the signature red rock outcrop that is Glen Rock. Explore the designated trails on horseback or cycling.

No domestic pets are allowed in the state forest, however horses are permitted. They should be kept in the designated horse yards.

You might even get lucky and see brushtailed wallabies, the powerful owl and the glossy black-cockatoo that inhabit the area.

Bushwalk the region’s many trails

Other great bushwalking sites to visit include Gormans Gap and Mount Campbell, Flagstone Environmental Park, White Mountain State Forest and the spring wildflower laden Helidon Hills.

The Bicentennial National Trail also passes through the Lockyer Valley. Part of Australia’s living history, the trail commemorates Australia’s Bicentenary and stretches 5,330km along our country’s east coast. It is open to hikers, horse riders, mountain bikes and pack animals.

Get a bird’s eye view of the valley from our two lookouts

Some of the best vantage points to look out over the lush greenery of the Lockyer Valley is to visit the region’s two lookouts.

Cunningham’s Crest Lookout can be found just outside of Laidley, and provides two viewing platforms for visitors. The lookout was named after explorer Allan Cunningham, who discovered the region in 1829 with his party. It was on this spot he named the plains below as ‘Laidley Plains’.

The lookout also features murals, poetry, sculptures and mosaics that celebrate the Aboriginal and European history of the site and reflect on Laidley’s early pioneering men and women.

The second lookout is Schultz Lookout, which is found in the beautiful Blenheim Hills area. It overlooks the rich agricultural farmlands.

Both lookouts have picnic tables to allow visitors to sit down and admire the view.

enjoy the outdoors at one of our many parks

Natural flora and fauna

The Lockyer Valley is home to an abundance of natural flora and fauna. In addition to seeing a variety of endangered species in the Lockyer National Park and Glen Rock State Park, tourists might also catch a glimpse of some of the 350 bird species that have been recorded in the Lockyer Valley at the local parks and reserves.

Many species found in the Lockyer Valley are migratory, so the birds you may see are continually changing. Some of Lockyer Valley’s most popular spots to find bird life include:

> Lake Clarendon (black falcon, ground cuckoo-shrike, black-necked stork, blue-winged kookaburra).

> Lake Galletly and Lake Lenore at the University of Queensland, Gatton campus (red-rumped parrot, pinkeared duck, red-kneed dotterel, cotton pygmy-goose, magpie goose).

> Lake Dyer (plum-headed finch, caspian tern).

> Glen Rock State Forest (glossy black cockatoo).

> Lake Apex and Lake Freeman (153 species have been recorded including Latham’s snipe, royal and yellowbilled spoonbill, black-fronted and red-kneed dotterel, Australasian darter and the whistling duck).

If you’re wishing to know more about local birds, you can pick up a Lockyer Valley Bird brochure that has been developed by Birdlife Southern Queensland and Friends of Lake Apex from the Visitor Information Centre in Gatton.

The Lockyer Valley is home to more than 50 parks and reserves, with lots of playgrounds for the kids to enjoy, barbecues to cook up a storm, and flat grassy areas to throw out the picnic rug.

Lake Apex Park in Gatton is a popular stop for visitors. It supports a wide range of plant and animal life. Take a walk around Lake Apex and you may just see some of the 153 species of birds that have been recorded in the area.

There are also two fully-interactive, outdoor musical playgrounds in the region, sure to delight kids of all ages. You will find one in Gatton’s Centenary Gardens off North Street, and the other in Das Neumann Haus Park in Patrick Street, Laidley.

There are also multiple spots where kids can grab their boards and catch some air at the region’s skate parks. These include Kensington Grove, Laidley, Forest Hill, Gatton, Helidon, Murphys Creek and Withcott. Each park has been designed to appeal to different age groups and skating levels.

For more information about the region’s parks and reserves, log onto lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/recreation/parks or pick up a copy from the Visitor Information Centre.

Other popular parks include:

> Jean Biggs Park in Withcott – features covered electric barbecues, play equipment, a skate park and a tennis area.

> Forest Hill Place – the site of the former railway station master’s residence. Today it has an electric barbecue area as well as tables and seating.

> Dawson Phipps Park in Gatton – one hectare of open parkland for families to enjoy. There are covered barbecue areas to utilise all year round, as well as play equipment for little ones to use up their energy.

> Narda Lagoon in Laidley – covering more than six hectares and lake views, Narda Lagoon offers up plenty of space for big families and groups of friends to gather for lunch.

