Somerset Dam’s a corker of a spot to pull up for a night or two. Nestled in the lap of the Sunny Coast hinterland, it’s just 100 clicks nor’west of Brissie and a picture-perfect spot to roll out a swag, have a cast and forget your worries.
The Lake Somerset Holiday Park sprawls across 45 grassy hectares, sandwiched between Deer Reserve State Forest and the tranquil waterway’s western foreshore.
There’s loads of space to pitch a comfy camp beneath the ample shade trees. Crack your first tinny as you stroll down to the water’s edge and you might have trouble believing you’re just an hour’s drive out of the capital.
The dam is one of the best bass fisheries in the country, so you’ll most certainly want to pack your rods and tackle. You’ll also want to factor in a daytrip to the nearby Bellthorpe National Park; it’s crisscrossed with dirt roads and 4WD tracks and is ripe for exploration.
STUFF TO DO
4WDING: Bellthorpe National Park is your gateway to offroad action. There’s a range of tracks from gentle to difficult, with the Stony Creek day use area marking the prime access point. Each track’s difficulty level is clearly marked at the trailhead, although discretion is advised after heavy rain.
FISHING: Somerset Dam is a popular freshwater fishery and hosts a big national bass fishing comp each year in spring. Summer’s the ideal season to target big bass in the evenings on poppers and large cicada-like surface lures.
WATER SKIING: If getting dragged around at speed behind a tinny is your idea of fun, then Somerset’s got ya sorted. There’s a double lane boat ramp by the day use area, plus a fish cleaning station if you decide to wet a line while out on the water.
IMPORTANT INFO
LOCATION: 100km northwest of Brisbane, the fastest route is via the D’Aguilar Highway and State Route 85.
CAMPING: Flat, grassy powered and unpowered sites are available by the lake foreshore for very reasonable rates. Campers have access to amenity blocks, camp kitchen and a playground for the kids.
FUEL up in Ferndale if you’re coming from the south, and might we suggest a Vegemite and cheese pie from the Old Ferndale Bakery. Top up in Kilcoy or Woodford if driving in from further north.
MORE INFO is available at www.nrmaparksandresorts.com.au
