Esk, Queensland, is a small country town in the Somerset Region, about 98 km north-west of Brisbane and roughly 90 minutes by car. It sits on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, between Lake Wivenhoe and Lake Somerset, with Mount Glen Rock as its backdrop.
It works well as a base or a lunch stop for a day out in the Somerset Region: a walk or ride on the rail trail, a look at the main street, a drink at a country pub and a drive to one of the lakes.
The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail at Esk
Esk is a good place to join the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, the 161 km trail that follows the old Brisbane Valley railway line between Wulkuraka and Yarraman. It is open to walkers, cyclists and horse riders, so you can ride or walk a stretch from Esk and double back.
Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Cycles in Esk hires hardtail and electric mountain bikes for the trail. Out There Cycling in Esk also offers bike hire, servicing and shuttle transfers.
Esk’s main street and heritage
The town was established in 1872 to serve the copper mines of Eskdale and Cressbrook Creek, and the railway arrived in 1886. Dairying slowed from the 1960s, but the main street still has boutique cafes, gift and antique shops and country pubs.
Look for the Esk War Memorial, St Agnes Anglican Church and St Andrews Presbyterian Church, which are all heritage-listed. Glen Rock Gallery shows art from across the region.
Where to eat and drink in Esk
The Esk Grand Hotel is a country pub that calls itself a food and family hotel. Brisbane Valley Roasters is a specialty coffee roaster on the Brisbane River. Opening hours change, so check each business before you go.
Lakes and drives from Esk
- Lake Wivenhoe – a calm spot for paddling and picnics, with Captain Logan Campground.
- Somerset Dam and Lake Somerset – jet skiing, boating and other water sports.
- The Esk Wivenhoe Trail is a 20 km walking trail that starts in Esk and follows the western shoreline of Wivenhoe Dam. You can walk it, mountain bike or ride a horse, and you may spot wildlife.
- Ravensbourne – the hills near Esk, where The Stonehouse Retreat is.
- Kilcoy – home of Yowie Park and its famous statue.
Just outside town
Ottaba Llamas offers walks where you lead your own llama, including a Llamas and Lattes walk near Esk on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. Walks cost from about $40 to $75, and the operator is at 6410 Brisbane Valley Highway, Ottaba. Contact them through llamawalks.com.au to arrange a time.
Esk Beef, at Biarra, is also listed among the area’s local businesses.
Staying in Esk
Esk Caravan Park sits between Lakes Wivenhoe and Somerset and connects to the rail trail. It has two heated pools (one family, one adults-only), a camp kitchen, barbecues and motel rooms.
The NRMA Lake Somerset Holiday Park, at Hazeldean, has camping, cabins and villas, communal barbecues and a boat ramp onto the lake. Pets are not allowed there.
For something quieter, the area also has The Stonehouse Retreat, a hand-built stone property near Esk and Ravensbourne, and Still in Esk, a retreat inspired by slow living.
Planning your visit
- How long: a few hours for the town and a short trail stretch, a full day with a lake.
- Information: the Esk Visitor Information Centre is at 82 Ipswich Street (07 5424 2923).
- Staying over: Esk Caravan Park is between Lakes Wivenhoe and Somerset.
- Water: Lake Wivenhoe and Lake Somerset are the area’s two big lakes, so pack hats, water and a picnic if you head to one.
- Flooding: Redbank Creek flooded the town centre in the 2010-11 floods, so check road conditions after heavy rain.
Getting there and parking
Esk is about 98 km (roughly 90 minutes) by car from the Brisbane CBD, via the Brisbane Valley Highway, and about 64 km north-west of Ipswich. Check the Somerset Regional Council website for road notices and Experience Somerset for visitor information. Ask at the visitor centre about parking.
Nearby
- Toogoolawah – about 16 km away.
- Atkinsons Dam – about 21 km away.
- Cressbrook Dam – about 22 km away.
Browse more things to do in the Somerset Region, history and landmarks and bike trails.
You might also like
- Fernvale – Sunday markets, rail trail and bakeries on the way up the valley.
- Gatton – Lake Apex and museums in the Lockyer Valley.
- Mount Glorious – more of the country around Lake Wivenhoe.
Quick answers
How far is Esk from Brisbane?
About 98 km, or roughly 90 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD.
What is there to do in Esk?
Ride or walk the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, browse the main street, visit Glen Rock Gallery, have a meal at a country pub, and drive to Lake Wivenhoe or Lake Somerset.
Can you hire bikes in Esk?
Yes. Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Cycles hires hardtail and electric mountain bikes.
Is there a visitor information centre in Esk?
Yes, at 82 Ipswich Street, phone 07 5424 2923.
Where can you stay in Esk?
Esk Caravan Park has camping, cabins and motel rooms between Lakes Wivenhoe and Somerset. The Stonehouse Retreat and Still in Esk are quieter options nearby.
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