> Bertrand Avenue Parkland in Kensington Grove –more than 18 hectares of open parkland, barbecue facilities, lots of picnic tables and a playground just waiting for kids to use their imagination.

> Fairways Park, on the eastern side of Fairway Drive, Kensington Grove – a 14 hectare super park incorporating nature-based play equipment, amenities, shade shelter, barbecues and a dog park.

Perfectly pet-friendly

BRING YOUR BEST MATE ON A LOCKYER VALLEY ROAD TRIP

Holidays are better spent when everyone in the family can travel, including your precious fur baby.

If your four-legged best mate is coming too, you want to ensure dogs are widely welcomed wherever you go.

Here in the Lockyer Valley, there is an abundance of parks and reserves for you and your dog to exercise in. These include the off-leash dog parks at the Laidley Recreational Reserve and Lake Apex in Gatton, where you can play a friendly game of fetch together.

Dogs are also welcome at the following parks provided they are on a lead and supervised: Fred Gillam Park in Gatton; Littleton Park in Gatton; William Kemp Park in Gatton; McGovern Park in Helidon; Lions Park and Narda Lagoon in Laidley; Johnson Drive Park in Lockrose; Burrambin Park in Withcott; and Springbrook Park in Withcott.

If you’re visiting one of the many townships in the Lockyer Valley, why not take your beloved pooch with you for a tour down the main street. It’s a great way to browse the many businesses and meet the locals, who might just ask if they can have a pat!

Some businesses allow patrons to have their dogs sitting or lying down next to

them in outdoor settings but be sure to check with the business owner first. At Café 4342 in Forest Hill, dogs get a tasty little treat when they dine in with their owners! Alternatively, you can place a takeaway order and head to a nearby picnic table to bask in the sunshine while Fido rolls in the grass.

If you love what you are seeing and experiencing in the Lockyer Valley and wish to extend your stay, many motels and campgrounds allow your pets to stay on the premise. Accommodation providers that cater for dogs include Centenary Park Camping Ground in Thornton, Murphy’s Creek Escape, Fordsdale Farmstay, Room Motels Gatton, Clewleys Country Haven in Withcott, Laidley Caravan Park, Laidley Showgrounds, Mulgowie Hall Recreational Camping, Heifer Creek rest area and Narda Lagoon in Laidley. Rates vary depending on where you choose to stay, and it is best to book accommodation for you and your pet well in advance.

If your animal needs medical assistance during your trip, see one of the friendly vets at Gatton Veterinary Service, UQ Veterinary Clinic, Laidley Veterinary Surgery or Withcott Veterinary Service.

Tips to help your pet feel more comfortable while travelling

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your pet has a happy and safe time while in the Lockyer Valley:

> Make sure they’re microchipped with your current up-to-date contact information.

> Pack a supply of their food and water, ensuring you stick with their regular food to lessen the chance of stress or travel sickness.

> Have treats, snacks and water on hand.

> Pack their bedding so they feel at home every night.

> Bring their lead and small disposable bags so you can clean up after your pet.

> Take breaks along the way so your pet can stretch their legs and take bathroom breaks.

> Never leave your pet in the car or campervan while you go exploring as this can lead to serious illness or even death.

1

Top things to do with kids on your country escape

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A FAMILY FRIENDLY DESTINATION FOR THE YOUNG AND THE YOUNG AT HEART, THEN YOU HAVE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE.

Dive into the eco billabong, tackle the medium ropes course, feel the thrill of swinging out over a canyon, abseil down escarpments, hit the trails on your mountain bike, try your hand at archery or get back to nature on a number of bushwalking trails while staying at Murphy’s Creek Escape

2

It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or seasoned rider, giddy up for a horse riding adventure at Fordsdale Horseback Adventures.

3

Experience the vibrant wonders of spring, gardening, art and culture at the annual Laidley Spring Festival. This three-day event held in September features live entertainment, music, markets, food stalls, flower shows, activities for kids and a colour run. Like Laidley Spring Festival on Facebook for more information.

4

Step back in time and experience what life was like in the late 19th century at the Lockyer Valley Heritage Festival, held every April. Two venues host events over the course of the weekend. At the Laidley Pioneer Village and Museum, you can start your day off with a big breakfast before watching a blacksmith display, clap for the Highland dancers, check out the vintage machinery and let the kids fossick in a designated area just for them. Then, head over to Das Neumann Haus for free entry to the museum, browse the markets, listen to the live entertainment and snack on a range of delicacies from Annie’s Café.

