Somerset country drives get the green light

Road Trip

With 1,490km of roads less travelled and just one traffic light, it’s no wonder country driving in Somerset is a great escape.

Wivenhoe Dam Road.

Imagine life without red lights. No jarring brake lights up ahead. No annoying ambers to slow you down. No raging reds to stop you in your tracks. Just green lights and good times.

If you’ve ever explored Brisbane’s backyard in Somerset, it’s not so hard to imagine.

With a whopping 5,382sq.km landscape and 1,490km of country roads to explore, it’s amazing to think there is only one traffic light in the whole region.

It’s no wonder, folk are abandoning their usual Brisbane ‘brake’ and opting instead to explore the roads less travelled in Somerset.

Get RACQ Roadside Assistance before hitting the road

Located just one hour from Brisbane, Toowoomba and on the doorstep of the Sunshine Coast, Somerset is Brisbane’s gateway to country Queensland.

With a range of scenic drives to choose from, country drivers can cruise down expansive stretches of peaceful pasture, long lakeside lanes and get off the beaten track in beautiful bushland.

Whether you’re embarking on an extended expedition or just day-tripping, these top tips for country driving in Somerset are bound to get you back in the driver’s seat and telling those red lights who is boss.

So, stop seeing red, get behind the wheel and head to Somerset, where the grass (and singular traffic light) is always greener.

An EV charging station at Esk.

EV drives made easy

Got an EV? You can recharge your batteries in Somerset. A public EV charging station is available at Lars Andersen Place Carpark, Pryde Street, Esk. It suits CCS/SAE, CHAdeMO and Type 2 plug types and payment is accepted via the Chargefox App.

Staying in Somerset? There are also a range of accommodation options with EV charging facilities available, including Esk Caravan Park, NRMA Lake Somerset Holiday Park and more. RACQ members can save 10% on standard rates at NRMA Parks and Resorts.

Click here to find out more about Queensland's EV charging network and how RACQ members can save at select Chargefox charging stations.

Drive and discover the scenic lakes of Somerset

This 95km journey from Fernvale to Kilcoy offers a stunning backdrop of Lake Wivenhoe, Lake Somerset and several sweet little towns in between.

Whether you are day-tripping, taking on a longer journey or simply travelling between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, this itinerary is the perfect ploy to bypassing the Bruce Highway and the coastal chaos. Check out the full itinerary here.

A group of motorcycle  riders rest at O'Shea's Crossing.

Motorcycle rides to remember

Winding roads, tight corners, long stretches, knee scrapers and spectacular views. These are the rides that motorcycle owners and clubs have come to expect in Somerset.

With roads built for motorcycles, it’s no wonder Somerset gets the engines revving.

Twist the throttle and drop a knee, because you’re always in for an epic ride in Somerset. Check out the full itinerary here.

A 4WD crossing a gully at Jimna.

4WD adventures

Get off the beaten track and discover the beautiful bushland and 4WD trails of Somerset.

Lock in the hubs and get some mud on the tyres with this adventure through Somerset’s 4WD country.

Please be sure to check road conditions and park updates before heading out on the four-wheel drive tracks. Check out the full itinerary here.

Fuel up for fun drives

Fuels stops are available in the quaint country towns of Fernvale, Lowood, Tarampa, Esk, Toogoolawah, Harlin, Kilcoy, Colinton and Somerset Dam.

While you’re there, fuel up on the farm-fresh flavours of country cafes and classic Queensland pubs.

Stroll through the main streets, explore antiques, giftware and galleries and experience the country charm of these cute little towns.

Find out how to get the cheapest fuel and where members can save when filling up

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