Fernvale is a small town on the Brisbane River in the Somerset Region, about an hour’s drive west of Brisbane, known for its Sunday country markets, its pies and its place at the start of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. It makes an easy first stop on a day through the Brisbane Valley.
Come on a Sunday morning and you can browse more than 100 market stalls, pick up breakfast from a bakery, then walk or ride a stretch of the rail trail from the old station site.
Fernvale Country Markets
The Fernvale Country Markets run every Sunday from 6 am to 12 pm in the grounds of Fernvale State School on the Brisbane Valley Highway. There are more than 100 stalls, selling fresh produce, plants, condiments and country crafts.
The markets have run since 1988 and are organised by the school’s Parents and Citizens Association, so what you spend helps the school. They are mostly outdoors and can be cancelled in bad weather, so check the market’s Facebook page if the forecast looks wet.
Bakeries, cafes and pubs in Fernvale
The main street has two pubs, two bakeries, several cafes and fast food outlets. Experience Somerset lists three to try:
- Old Fernvale Bakery has been going for nearly five decades and sells more than 150 varieties of pies, plus sweet treats.
- Splityard Social is a rustic cafe with comfort food and its own coffee blend, roasted on site daily.
- Tree Change Cafe is a plant-filled cafe known for its pancakes, with nooks and books.
There is also a Woolworths in the Fernvale Village shopping centre, a pharmacy, a butcher, a post office and two service stations, handy if you are stocking up for a longer trail ride.
Fernvale Memorial Park and the Futures Complex
Fernvale Memorial Park sits in the town centre on the old railway goods yards, next to the Fernvale Futures Complex. It has a children’s playground, picnic tables, parking, toilets and direct access to the rail trail.
The Futures Complex is the tourist information centre, at 1483 Brisbane Valley Highway (07 5427 0200), built on the site of the former Fernvale Station. It has a water bubbler, so top up bottles here before you set off.
Brisbane Valley Rail Trail from Fernvale
Fernvale is where many people start the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, a 161 km trail on the old Brisbane Valley railway line, running from Ipswich to Blackbutt. The Fernvale to Lowood stage is 8.3 km one way and opened in December 2002. Each July about 800 people run it in the Fernvale to Lowood Fun Run.
From Fernvale you can head south towards Wanora and Ipswich or north towards Lowood, Coominya and Esk. The trail is shared by walkers, bike riders and horse riders. Dogs are allowed, but keep them on a leash and clean up after them. For the whole route, see the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail guide, or browse more bike trails.
Lake Wivenhoe and the Brisbane River nearby
Fernvale sits on the Brisbane River below Wivenhoe Dam, so Lake Wivenhoe is a short drive upstream, with designated swimming areas at Billies Bay and Logan Inlet, BBQs at Logan Inlet, boating and the Wivenhoe Hill Trails. Pack it into the same day if you want some water time after the markets. Note that dogs are not allowed at the lake, even though they are welcome on the rail trail.
Planning your visit
- How long: 2 to 3 hours for the markets and a bakery stop; add 1 to 2 hours if you walk or ride a stretch of the trail.
- Best time: Sunday morning, when the markets are on (6 am to 12 pm).
- Cost: free to wander the town and the park. Stalls, food and coffee are extra.
- What to bring: a water bottle, a hat, sunscreen, bags for market produce and sturdy shoes if you are walking the trail.
- Accessibility: the park has toilets and the trail starts beside it, but no accessibility details are published, so call the Futures Complex on 07 5427 0200 if you need to be sure.
Getting there and parking
Fernvale is about 61 km by road from the Brisbane CBD, about an hour by car, on the Brisbane Valley Highway. It is 24.5 km north-north-west of the Ipswich CBD.
Many trail users leave their cars in the car park at the Fernvale Futures Complex, on the old station site, and Fernvale Memorial Park has parking beside it. Parking for the Sunday markets is at the school grounds on the Brisbane Valley Highway.
By public transport, Translink bus route 529 runs between Ipswich and Toogoolawah and stops in Fernvale, Monday to Saturday. Services are limited, so plan a trip with the Translink Journey Planner or call 13 12 30 before you rely on it.
More local detail is on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Fernvale page and Experience Somerset. Details can change, so check before you go.
Nearby
- Lake Wivenhoe – Seqwater’s big lake upstream, with swimming areas, BBQs and the Wivenhoe Hill Trails.
- Brisbane Valley Rail Trail – the full 161 km trail that starts through town.
- Somerset Dam – another Somerset Region dam if you want to keep driving north.
- Kilcoy – a Somerset Region country town further north.
- Lake Moogerah – a lake with a marked swimming area and BBQs on the other side of the Scenic Rim.
Browse more markets or more of the Somerset Region.
Quick answers
When are the Fernvale markets on?
Every Sunday from 6 am to 12 pm at Fernvale State School, on the Brisbane Valley Highway. They can be cancelled in bad weather.
How far is Fernvale from Brisbane?
About 61 km by road from the Brisbane CBD, about an hour by car.
Where does the Fernvale rail trail start?
From the old Fernvale Station site beside the Futures Complex and Memorial Park. The Fernvale to Lowood stage is 8.3 km one way.
Can I take my dog to Fernvale?
Dogs are allowed on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail on a leash. They are not allowed at Lake Wivenhoe.
Are there toilets in Fernvale?
Yes, public toilets at Fernvale Memorial Park, beside the Futures Complex.
Can I get to Fernvale by public transport?
Yes, Translink bus route 529 from Ipswich stops in Fernvale Monday to Saturday, but services are limited. Check the journey planner.
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