Classic cars, pin up fashion, tattoo competitions, markets, food trucks, swap meets, dancing, live bands, a Show ‘n’ Shine competition and a makeshift drive-in movie theatre are all part of the fun that is the Laidley Chrome & Clutter Retro Festival, held over three big days in June. Search Chrome & Clutter Retro Festival on Facebook for more announcements.

FORDSDALE HORSEBACK ADVENTURES

Fordsdale Horseback Adventures offers fully catered horse riding holidays. Guests stay in our Glamping tents. We offer day trail rides to experienced riders, a pony club experience for children, and Equine Assisted Learning courses.

171 Wagners Road, Fordsdale

P 0427 584 363 | E fordsdale.farmstay@outlook.com

www.fordsdalefarmstay.com

6

Munch on a Dagwood dog, pick up a showbag, try your hand at winning a prize in sideshow alley, ride the dodgem cars, watch arena events, marvel at the size of ginormous vegetables and bask in the glow of the nightly fireworks at the beloved Gatton and Laidley Shows, held in July.

Admire the beautiful Clydesdale horses and see them in action at the Clydesdale & Heavy Horse Field Days, held at the Gatton Showgrounds in May. There will also be decorated harness displays, working team ploughing, obstacle courses, breed judging and ridden events in dressage and barrel racing, as well as craft demonstrations and food trucks.

7

LOCKYER VALLEY TURF CLUB

Country racing at its best! Hospitality and atmosphere in close proximity to all major centres in SEQ.

Up to 12 full TAB meetings a year. Bookmakers, TOTE, canteen, bar, Fashions on the Field, parties and functions.

1 Spencer Street, Gatton

P 07 5462 2850 | E secretary@lvtc.com.au

www.lockyervalleyturfclub.com.au

8

We’ve got a convoy! Wave to the hundreds of truck drivers who participate in the Lights on the Hill Memorial Convoy, as they raise awareness and honour the memory of drivers that have lost their lives, and those who continue to keep this country running. Crowds can see the mighty machines and their impressive paint jobs at the Truck Show and the following day, everybody is invited to attend a special service at the memorial wall, situated within Gatton’s Lake Apex Park. Follow Lights on the Hill Trucking Memorial Inc on Facebook for more details about this yearly event.

9

Lace up your joggers and hit the pavement with your family for the Gatton Fun Run Participants can choose either the 5km or 10km course, with money raised from the event going to charity. Search Gatton Fun Run on Facebook for all relevant dates and registration forms.

10

There is loads of chilli deliciousness to be consumed at the Murphys Creek Chilli Festival (as well as non-chilli delights). Food to seriously fire up the taste buds, along with chilli-eating comps, cooking demos and other fiery fun! The kids will crack up at the chilli-eating antics. A laugh for all the family. Check out their Facebook page for dates in March and September.

11

12

Spend hours appreciating the vintage cars, parts, accessories, badges and memorabilia that fill the shed at Scotty’s Garage

Chocolate, strawberry or vanilla gelato? Pick your favourite flavour and cool down on a warm Queensland day with a cone from the Caffe Sorella Gelato Bar in Forest Hill.

Grab your boards and head to the local skate park. There are some great jumps and rails at the skate parks in Kensington Grove, Laidley, Forest Hill, Gatton, Helidon, Murphys Creek and Withcott.

13

Travel the world in one day and experience different cultures and food at the Lockyer Valley Multicultural Festival, held in May. The day features an array of cultural performances, international cuisines, market stalls and more.

14

Horse riding & racing

FORDSDALE HORSEBACK ADVENTURES

Fordsdale Horseback Adventures is positioned on a 1,000 acre grazing property, just 30km from Gatton, 50km from Toowoomba and 120km from Brisbane. It is also about two and a half hours’ drive from the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.

They conduct day horse trail rides, one hour, two hour and allday rides. Also, they offer horse riding holidays. Guests can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the property, as well as take part in adventurous trekking. Fordsdale caters for both experienced riders and people who have not ridden horses before. All trail riding packages can be tailored to suit groups or families.

15

Spend a night at an old-time dance at Glenore Grove or Postman’s Ridge. Kick up your heels and learn to Waltz, Two-step, Pride of Erin, Foxtrot or Quickstep. Let nostalgia carry you around the dance floor.

