Just a short 10km drive north saw us pull into Ottaba Llamas, a family owned and operated farm providing Llama encounters.

We met Marko and his wife Louise along with their daughter Beck. I can honestly say that we could have sat and talked to them all day. Really lovely people …

They stock approximately 25 Llamas on the farm along with a few alpacas, a camel and some other farm animals to boot. When we arrived there were 2 baby Llamas under 2 weeks old.
When a Llama is carrying a baby (cria) you would not notice until they have delivered it.

The Llamas are very well behaved and pet-like in their nature. Everyone warned me about them spitting but we were fine. Ottaba Llamas informed me after we got home that they had another baby (cria). That’s three in total along with their baby Alpaca.

You can take a walk along the BVRT (Brisbane Valley Rail Trail) which runs along their property. Ottaba Llamas provide Llamas for weddings, corporate events and even TV Ads. Yes, that’s right ..
They have a Llama called Pedro who was the on-screen star for the Ergon Energy Grim Llama Ad.

How can you tell the difference between an Alpaca and a Llama?

Alpacas and Llamas have very different ears. A Llama has curled in ears.

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Lars Anderson House

Lars Anderson was a wealthy Danish immigrant who purchased the land that the cafe sits on in 1886. A small saw-mill operation was also located here. In 1900 he moved the saw-mill across the road to behind the Club Hotel. This house used to be the only house in town with electricity.

He ran a 32 volt cable from his steam driven saw-mill to his home. You can still see the original wires today. Lars owned 8 homes in the street. Several of them had burned down and some were purchased and moved away from Esk.

The town of Esk didn’t receive electricity until 18 years later in 1935.

Nash Gallery & Cafe

We met Sandee, owner of Nash Gallery & Cafe for lunch on Saturday. Her husband is brilliant at pottery and the walls adorn his work and the work of other artisans in the region.

The Cafe has a reputation for great country fare. My partner was blown away by the quality of the coffee. This could become a regular stop!

We each chose a different meal. Jan had Nachos and I had a Homemade Burger. Both were amazing. On Sunday morning we went back and had our customary Eggs Benny!
A must do in Esk!

www.nashgalleryesk.com.au

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We travelled south to One Tree Canoe Company, 128 Fielding Rd, Vernor for a truly unique experience.

Dan and his partner Sue along with their two awesome dogs took a tour group onto the Brisbane River in their hand-crafted canoes just as the sun began to set.
The emptiness of noise, the stunning eucalypt reflections and the soft trickle of water down the blades of the oars was magical.

Dan told me of his passion for building canoes for customers across Australia. He builds them in his shed and every canoe is shaped with love.

Our journey was one hour upstream and an hour back. When we got back to shore Taryn Ryan from the Soul Nook Collective set out a picnic on the banks. We sipped on wonderful wine, cheeses and dips and the sun dipped over the river bed into the pastures afar.

One Tree Canoe Company offer a range of experiences and can cater for ‘newbies’ and experienced paddlers.

www.onetreecanoe.com
0424 001 646

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The Somerset Region has the longest Rail Trail in Australia. At 161km long, it spans from Wulkaraka (west of Ipswich) to Yarraman (west of Kilcoy). It can take up to 4 days to see the region in all it’s glory. I only had 1 1/2 hours and it was 31 degrees celcius outside, so I chose to be cautious.

The owners, David and Josie were awaiting my visit and had already configured my mountain bike for me. They suggested I ride the newest part of the trail which went from Harlin to Toogoolawah. Josie took me in the van and dropped me off in Harlin.

Many people use the Rail Trail (walk, cycle or horse ride). It’s very well signposted and gives clear directions on where you are at any given time in case of an emergency breakdown.
My section included a tunnel built in 1910 along with a few old rail bridges and grazing land. It was a very dry day and there had been a few fires recently. I’d love to do this trip again when there is more greenery. Having said that, this is a great way to explore the region at your own pace. The team at Out There Cycling know the trail very well. They not only provide bikes to hire, they sell bikes, provide a shuttle service, service bikes and offer bicycle training courses.

