Day Trip Moreton Bay Region Samford Dayboro Loop

Day Trip Moreton Bay Region – Ferny Grove, Samford, Dayboro, Petrie Queensland Australia 

This morning we took a scenic drive north of Brisbane, in our Moreton Bay Region, which is a massive area with a super scenic hinterland, and a bayside of little seaside towns. Once on the road, we find the destination doesn't matter nearly as much as the journey itself.

The road helps you embrace the unexpected, renews your faith in the world and broadens your mind. Thus, people who love road trips are among the most spontaneous, positive and wise individuals around. Just saying.

We started our trip at The Ferny Grove Markets, which set up in the Ferny Grove train station car park (corner Arbor Street and Stanford Road) every Sunday from 6.00am until 12-00pm. The Markets are undoubtedly a flea market which is not a bad thing. If you like to haggle, love rummage through boxes, love a bargain, then these are the markets for you.

The market presents an eclectic group of sellers peddling inexpensive food, second hand goods and a variety of weird and wonderful miscellany. With trash and treasure stalls, arts and crafts and homemade cakes and jams, they are somewhat reminiscent of an old country fair. Kim dropped into her friend Gail from Tranquil Beauty Lounge stall to see what she had this weekend.

https://www.facebook.com/tranquilbeautylounge

From the markets we headed up the picturesque and hilly area to Samford. Located close to the city, but feels a world away with its rolling hills, wide, open spaces and country charm. Samford has managed to maintain a buzz around its café scene, so you’ll find yourself wanting to linger longer for a second coffee before wandering next door to the local produce shop for some of Samford’s freshest food. You’ll be keenly aware of the community vibe in Samford, with real country hospitality around every corner. Samford Village itself may be small but contains a decent stash of preserved heritage buildings, a fascinating history museum, a century old pub, old-fashioned Saturday country market, train-themed playground and quaint slab hut peddling local arts and crafts such as handmade patchwork quilts.

Kim dropped into ShadyDayz, which has something for everyone. ShadyDayz is a friendly business offering a large range of designer décor, quirky gifts, vintage, antique jewellery, artwork, soft furnishings, furniture and take pride in supporting local artisans and craft people. 

At the back of ShadyDayz was the Samford Valley Antique & Vintage Shop. Samford Valley Antique and Vintage shop promises something different every time you visit, with a wide variety of antique, vintage and shabby chic furniture, English china, bric a brac, and gifts.

From Samford we took in the scenic rural views all the way along Mt Samson Road. Pass the Dayboro Shed Antiques, which is situated just before the township of Dayboro and is full of memorabilia and precious pieces from yesteryear. Be reminded of grandma's kitchen by dresser shelves laden with old electric jugs, sets of canisters, old fashioned orange squeezers, egg beaters, fine bone china and bone handled cutlery.

Just before we hit Dayboro we stopped at Mervyn Kenman Park ,which is a dog friendly Park that is off leash, fenced for Sahri (our pup) to have a run with some other friendly dogs.

As the drive continues into Dayboro, take note of the historic Crown Hotel on the left. Sitting on the deck under one of the beautiful old fig trees and enjoying either a cool drink or a meal is a great way to settle into the country vibe. Good pub meals are served here but check the days of service as these vary seasonally. When in town don't forget to pack an esky or cooler bag for the trip, as a little further down Williams Street is the Dayboro Butcher, home to the award winning Famous Sausage Man. They make hundreds of different varieties of sausages here with 10 - 12 varieties for sale each day. How do lamb and rosemary, chicken and mango or pork and plum sausages sound? Make sure to pick up the "Historical Town Walk" brochure and also the "Out and About" information sheet.  They will suggest things to see and do in the area and provide information and maps to make sure visitors get the most out of their visit to "The Town of Yesteryear".

From the town of Dauboro we headed next to Old Petrie Town Sunday Markets. Old Petrie Town is a historical village, with speciality shops in historic buildings, a variety of museums and Sunday markets. Set among a beautiful backdrop of ancient Moreton Bay fig trees and heritage buildings, Old Petrie Town looks like a page out of a history book. Given both its rustic and natural beauty, it’s were local history meets trendy gourmet foods and fresh fruit and vegetables arts, crafts, jewellery, food and entertainment for the whole family.

For a real blast from the past check out the Emporium Rock n’ Roll Milk Bar. Decked out like a 50s diner, it offers old-fashioned food like burgers and milkshakes with a classical music soundtrack. Stylish hot rods, classic cars and their enthusiastic drivers help set the scene.

At the front next to the car park is the Pine Rivers Heritage Museum, showcasing the history of the surrounding area. There is a video display talking to some of the Petrie family. At the front next to the car park is the Pine Rivers Heritage Museum, showcasing the history of the surrounding area. There is a video display talking to some of the Petrie family. The Queensland Fire Museum has a collection including rural, industrial and military displays, consisting of uniforms, vehicles, fire fighting apparatus, and more. The vehicles have an impressive collection, from the 1930s to the 1980s.