Celebrate the holidays by attending one of the many great Christmas-themed events held throughout the region. These include the Laidley Christmas Street Carnival, Forest Hill Christmas Festivities, Lockyer Valley Christmas Carnival, Carols at the Bluff and Lockyer Valley Mayoral Christmas Carols.

16

LOCKYER VALLEY TURF CLUB

The Lockyer Valley Turf Club is located in Gatton, less than 1.5 hours west of Brisbane.

The Club has a proud history of delivering true country style horse races. As a country turf club, they have a committed volunteer team who make each race day very special. Expect warm hospitality and fun at a country race meet.

Experience something a little different, where racing fashion, glam and entertainment meet the country character of the Lockyer Valley.

Enjoy a

Shopping Spree

at our eclectic retail outlets

Browsing the local shops is one of the best things to do on holidays, as it gives you an opportunity to seek out unique and handcrafted items you won’t find in your major shopping centres.

The Lockyer Valley is home to many small business owners who can’t wait to welcome visitors so they can show off their good old-fashioned country service and wide range of stock.

When you head down Railway Street in Gatton, the largest township in the Lockyer Valley, you will find a mixture of cafes, restaurants, takeaways, a supermarket, banks, bottle shops, hairdressers, medical surgeries and real estate agents, along with a florist, jewellers and ladies’ boutiques. Just around the corner, Gray’s Furniture, Giftware & Bedding is a shopper’s delight.

Both Vinnies and The Salvation Army have op shops where shoppers can pick up items like pre-loved clothing, shoes, books, toys and more for a fraction of the price.

The Lockyer Valley Visitor Information Centre just a short drive away is worth a visit, stocking souvenirs, postcards and books of interest, as well as a range of locally made food and craft products.

Located just outside Gatton is Pohlmans Nursery in Adare, where you can buy gorgeous flowers, trees and shrubs, as well as fresh vegetables, herbs and fruit seedlings you can plant at home so you can smell and taste the Lockyer Valley longer.

GATTON REAL ESTATE

The Totally Local Firm – We Care. Agents you can trust. Investing made easier and more profitable with the help of the right people. Call our friendly team for all your Real Estate needs.

P

A short 10-minute drive from Gatton to Forest Hill will lead bargain hunters to more eclectic retail outlets.

The Forest Hill Post Office and adjoining Café 4342 offers unique gifts from all around the world as well as local honey, homemade jams, fudge and lollies. Inside the café, guests can enjoy a coffee while looking at the many giftwares which are on sale, including pendulum clocks, ceramic tile paintings, decorated plates, glass candle holders, books, children’s toys and more.

Caffe Sorella has also combined the activity of dining with shopping and features a wide range of clothing, furniture, handbags, accessories, beauty products and more.

Across the road is Queen B’s Collective, a charismatic business selling a wide range of country chic styles and items from yesteryear. When you drop in you might just find crystal homewares similar to what your grandmother used to own, furniture that looks like it has been pulled out of a 19th century home, and decorative items that are sure to brighten up your lounge room. You will also be able to change your look by choosing handmade jewellery made by local crafters. In addition, Little Bits & Pieces and 38 Victoria Street will motivate you to meander in Forest Hill.

The township of Laidley, which is the second largest town in the Lockyer Valley, has a nostalgic feel manifested by its heritage shop fronts. You can’t help but feel like you have stepped back in time when you drop by Estelle’s antique store, which sells everything from restored paintings to revived furniture, glassware, collectables, vases, tea sets and more. Estelle’s is open by appointment.

A walk down Laidley’s main street reveals more unique gift stores, as well as essential shopping and eateries. Laidley has some excellent op shops where it is very easy to fill a bag with goodies. Clothing items, as well as books, records and toys are among the most shopped items.

Inside Nielsen’s Place tourists will find an interesting collection of new and hand-crafted goods, along with giftware, crystals, linen, baby and children’s wear.

Most businesses can be found on Facebook and Instagram, giving you a sneak peak of what is on sale. Wherever you choose to shop in the Lockyer Valley, you are sure to find a treasure trove of items to take home with you.

Rest easy with our ultimate escape guide to the Lockyer Valley

ARE YOU LOOKING TO FLEE THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF CITY LIVING FOR YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY?

Branell Homestead

Bed and Breakfast

12 Paroz Road, Laidley

Enjoy a weekend of charm and grandeur at Branell Homestead Bed and Breakfast in Laidley, perfect for those who enjoy the finer things in life.

