Wivenhoe Circut
Getting To Fernvale
From Ipswich, use the Brisbane to Mackay ride instructions.
Ride Description
This is reasonably hard 115 km ride around Wivenhoe Dam. All of the
route is paved. Although there is only one large hill, the return
section between Somerset and Fernvale contains many small hills
Fernvale is a small to mid-sized country town.
It has takeaway food shops and a hotel. The nearest caravan park
is at Lowood, about 10 km away. Esk is a
small to mid-sized country town. It has grocery and takeaway
food shops, a hotel, motel and a caravan park.
Somerset has a few houses and a small shop which sells
takeaway food. It has a camping area.
Scenery
Mainly beef grazing with cultivation on the creek flats. There
are some good views of Wivenhoe Dam.
Route Details
Navigation is easy, as major roads are used. The Brisbane Valley
Highway carries moderate traffic on weekends. Early in the
morning, it is usually quiet, thus an early start is suggested.
The highway section is undulating and easy riding. There are a
few hills between Esk and Somerset. The return from Somerset is
hilly.
Alternatives
Because of the camping at Somerset, this can be done as a two
day ride. There is an excellent camping area, on the shore of
Somerset Dam, at Kirkleigh near Hazeldean. It is approximately
a hilly 15 km past Somerset. Also, Hayes Point, near the
Mt Nebo turnoff has an excellent picnic area on the shore
of Wivenhoe Dam. It is a hilly 1.5 km off the route. It has
toilets, drinking water and covered picnic tables.
Map and Cue Sheet
Map and Cue Sheet