Things to do in Samford

The Samford Museum is a real treat for people of all ages, providing a truly fascinating look at an era that is all but forgotten now, with its collection of objects from the district’s rural, domestic, educational, railway, timber, transport and village past.

The Slab Hut Art and Craft Gallery is a true rustic experience from days gone by. From the gum tree slab walls to the yellow gum floorboards and corrugated iron roof, when you step inside the Slab Hut Art and Craft Gallery you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time.

John Scott Park is a grassy expanse located at the old Samford railway station site. It has a play train for kids to explore as well as a complex climbing structure for the older ones and plenty of space to kick a ball around.

Lifestyle Centre which is a home and garden orientated Lifestyle Centre at Samford is a wonderful indoor and outdoor shopping and dining hotspot perfect for green thumbs, pet owners and families. It’s home to a garden centre, plant nursery, florist, gift shop, doggy grooming service, pet accessory shop, pre-schooler playground, artist gallery, and even a café with an exclusive menu just for dogs

The Samford Valley Heritage Trail is the best way to truly immerse yourself in everything this historical hamlet has to offer. There are 13 sites to visit along the way, including the Slab Hut Art and Craft Gallery, Samford Museum and John Scott Park.

Things to do in Dayboro

The Dayboro Art Gallery is home to over thirty local artists with an extensive cross-section of artworks. Covering all styles and genres, your personal tastes will be challenged, if not expanded by the gallery collection.

If you’re looking for a unique piece of art, a handmade gift, novelty items or some quirky jewellery, then you should surely stop by Hay Cottage in Dayboro. Right in the middle of the quaint township, Hay Cottage is not hard to miss, situated in a building established in 1869 and displaying original artwork from the era.

The Old Storehouse in Dayboro is open for takeaway coffee, sweet treats, take-home meals and deli delights. For special occasions order one of their deli hampers or mouth-watering cakes.

Somerset Trail in D’Aguilar National Park, Mount Mee is undoubtedly one of the best Brisbane bushwalks near the city.

Sunset, sunrise or - for those brave enough to face the heat - any time of day, the view from the Mount Mee Lookout is something everyone should experience.

Allow plenty of time when you visit the Dayboro Shed antiques shop, with a huge variety of antique, mid-century, vintage and retro furniture, glassware, china, pottery, ‘blokey gear’ and more, you’ll spend hours perusing their range.

#adventure #travel #nature #explore #photography #wanderlust #travelphotography #hiking #mountains #outdoors #travelgram #love #photooftheday #landscape #instagood #naturephotography #x #instatravel #trip #camping #vacation #offroad #beautiful #picoftheday #traveling #adventuretime #instagram #outdoor #travelblogger

Day Trip To Scenic Rim Queensland Australia

Day Trip To Scenic Rim - Kalbar, Boonah, Canungra, Mount Tamborine - Queensland 

The Scenic Rim is just an hour from Brisbane, but can feel like you’re a world away. Framed by the mountains and valleys between Brisbane and Tamborine Mountain, this picturesque region lives up to its name. It’s a place to celebrate local produce, enjoy the breathtaking scenery and unplug from the everyday. As the winter weather settles in, it’s the perfect excuse to take a scenic drive to the country for the day and explore the roads less traveled. From 4WD adventures and fishing expeditions to bushwalking and bird watching in the pristine national parks, the Scenic Rim offers something special for every explorer.

Our first stop was the town of Kalbar, which straddles Edward Street and is dominated by the historic and beautiful Wiss Emporium and Wiss Cottage. Both buildings, and the nearby Wiss House which is run as a B&B, were built by the entrepreneurial Wiss Brothers, who were keen traders of produce and farm goods. The Royal Hotel Kalbar has been renovated and is a popular hub for meals and cool drinks. Kalbar’s main business area has enjoyed resurgence, with cafés, a butcher and grocery store, community bank, Elegance & Grace gifts and homewares store, post office and gift shop, specialty crafts store. 

We stopped at Lovett at Kalbar on the corner of George Street and Edward Street, which services up an abundance of fresh salads, baked muffins and biscuits and Arthur Clive’s pies. It’s one of the best little local cafes in the Scenic Rim. The girls who work there are always so friendly and welcoming and you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu.

https://www.facebook.com/lovettatkalbar/

We then took a short drove onto the town of Boonah. Boonah is located 86 km south-west of Brisbane and 100m above sea-level.  We stopped at an excellent lookout which can be accessed from the roundabout at the entrance to the town. Just take Mount Carmel Road which becomes Athol Terrace and on the Terrace is Bicentennial Place with excellent views across the town. From the lookout we headed to the Boonah Country Markets, held at Springleigh Park. 

The Markets offers a huge range of fresh fruit and vegetables, wonderful locally produced cheeses, plants, herbs, flowers, coffee, arts and crafts, collectibles, garden ornaments, clothing, a myriad of home made things and delicious temptations of all kinds. Be sure to check out some of the other great markets within the region.