The 80-acre property features a charming federation-style Queenslander which includes three appointed guest rooms complete with ensuites, antique furnishings and a large wrap around verandah, which is the perfect spot to enjoy the first cup of coffee in the morning, or a glass of wine in the evening. There is also a beautiful kitchen and dining space where friends and family can gather to dine on locally grown produce, collected on day trips around the Valley.

In addition, there are also three luxury cabins at the top of the property, offering spectacular views of the valley. Each cabin has been designed to be your home away from home, with three bedrooms, a fully functioning kitchen, lounge and dining rooms, two bathrooms, as well as your own private deck with barbecue.

Porters Plainland Motel

66 Laidley-Plainland Road, Plainland

Enjoy simple luxury at Porters Motel – named Queensland’s best pub-style accommodation 2021.

Their stylish rooms are spacious, fully air conditioned and equipped with everything you need for an enjoyable and comfortable stay. Whether travelling for business, attending a wedding, or sightseeing in the beautiful Lockyer Valley, the warmth and hospitality of this family-owned business will entice you back.

Best of all, you won’t need to travel too far to enjoy a quality meal – rooms are right down the hall from their awardwinning Hotel dining, bar, gaming and function rooms. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as for morning and afternoon tea. Alternatively, if you don’t feel like leaving the comfort of your room, you can order meals and beverages to be delivered direct to your door.

Porters Motel offers 7 King rooms, 7 Twin rooms, 1 Mobility Access King room and a Family Suite, as well as a two-bedroom unit ideal for longer-term stays.

Fordsdale Farmstay

171 Wagners Road, Fordsdale

Sleep under the stars and wake up to beautiful natural landscapes when you book your bush camping or glamping experience in Fordsdale.

Bush camping is available for those who like to pitch their own tent or swag, with 1000 acres of bushland and grazing plateaus, as well as some truly breathtaking sections along the Ma Ma Creek.

However, all bush campers must have their own four-wheel drive to access the property, and be self-sufficient during their stay as there is no access to power, showers, toilets or drinking water.

There is also the option to try glamping. Glamping packages include horse riding adventures and meals cooked for you, depending on the length of your stay.

A standard glamping experience includes two nights’ accommodation, four horse riding experiences and six meals cooked for you.

Room Motels Gatton

1 Hawck Street, Gatton

Room Motels Gatton features spacious, contemporary rooms where you can escape the outside world in the peace of your whisper-quiet room at the end of your day. The architecturally designed rooms have been fashioned with your extreme comfort in mind, whether travelling for business or pleasure.

The motel offers 39 thoughtfully designed rooms, including executive European inspired king rooms, king/single rooms, deluxe king/bridal suites, a triple single room, as well as multiple disabled and dedicated pet friendly rooms.

It also has free undercover parking, free wireless internet access, room service and a guest laundry.

You can find them opposite the Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre, which is ideal for people attending business meetings and conferences. The perfect base from which to explore Gatton and surrounds.

Gatton Motel

74 Railway Street, Gatton

In the heart of Gatton, an easy stroll to shops, cafes and other facilities, discover friendly, country hospitality at the Gatton Motel. The family team will ensure you feel right at home and the rooms provide everything you need to sleep comfortably, with well-maintained facilities.

GATTON MOTEL

EcoRidge Hideaway Chalets

712 Rockmount Road, Preston

Perched on the ridge of the Great Dividing Range, these three self-contained contemporary chalets have all been built in accordance with eco-friendly practices so you can make yourself at home and enjoy your time away knowing you are protecting the environment.

Each chalet delivers breathtaking valley and mountain views from the sun deck, as well as from the comfort of the lounge room and bedroom.

The Ironbark Chalet features an open concept living space and sleeps up to three people, whereas the Applegum Chalet is designed as a couple’s romantic getaway space, with a luxury double spa bath and a slow combustion fireplace.

Lastly, the Bushland Chalet has been designed for families, and comes with a queen size bed in one room, and a bunk bed in the other.

The chalets are located on 50 acres of serene bush setting, meaning there are lots of walking tracks and birdwatching nearby.

Located in the heart of Gatton. Enjoy country hospitality at our friendly motel. Our family team will ensure you feel right at home, with everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Walking distance to shops, cafes and restaurants.

74 Railway Street, Gatton P 07 5462 1333 | E gattonmotel1@bigpond.com www.gattonmotel.com.au

Murphy’s Creek Escape

356 Thomas Road, Upper Lockyer

Offering powered, non-powered, remote camping sites and glamping options all with a natural bush setting, Murphy’s Creek Escape is where thrills and adventure combine for the perfect mini getaway. Guests have the choice of dusting off their own tent for their holiday or hiring one of the glamping sites for a more comfortable visit.

