If you’re looking for a school holiday adventure that’s easy, affordable, and packed with fun, the Lockyer Valley is calling.
Just over the hill from Ipswich, this friendly little patch of country paradise is bursting with activities the whole family will love.
Start your adventure in Gatton, where the Queensland Transport Museum is showcasing an unmissable Military Transport exhibition.
Original vehicles from World War I and beyond take centre stage alongside tales of bravery and resilience. It’s powerful, moving – and interactive.
The Kids’ Corner is a winner too, where little ones can colour, read stories, write letters to veterans and go on a mini scavenger hunt. Open seven days.
Then, stretch the legs at Lake Apex, where pedal trains, a skate park and a dreamy lakeside playground await.
The nearby Visitor Information Centre is the perfect pit stop – pick up a bird-spotting brochure and see how many feathered friends you can find.
Next stop? Forest Hill, a town that serves country charm with a side of gelato. Swing by Caffe Sorella for a sweet treat and a stroll past the gorgeous heritage shopfronts. Then cruise into Laidley for a picnic and a game of “spot the turtle” at Narda Lagoon or spark a dino adventure at Fairways Park.
Designed for kids of all abilities, the multi-sensory playground invites hands-on discovery through sound, sight, and touch – plus, dino hunters can dig for fossils in the sandpit.
When the sun starts to dip, don’t hit the highway home – stay a while. Camp beneath the stars at Rocky Creek Homestead, where goats and Highland cows are part of the welcome committee, or unwind at Murphy’s Creek Escape with high ropes, nature hikes and a firepit.
Prefer something a little more luxe? Branell Homestead offers country elegance with wraparound verandas and dreamy views.
Planning your stay for 27-29 June? Don’t miss Lockyer Powerfest at Lake Dyer – a high-octane weekend of powerboat racing, food trucks, face painting, bar vibes and helicopter rides for thrill-seekers young and old.
So this winter, pack the car, stay a night or three, swap screens for scenery, and make some new family traditions in the Lockyer Valley.
It’s all just down the road – and trust us, it’s worth the drive. Plan your adventure at luvyalockyer.com.au.
