Lowood: Clock Park, the Rail Trail and a Country Day Out

Lowood is a small country town in the Somerset Region, about 65 minutes by car west of Brisbane. It sits at the southern end of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, with a town park, a pub, a bakery and several cafes, which makes it an easy base for a day on the trail or a stop on the way to Esk and the valley.

This guide covers what Lowood has for a visit: the park, the rail trail, camping, food and how to get there.

Clock Park

Clock Park on Peace Street is the main town park. Somerset Regional Council lists picnic tables and settings, shelters, covered areas, an electric barbecue, a children’s play area, a skate park, a basketball court, exercise equipment, bike racks, water fountains and public amenities. It also lists carpark access, a dog waste bin and a connection to the rail trail.

The clock monument and memorial flagpole are here too. Beside the children’s play area you will find The Gig, Lowood’s first flood boat, built in 1900 and now a memorial.

Lowood and the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

Lowood is at the southern end of the trail, so it works as a start point for a day trip towards Esk or Toogoolawah, or as an overnight stop on a longer ride. The park has a rail trail connection, and the showground is close to the trail as well. Our Brisbane Valley Rail Trail guide covers the sections, camping and bike hire, and the nearest town along the trail is Fernvale, with Coominya and Toogoolawah further up the valley.

A railway town

Lowood was established in 1884 as the first terminus of the Brisbane Valley branch railway. The name comes from the low woods of brigalow scrub that once covered the area.

The town sits on the Brisbane River, and the former railway station building still stands in the town.

Lowood also has a motorsport past. During World War II an RAAF airfield operated at nearby Mount Tarampa, and after the war it became the Lowood Airfield Circuit, which hosted the 1960 Australian Grand Prix. Only a small memorial remains.

Lowood Showground and camping

Lowood Showground is run by the Lowood Show Society and is home to the annual Lowood Show, held in June. Outside show time it offers caravan and camping stays of up to seven days, with powered and non-powered sites. It is pet friendly, RV friendly and within walking distance of the cafes and shops. Prices are not listed online, so call the showground on 07 5426 1385 or visit lowoodshow.com.

There is also a hotel and motel in town if you would rather have a room.

Food and supplies

Lowood has one pub, a bakery, several cafes and fast food outlets. For supplies there is a Drakes supermarket, a butcher, a newsagent, a pharmacy, a hardware store and a service station, plus medical and dental services. The Somerset Regional Council library is at the corner of Michel and Main Streets.

Planning your visit

• How to spend the day: start at Clock Park for the playground and a picnic or barbecue, walk or ride a stretch of the rail trail, then eat in town.
• Best time: the annual Lowood Show is held in June, so expect a busier town and showground then.
• What to bring: water and sun protection for the trail, plus your own bike, as the town is the trail’s southern end.
• Questions about the council’s parks: Somerset Regional Council is on 07 5424 4000.

Getting there and parking

By car, Lowood is about 65 km and about 65 minutes from Brisbane CBD (without traffic). It is about 31 km from Ipswich and about 40 km from Esk.

Clock Park lists carpark access, and the showground is close by.

Nearby

• Lake Wivenhoe – swimming, boating, camping and trails.
• Fernvale – Sunday markets, the rail trail and bakeries.
• Toogoolawah, Coominya and Linville – more small towns in the valley.
• More in the region: Somerset Region, bike trails and scenic drives.

You might also like

• Esk – rail trail, lakes and a country day out up the valley.
• Somerset Dam and Lake Somerset – swimming, boating, fishing and camping.
• Kalbar (Scenic Rim)

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