Visit: www.outtherecycling.com.au for further information.

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The Esk Caravan Park & Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Motel

We were welcomed by Paul and Jackie, owners of the Esk Caravan Park for the past 6 years. They recently purchased the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Motel next door and knocked a gateway between both sets of accommodation so guests can use the facilities in the park.

The park boasts some very generous powered sites under shady trees along with ample flat non-powered grass sites for those who don’t need power.
The facilities suited us because at 50+ we didn’t need a ‘jumpy pillow’ or ‘waterslide’. What we did get though was great entertainment, two well maintained and heated pools (hotel and caravan park) and the best camp kitchen you’ve ever seen.

We stayed in the Motel and it was being upgraded to include a wi-fi service – for those that can’t leave home without it.

The Esk Grand Hotel

We missed lunch on purpose because I had the bike ride and we knew that there would be great food on offer at the Esk Grand Hotel.
What we didn’t know was how good the service was or how amazing the decor was. It’s a grand old building with bucket-loads of character. We met an 80 year old lady who was the former owner of the pub. She told us that the soldiers used to drop by for a chat with the ladies and have drinks here quite often.

The Esk Grand Hotel has 15 rooms upstairs. Two mens bathrooms and 1 ladies bathroom. The rates are modest and the rooms are very clean. It’s the only pub licensed to have guests stay. We met Brendan who looked after us.

Out the back they have a stunning beer garden and loads of parking. Friday night was Spit Roast night. All you can eat for $20. I took on the challenge filling up on Pork with Crackling, Baked Spud and Fresh Salads. Round two saw me devour Lamb, another baked potato and more slaw.

We tried the Blossom Rose cider. 3 bottles and were were done at 8.2 percent. #drinkresponsibly #walkedtomotel

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The Somerset Regional Art Gallery – The Condensery has a rich history, formerly home to the Nestle condensed milk factory packing facility.

Now a unique cultural precinct, the gallery hosts rotating exhibitions, featuring works across various mediums and is available for workshops and community art events.

Visit the gallery and be greeted by a distinctive hand sculptured bronze red deer statue by renowned Somerset artist, Bodo Muche.

This sculpture represents an important part of Toogoolawah’s heritage – the gift of five red deer from Queen Victoria in 1873.
Once you step inside this beautiful building you feel immersed in the history of the pioneers who made this ‘packing shed’ into one of Australia’s finest Art Galleries. The old barn door, high pitched roof, storeroom and gallery ooze character and charm.

The Condensery used to store all of it’s important documents in a concrete walled room which was later used during war times as a bomb shelter.
Unfortunately, the original factory was burned down in a fire but the footings remain.

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Toogoolawah Saleyards

Get along to the Toogoolawah Saleyards.

It’s not everyday us ‘coastal creatures’ get to see a live cattle auction take place. I saw a roadsign saying “Saleyards” and decided to be a little nosey.

The hunch paid off and the ‘yards’ were packed with local buyers and those from further north in Rockhampton.

I took the time out to listen to the process and spoke with a few farmers who told me that prices had fallen steeply. I saw 4 young steers go for a little over $400. The larger cattle were holding around $1200 each. The farmer told me he just buys ‘scrawny’ cattle and puts them on a 100 day grain feed lot to fatten them up before he sells them on.

I asked about the impact the ‘drought’ was having and he said many owners were in dire straits. Very sad!

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Sandstone Point Hotel

The Sandstone Point Hotel is based opposite Bribie Island and comprises several function rooms, the Oyster Shed ( a seafood lovers paradise ) and a world class restaurant. For the kids there is plenty to do. They can enjoy the Adventure Playground, the Petting Zoo, the beautiful Blue and Gold Macaw that can do up to 50 tricks and much more.

The ice-creamery is a great place to finish off your meal.

We began the day being introduced to the team and took a look at the Cellar Function Room. At the time it was being setup for a wedding event. The brickwork, ambience and bar area was amazing. Every little detail was measured and even the room off to the side was great for a dancefloor, photobooth or DJ.

