Just over one hour from Brisbane, in South East Queensland’s best kept secret, the Somerset Region, there’s a world of peace, quiet and relaxation – Weltevreden Domes Retreat.

Create Your Own Personalised Retreat

At Weltevreden Domes Retreat, you can create your own personalised retreat to help you relax and leave the city behind -

If exploring the Brisbane Valley is on your idea of a relaxing stay, there’s plenty to do -

Things To Do In The Brisbane Valley

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

The 148 kilometre rail line originally ran from Ipswich to Blackbutt. It is now being recycled to provide walkers, cyclists and horse riders an opportunity to experience the history and landscape of the Brisbane River Valley. The trail follows the old rail line along the western side of the Brisbane River and travels through farming landscapes, native and plantation forests, rural, residential and country towns.

Once completed, it will be the one of the longest rail trails in Australia.

The sections of the rail trail surrounding Esk are now open. Weltevreden Domes Retreat can provide transport from Esk township to the retreat return for bike riders wishing to ride the trail and relax in comfort overnight. Includes a BBQ dinner.

Wivenhoe Dam

The Wivenhoe Dam now provides the opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy the view. Our views of the Wivenhoe Dam from Weltevreden Domes Retreat are nothing short of spectacular.

Lunch at Cormorant Bay Cafe is highly recommended.

Somerset Dam

A short drive from Weltevreden Domes Retreat is Somerset Dam. From here, you can enjoy watersports to your heart’s content. They don’t call the Somerset Region the ‘Valley of the Lakes’ for nothing.

Brisbane Valley Ostrich & Fish Farm

Stroll along and view their farm yard animals. Enjoy a guided walk and talk about ostriches with your hosts – Alan & Patti Jaenke. You can also meet their pet ostrich “Jill”, who will also oblige with a photo, or just feed and pat her. Beautiful egg artistry, blown eggs, feathers and other hand made craft are on display. Olive orchards and small crops (e.g Watermelons) are grown on the farm for visitors to view and learn about.

Feed their pet emu, “Lou Lou” and marvel at their other assortment of animals – black swans, geese, cape barren geese, guinea fowls, ducks -you might even see a koala. They also now have a beautiful pair of mute swans (large white swans).

For the adventurous, you may ‘Catch, Kiss & Release’ fish back into the water from their large lakes. They’ll supply rods with barbless hooks (as this doesn’t harm the fish) or you may want to try your own fishing gear. Otherwise, just sit back and watch the fun and wildlife.

Ravensbourne National Park

Located approx. 33 km west of Esk via the Esk–Hampton Road, the Ravensbourne National Park features the examples of the rainforest that originally covered this part of the Great Dividing Range. Short walks are available through the rainforest and eucalypt forest. The national park has an amazing array of native birdlife.

Wineries

The surrounding areas of the Somerset Region Wine Trail are home to some of the valley’s best boutique wineries.

Ramblers Skydiving

If a shot of adrenaline is what you’re after, Ramblers Skydiving is for you. Only 20 minutes drive from Weltevreden Domes Retreat, Ramblers Parachute Drop Zone at Toogoolawah offers skydive lessons for beginners through to tandem skydives and activities for experienced skydivers. Ramblers is Queensland’s largest and longest established skydiving operation, having taught people to jump out of aeroplanes since 1972.

Pick up your free copy of the Somerset Region Valley Of The Lakes Brochure during your stay at Weltevreden Domes Retreat for more information on things to see and do in the region.