Guests of all ages can also try one of the many adventure activities, including the ropes course, archery or abseiling, or bring along their own bikes to explore the nearby mountain bike tracks.

Whether you feel like cooking up a storm on the barbecue or enjoying a beverage on the banks of Murphys Creek, a good time is guaranteed to be had by all.

Clewleys

Country Haven

385 Spa Water Road, Iredale

Nestled at the foot of the Toowoomba range looking out over the Lockyer Valley, guests will be mesmerised by the exquisite mountain views.

The two-bedroom, self-contained bungalows offer a charming country experience for families and small groups of friends looking to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere for a few days.

There is also a pool, spa and tennis court and barbecues on site, as well as a recreation room with table tennis and an open woodfire area.

CLEWLEYS COUNTRY HAVEN

These country cabins are nestled at the foot of the Toowoomba range overlooking the Lockyer Valley, surrounded by beautiful mountain views. Operated by the Clewley family, the Haven is a perfect place to relax and enjoy a break from a busy lifestyle by stepping into the tranquil surroundings. Pets are welcome.

385 Spa Water Road, Iredale

Via Withcott P 07 4630 3477

Royal Hotel Gatton

2 Railway Street, Gatton

Perfect for long or short-term guests, the Royal Hotel Gatton is ideal for budget conscious travellers, with nightly or weekly rates offered. Rooms are located above the hotel, so obtaining meals is a breeze. Room options include economy single, twin, double, or double and single, all with shared bathroom facilities.

Hatton Vale Motel

1 Shaw Road, Hatton Vale

Needing a place to stay without leaving the highway? Located on the Warrego Highway, this motel offers single, twin and double rooms for travellers who need a place to rest their head without the need for detouring too much.

Lockyer Motel

5 Kellys Road, Helidon

Appreciate the health benefits of the only mineral water motel in Queensland. Enjoy spacious acreage as you unwind in either a standard, twin, deluxe or queen room, which offer amenities such as a flatscreen television, fridge, microwave and work desk.

Weddings / Events / Accommodation

Convenient campgrounds

FOR YOUR NEXT RV ADVENTURE

If you’re a traveller going on an extended holiday in your caravan, motorhome, camper trailer, or pitching your own tent, the Lockyer Valley provides plenty of RVfriendly sites across the region, complete with all the amenities you need to make your visit as comfortable and convenient as possible.

1 Centenary Park Camping Ground

Cnr Thornton School Road & Mulgowie Road, Thornton

Surrounded by the Little Liverpool and Mt Mistake Ranges, and set amidst agricultural farmland, this is a beautiful spot for tourists to put on the brakes and breathe in that fresh country air for a few days.

There are multiple unpowered sites and eight powered sites available, as well as grassy areas, barbecues, picnic tables, playground and showers. It is also dog friendly, so your furry friend doesn’t have to miss out on all the fun.

2 Glen Rock State Forest East Haldon Road, East Haldon

The open, flat, grassed area close to Blackfellow Creek in the Casuarina camping area inside the forest is perfect for people towing their own trailers, caravans or camper vans. From here, enjoy designated trails on foot, on your bike or on your horse.

Facilities include cold water showers, toilets and fireplaces, and there is a designated horse yard at the eastern end of the camping ground.

3 Laidley Showgrounds

2 MacGregor Street, Laidley

Caravanners are welcome to pull up the wheels and set up the picnic chairs for a few days of rest and relaxation at the Laidley Showgrounds.

The showgrounds have powered sites available, toilets, showers, stables, as well as barbecues and picnic tables so you can cook up a storm with the fresh meat and produce you purchase in town.

4 Lake Dyer Camping and Caravan Ground

134 Gatton Laidley Road East, Laidley Heights

Located between the townships of Laidley and Forest Hill, this facility is a short detour off the Warrego Highway and close to shops and restaurants.

The campground is perfect for those wishing to camp and those bringing their caravans, with plenty of space for everyone. Amenities include toilets, showers, walking trails, a playground, fishing, boating and barbecues, ensuring it is a great spot for a short getaway with the whole family. Please check for water conditions before booking as water levels can vary. Day trippers are also welcome at Lake Dyer.