Going back up the stairs you see the in-hotel store where you can buy wonderful gifts for your loved ones. The imitation flowers really light up the foyer. Next to that is a world class gaming room and sports bar with the Old Oyster Lease photos. Worth a look!

We dined outside undercover and tried 4 different dishes between the 4 of us. Each of them different (seafood, chicken, salad and burger). I can honestly say that the seafood and bacon fettucini was amazing. Thanks!

The Oyster Bar is a great place to chill. The mooring pontoon/jetty allows day trippers with boats to arrive and tie up their vessel. Check with staff if there are any restrictions in place. The produce is sourced locally in Moreton Bay (bugs, crabs, oysters and of course prawns). The prices are very reasonable as well. Visit their website.

The Big 4 Holiday Park

This holiday park is beautiful. It is purpose built and has big rigs/tents/camper trailers in mind. Plenty of room to stretch out without guy ropes overlapping next door’s pitch. The amentities and kitchen areas were top drawer and the pool area has to be seen to be believed. It is honestly resort living at a budget price. They even have a cocktail bar! Sign me up …

Visit their website here.

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The Farm, Byron Bay

The Farm is principally a working farm, we house a collection of micro-businesses all sharing in a common goal. We invite you to come and visit us and see for yourself how a farm operates, supports the environment and contributes to a healthier lifestyle.

Our motto Grow, Feed, Educate inspires all that we do, here and for the community at large. We believe that it is first hand experience of seeing how food is grown and produced that makes the eating of it so much more pleasurable. From this simple pleasure sprouts a curiosity and desire to learn more.

We hope you enjoy your visit to The Farm and leave feeling inspired to make even the smallest change towards a healthier, more harmonious existence with our land, our animals and our communities.

Our day began with a private tour by The Farm Manager in his golf cart. The property is quite large so we recommend a private tour, especially if you find walking distances an issue. First stop was Baylato to watch our Peruvian friends make us a fresh dessert. Once we devoured this we moved to see the English Pigs and Scottish Highland Cattle. They are amazing creatures.

We took a drive through the Macadamia Orchard. Anyone can pickup the Macadamias from the ground and crack them on-site. We then crossed the paddock to see the horses and onto a sustainable working plot purposely setup to feed the homeless.

There’s so much to do and see – so book a full day here and dine at the Three Blue Ducks Restaurant. Jeff and his team will ensure you are served Michelin star food, all while enjoying the farm views.

We enjoyed our time at the farm and I’m sure we will bring our guests and friends there in the coming months.

Hot Tip: Visit in Dec/Jan and see the Sunflower crop in full bloom.

Check the Farm out here at this link. Explore the Sunshine Coast had a great time at The Farm, Byron Bay.

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Pegasus Park Equestrian Centre

Pegasus Park Equestrian Centre is one of Byron Bays oldest horse riding ranches, established in 1994. Founded on a love of horses, horse riding, nature and a passion for sharing their enthusiasm, Pegasus Park Equestrian Centre continues to provide quality instruction coupled with beautiful, well cared for and educated horses.

Pegasus Park Equestrian Centre specialises in horse riding for people of all ages and all levels of ability. What ever your standard we have a beautiful, educated horse for you, so come and visit us at Pegasus Park.

Range of Horses for every rider

Our daughter had never ridden a horse so we thought she’d struggle. Ramona was a brilliant trainer and very patient. Ramona has hand raised and reared her stable of horses and ponies. She has:

• Quarter horses, renown for there quiet nature
• Arabian horses
• Thoroughbred horses
• Stock horses and ponies for the smaller children

Ramona has been trained and competed at a high level and safety is her primary concern. She makes sure that each rider knows how to sit on the horse, move the horse forward, turn left and right and stop before any distance riding is performed. This is the kind of activity all ages can attempt and will adore.

Accommodation

The Air BnB and Cabins provide a unique opportunity to stay longer and enjoy a 1 or 2 day ride across some of the most spectacular countryside you have ever seen. Bring your own horse or simply use one of ours. We can cater for groups as well.

To book click here.

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