From the markets we headed to Boonah’s High St, which is the main shopping area that boasts some of the most charming country cafes and gift shops around. Kim eyed off her first store, Duck Junction, which sell a wonderful range of fashion, homewares and jellewery. The store smells amazing thanks to diffusers and candles galore with heavenly scents like Lemon Grass & Coconut, Kakadu Plum and Coco Citrus. Duck Junction is a beautiful shop with exquisite gifts, the ladies so friendly and provide true country hospitality. Kim picked up 3 pair of colorful Aussie Natives socks.

https://www.facebook.com/DuckJunction/

Situated in the top end of High street The Vault Clothes Wear has been selling western wear, accessories, hats, dresses, tees shoes and much more for many years. They stock a range of unique Australian labels as well as Orientique, Thomas Cook, Threadz, Adorne, Havaianas, Rugged Hide & Cadelle Leather to name a few. Kim stumbled across some Lorna Jane discounted clothing.

Shari (pup) and myself, stuck outside read up on some history of Boonah. The Blumbergville Clock, which was created by artist Christopher Trotter and made from recovered and donated farm equipment, is a distinctive timepiece which was installed in the Boonah town centre in 2014. "This sculptural time piece features pieces of equipment sourced from the district that have been re-imagined.  The interaction of objects with nature, man and time are of particular interest to the artist who also believes that the element of recycling in his work helps promote the concept of creative solutions to future generations. The clock was made as a monument to Boonah's recovery from the floods of 2011 and 2013. Christopher Trotter was helped in the unique construction by a local clockmaker.

Before we headed off Kim spotted her favorite caramel tarts in Rockalicious, which is a hidden little gem that you will be glad you found. Freshly baked scones, sponge cakes, vanilla slice alongside Colombian coffee and waffles. The Picnic Parlour in the store offers beautiful and unique picnic settings for you and your loved ones to relax and enjoy a laugh or two.

https://www.facebook.com/RockaliciousBoonah/

https://www.facebook.com/thepicnicparlour/

We departed Boonah and stopped next into Canungra before Mt Tamorine. Canungra is a vibrant country village nestled in the Gold Coast Hinterland. Originally a timbermill town, Canungra is now known as the gateway to the World Heritage Listed Lamington National Park.  It is well known for its natural beauty and friendly country hospitality. You can spend a whole lazy day in Canungra, and browse the eclectic mix of shops.

First stop was the Country Escape where the clothing and accessories have an easygoing, timeless, trans-seasonal feel with the likes of  Humidity, Oliveetjulie, Namaste, Brave & True, The Shanty Corporation, LJC Designs, Stitch & Hide, Rare Rabbit, Pink Woods and Emma Bridgewater just to name a few. They have a selection of gorgeous homewares and gifts which are little different and unique things that are always changing. Also inside is Lydia’s Garden, which is a boutique florist. Kim walked out this a new bag and top, she said she needed them both.

https://www.facebook.com/Lydiasgardencanungra/

https://www.facebook.com/MyCountryEscape/

A little further up the road Kim dropped into The Shoe Vault, which is a boutique store offering high quality shoes, Kompernero handbags and Adorne jewellery in the Gold Coast Hinterland. Located behind the Shoe Vault in Canungra, the market features several stalls offering homewares, boutique clothing and gifts, handcrafted soaps, gorgeous potted plants and outdoor furniture, retro and vintage wares and superb Byron Bay coffee.

https://www.facebook.com/The-Shoe-Vault-357986707710072/

On the move again we reached the Gallery Walk Mt Tamborine.  Tamborine Mountain Gallery Walk is an abundance of shops across the heart of the Mountain offer everything from locally-made gifts, clothing, weekend markets, fabulous antiques and even the quirky, there is no shortage of opportunities for the passionate shopper. Boasting over 70 specialty shops in one block! There is an array of shops selling everything from fashion, jewellery, cottage industry arts and crafts, produce, cellar door outlets, chocolate, fudge, food outlets and cafes. Too many to mention.

Kim picked up some earrings from Dandelions 3. The store supplies Scenic Rim handmade products, sourcing 70% locally made skincare, wellbeing products such as handmade soaps, oils, handmade products with a unique style, eco friendly homewares, handmade pottery, handmade jewellery, children’s clothing with a vintage rustic feel and look. Sustainable local products showcasing the best in the Scenic Rim area has to offer and the state of Queensland and Australian products. All products are natural and free from chemicals.

https://www.facebook.com/dandelions3scenicrim/

Long Rd Collective is another store she walked out with book by Dr Libby’s ‘Women’s Wellness Wisdom’. The unique store sells Home & Gift Wares, Singing Bowls, Handmade Jewellery and Bags and Baskets from Madagascar & Ghana

Cholmondeley Burnett Darvall in 1906 was a Solicitor, took up his residence at Boonah, where he practiced in partnership with Mr. W. R. Bowman. He is a great-grandson of Major Darvall, who came to Australia in the 1830’s, and settled at Rydedale, near Ryde, New South Wales, where he owned large tracts of country on the Parramatta River, and was engaged extensively in fruit cultivation, primarily oranges. Major Darvall, who lived to a great age, was the father of a large family of sons and Cholmondely is Kim’s father-in-law of great-aunt, Enid Dorothy Eglinton.

. The name Darvall is still prominent in the Boonah Shire.