5 Mulgowie Hall Recreational Camping

Mulgowie Road, Mulgowie

A short drive from the Mulgowie Hotel, is a welcoming campground with pet-friendly, powered and unpowered campsites.

Grab a meal inside the pub or choose the takeaway option where you can enjoy your food at one of the many picnic tables, or at your own home away from home.

There are also bathrooms, showers and a playground to entertain the little ones.

6 Narda Lagoon Rest Area

Drayton Street, Laidley

Feel all your stress melt away when you unpack all your gear next to the Narda Lagoon for a few days.

It is located opposite the Laidley Pioneer Village and Museum, which is one of the region’s top tourist attractions, and also close to businesses in the nearby township.

It comes equipped with barbecues, picnic tables and a playground for the kids to burn off some energy. Be sure and take a walk over the suspension bridge. It is a free RV-friendly, 48-hour rest stop.

7 Gatton RV Park at William Kemp Park East Street, Gatton

If you need somewhere to stop, revive and survive for a few days, William Kemp Park offers a free, 48-hour spot for selfcontained travellers.

If you are wanting to stretch your legs, it is only a short stroll into the main business district of Gatton, filled with supermarkets, shops, health care, restaurants and more.

On site, there are also an array of tables to enjoy a meal or read a good book, as well as barbecues to cook your own meals.

Journey back in time to explore OUR RICH history & culture

HISTORY ENTHUSIASTS WILL BE DELIGHTED TO KNOW THERE IS A PLENTITUDE OF MUSEUMS AND HISTORICAL SITES THROUGHOUT THE LOCKYER VALLEY, ALLOWING YOU TO DELVE DEEPER INTO THE REGION’S RICH AND CULTURAL PAST.

How about a visit to Queensland’s first established pioneer village? That would be the Laidley Pioneer Village and Museum, which was first opened in 1972. It has an extensive collection of old buildings, displays, collectables and machinery to give visitors a glimpse of what life was like for the early pioneers.

Guests can visit a fully furnished 110-yearold school room, learn more about the timber and farming industries by browsing the many tools and saws that were once used by early settlers, get up close to a number of old engines and machines that date back to the 1890s, explore the military room that houses plenty of old uniforms, rifles, books, photographs and certificates, as well as visit the medical centre that showcases old medicine tins and utensils.

On open days and during special events, you can view the local blacksmith and woodworkers in action.

The Laidley Pioneer Village and Museum is also home to three resident ghosts; a little girl in the school room; a former blacksmith who died in Laidley; as well as the ghost of a former member. Ghost tours are often run at the village. Search Pariah Paranormal on Facebook for upcoming events.

They are open seven days a week and play host to schools and bus groups, as well as smaller groups and individuals.

The Gatton and District Historical Village is also a leading historical site that allows you to access history right at your fingertips. The property is home to 22 buildings, each with interesting and unique stories just waiting to be heard. One of the most popular buildings on the site is a fully restored country church that can be hired for weddings.

Visitors will also appreciate the fire station that houses an original 1948 Austin Fire Engine and equipment,

the Logan Engine Shed which features a major collection of fully restored engines, several tractors and wagons, and the Display Sheds, which is where you will find several display vehicles and engines that are stored during the restoration process.

The Gatton and District Historical Village is open on the first Sunday of the month to coincide with the Gatton Markets, and open for schools and bus tours by appointment only.

While you’re in Gatton, head on down to the Queensland Transport Museum, which features a display of more than 200 models that explore the various forms of transport through the ages.

Take your time and browse through the many display cabinets which feature hundreds of collectables. The exhibits change regularly, so there is always something new and exciting to see on your next visit.

Built by German immigrant Hermann Neumann in 1893. The house has been restored to its former condition, refurnished in the style of the 1930s and is open to the public as a house museum.

Annie’s Place Coffee Shoppe offers patrons light lunches, cakes and slices, Devonshire teas and real coffee. Groups welcome. Disabled access. FREE entry & FREE wifi. Open Thurs-Sun (10am-3pm). Cnr

Displays include:

During your visit to the Lockyer Valley, be sure to drop by; Das Neumann Haus in Laidley, a beautifully restored house museum that was built in 1893, and furnished in the style of the 1930s; Jessie’s Cottage at Murphys Creek, a house museum that tells the story of a shy young girl named Jessie Taylor and takes you back in time to the beginning of European settlement; The Railway Museum at Murphys Creek, housing artefacts such as an original ticket machine, station master house, as well as photographs, memorabilia and newspaper articles; The University of Queensland Gatton Past Students Association Museum, which celebrates the achievements of former staff and students.

