Somerset Area

An hour from Brisbane, this stretch of countryside holds Australia's longest recreational rail trail, 161 kilometres of track through the Brisbane Valley open to cyclists, hikers and horse riders alike. Somerset's lakes are just as strong a draw, calm enough for a paddle and stocked well enough for a proper fishing weekend. Little country towns anchor the whole region, each with its own quiet, unhurried character. Drop into the visitor centres at Fernvale or Kilcoy for local tips before heading out. It's proof that not every escape from the city needs a coastline.