Top 15 things to do at Lake Somerset

If days on the water, country towns and time spent outdoors sound like your kind of holiday, Lake Somerset has you covered. Set among the hills of Queensland’s Somerset Region, the lake is a favourite for boating, fishing and water sports, with lots more to explore nearby. 

Make your base at NRMA Lake Somerset Holiday Park and get ready to explore. From casting a line and hitting the water to bike rides, scenic lookouts and family day trips, here are 15 of the best things to do at Lake Somerset and around the region. 

Fishing at Lake Somerset is a great way to settle into holiday mode, whether you’re an experienced angler or introducing the kids to their first cast. Fishing is permitted in designated areas around Lake Somerset, including The Spit and Westvale Road, but you’ll need a Stocked Impoundment Permit before dropping a line. 

Staying at NRMA Lake Somerset Holiday Park? There’s a fish cleaning station back at the park ready for the day’s catch. 

Water sports at Lake Somerset can quickly turn a quiet morning on the lake into an action-packed day. Water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, jet skiing, you name it, there’s no shortage of ways to get out on the water. Bring your own gear and make a day of it or settle in by the shore and watch the action unfold. 

For a laid-back day by the lake, pack a picnic and head to The Spit. Spread out on the grass, fire up the BBQ and settle in for lunch while the kids make a beeline for the playground. There’s also a designated swimming area, so pack the swimmers for a dip. With a public boat ramp and access to fishing and water sports, you can easily turn a picnic stop into a full day by the lake. 

Exploring Esk makes for a relaxed change of pace after a few days spent by the water. Wander through the country town, stop for coffee or lunch and browse the local shops before seeing where the afternoon takes you. Esk is surrounded by the landscapes of the Brisbane Valley and makes a handy starting point for exploring more of the Somerset Region. 

Cycling the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is a fun way to see the countryside around Esk on two wheels. Following the route of the former Brisbane Valley railway line, the recreational trail travels through farmland, bushland and small country towns. You don’t need to tackle the whole trail. Just choose a section that suits your group. Walking is an option too if you’d rather explore on foot. 

If you enjoy long walks and rewarding views, lace up your walking shoes and take on the Somerset trail in D'Aguilar National Park. The 13km circuit begins near The Gantry and winds through eucalypt forest before reaching Somerset Lookout. 

From the lookout, take in sweeping views towards Somerset Dam and Lake Wivenhoe. Allow around four hours for the Grade 4 walk and come prepared with water, sun protection and comfortable walking shoes. 

Got a boat in tow? Lake Somerset gives you plenty of room to cruise across the water, find a fishing spot or spend the day out with the family. 

There are several boat access points around the lake, including public ramps at The Spit and Westvale Road. NRMA Lake Somerset Holiday Park also has its own boat ramp, so you can spend less time getting organised and more time on the water. 

A day trip to Australia Zoo is worth adding to the itinerary if your family loves wildlife. Head to Beerwah for a full day exploring the zoo, where you can encounter everything from crocodiles and koalas to giraffes and wombats. There’s enough to see to keep the whole family entertained for hours, so give yourself a full day rather than trying to squeeze it into a busy itinerary.  

For a calmer way to enjoy Lake Somerset, grab a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard and take to the water at your own pace. Paddle past rolling hills and open countryside, soaking up the peaceful surrounds as you go. The Spit, Kirkleagh Recreation Area and Westvale Road all allow paddlecraft, making it a great activity for the whole family. 

A round at Kilcoy Golf Club is a good excuse for the adults to sneak a little golf into the holiday. The well-maintained nine-hole course features tree-lined fairways, bunkers and dams that add a few challenges along the way. Pack the clubs and enjoy a round in the fresh country air. 

A visit to Yowie Park adds a little local legend to your Lake Somerset getaway. Found in the heart of Kilcoy, the park celebrates the mysterious Australian Yowie said to have been spotted around the region over the years. 

Snap a family photo with the Yowie statue, let the kids burn off some energy in the playground and enjoy a picnic before exploring more of Kilcoy. It’s a fun, low-cost stop that’s particularly handy when you’re travelling with younger kids.

A scenic flight with Pterodactyl Helicopters takes your Somerset getaway to new heights. Offering helicopter tours across South East Queensland, you can take in views of Brisbane, Ipswich, Wivenhoe Dam and the surrounding countryside from above. 

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for something different, a scenic helicopter flight could be a holiday highlight. 

Shiels Lookout gives you a whole new perspective on Lake Somerset. Located along the Esk Kilcoy Road at Hazeldean, the roadside lookout takes in sweeping views across the lake and surrounding countryside. Pull over on your way between Esk and Kilcoy, stretch your legs and take a moment to appreciate just how big Lake Somerset really is. Don’t forget the camera! 

Up for an early morning adventure? Take to the skies with Floating Images on a sunrise hot air balloon flight from the Ipswich area, soaking up sweeping views of the countryside below. It might mean an early start, but watching the landscape come to life from above is well worth setting the alarm for. 

Surrounded by peaceful bushland, NRMA Lake Somerset Holiday Park puts you right on the shores of Lake Somerset, with fishing, boating and outdoor adventures on your doorstep. 

Choose from accommodation to suit your style, whether you prefer the comfort of a cabin or villa or want to set up your caravan or tent and spend more time outdoors. 

There’s plenty to keep everyone busy around the park too, including: 

• Boat ramp 

• Fish cleaning station 

• Mini golf and basketball 

• Playground 

• Camp kitchen and BBQ areas 

• Campfires 

Spend the morning out on Lake Somerset, challenge the family to mini golf in the afternoon and finish the day around the campfire under a sky full of stars. Then wake up and do it all again tomorrow. 

Ready to start planning your Lake Somerset getaway?