Many of the sites are active on Facebook, and have up-to-date information on exhibitions and opening times.

Hear ye, Hear ye! Meet the Lockyer Valley’s Town Crier

Whenever there is an important event in the Lockyer Valley, you can bet Ron Johnstone is in attendance dressed to the nines in his official Town Crier robes and hat.

Having been named the Lockyer Valley’s inaugural Town Crier, Ron attends many of the region’s meetings, celebrations, services, grand openings and tourism events.

It’s a role he takes tremendous pride in, as he loves showcasing all the amazing things his home can offer to both locals and visitors.

Ron is also a valued member of the Laidley Pioneer Village and Museum, where he has undertaken the role of secretary. He enjoys hosting guided tours of the historical site and loves getting his hands dirty when he demonstrates the art of blacksmithing to big crowds.

Heritage of the Lockyer Valley

For centuries the Lockyer Valley region was home to the Jagara, Kitabul and Birren Aboriginal people. European exploration of South East Queensland, then still part of New South Wales, began in the 1820s and by the 1850s large government-leased holdings and individual farms dotted the region.

The expansion of the railway in the 1860s turned small selfreliant settlements into prosperous interconnected towns. Immigrants from Britain and Europe arrived to start new lives and opportunities.

In the 1870s settlers from Germany and Prussia introduced their cultural heritage, farming skills and language. Churches and schools appeared in even the smallest settlements, becoming important community cornerstones of beliefs and learning.

Reminders of the Lockyer Valley’s history can be found in every corner of the region. Many heritage-listed and other historic buildings are in continuous use while others have been preserved as lasting reminders of how the Lockyer Valley’s lifestyles, workplaces and pastimes have changed over the years.

There are large numbers of historic monuments available for viewing across the region, including the well-known Weeping Mothers War Memorial and Lights on the Hill trucking memorial, both located in Gatton.

the creative heart of the Lockyer Valley

Lockyer Legends Hall of Fame

The Lockyer Legends Hall of Fame, located within the Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre, is a triumphant celebration of local legends. The Lockyer Valley Regional Council invited public nomination of people from the Lockyer Valley who had made a long-term contribution of state, national and international significance within the last 160 years.

Portraits and biographies of both the legends and champions are contained in display albums for visitors to read and enjoy. Limited edition hardcover books are also available for purchase from the Visitor Information Centre.

visual arts

Lockyer Valley is home to a number of art galleries displaying the talents and passions of many local or travelling artists. The regional art gallery, located within the Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre, Gatton, showcases a wide variety of work. Mediums on display can include sculpture, photography, textiles and canvas. Entry is free of charge and opening hours align with the Gatton Library. Most artworks are for sale to the public.

Public art trails

Public art installations are scattered throughout the region… some with poignant focus, some with a colourful community focus.

Take the time to reflect on a series of sandstone sculptures in commemoration of the 2011 floods that hit the region. They include ‘Comfort’, Laidley Recreation Reserve; ‘After the Past’, Grantham Butter Factory; ‘Spatial Horizons’, Murphys Creek Ground and ‘Pain’, which is located at the Spring Bluff Railway Station.

In Laidley, stop by the Laidley Mall to see the mosaic sculpture ‘Seed Pod’, as well as ‘Lily of the Lockyer Valley’, which is a stunning piece in marble, granite and sandstone.

First Coat Lockyer

In 2017, the team behind Toowoomba’s highly successful First Coat Festival, curated two large-scale mural installations in Gatton to complement the 70 plus contemporary public art installations of Toowoomba’s CBD streets and laneways.

Bronte Naylor’s mural at 54 Railway Street focuses on the connection between people and country. Occupants of the land have an intrinsic relationship with their natural surrounds and this interaction with country takes shape in many ways such as farming, conservation, gardening and general lifestyle routines.

George Rose’s mural at the corner of North and Railway Streets, draws attention to the endemic flora and fauna found in the area. Lines running through the work are based on the shapes created by the boundaries of Gatton as seen from satellite images, and the water ways which run above the township. To complement the images, George Rose painted the ‘Goori’ and ‘Yagara’ on the walls to represent the names of the earliest custodians of this area.

Check out firstcoat.com.au/murals for all of Toowoomba’s First Coat public art locations or download the First Coat APP and choose your own adventure!

Tourist Map of the LOCKYER VALLEY