8 Fun things to do with your dog in the Somerset Region
If your dog had a bucket list, what would be on it? A Puppuccino pit stop? A splash in a cool creek? A scenic hike with plenty of sniff-stops? Whether you’re a local or just passing through, the Somerset Region is bursting with dog-friendly adventures that are perfect for making tail-wagging memories with your furry best mate.
I'’m rounding up 8 fun things to do with your dog in the Somerset Region because let’s face it, the best moments in life often involve a leash, some muddy paws, and a wagging tail. You’ll discover how to hike the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, where to snag a dog-friendly coffee and even a hidden gem like Yimbun Railway Tunnel for a little slice of history and an awesome photo op.
We’ll also share the best spots to cool off, pitch a tent under the stars, strike a pose with a scenic photoshoot and browse local markets with your pup by your side.
So grab the lead, pack some treats and get ready for a whole lot of tail-wagging fun in the heart of Queensland. Your next great doggy day out starts here! 🐾
🐾 1. Hike the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail
This is a must-do! The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail stretches over 160km from Wulkuraka to Yarraman and is dog-friendly (on leash). Great for walking, cycling, or even horse riding alongside your pup. It’s one of Australia’s longest recreational trails and this one’s a gem!
Dogs are welcome on-leash and it’s a great way to enjoy some exercise together while taking in rural views. There’s something special about walking with your dog in the country - the air is fresher, the space is wider, and the pace is slower. With fewer distractions and more room to roam, your dog can truly enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of nature. It’s a good way to burn off energy, reduce stress, and strengthen your bond.
Plus, you’ll both benefit from the exercise and mental refresh. Country walks offer a sense of calm and connection that city strolls just can’t match. It’s just you, your dog, and the open trail - tail wags guaranteed.
With many entry and exit points there’s plenty to see and do along this magnificent trail which is dotted with dog friendly cafes and even some pet friendly accommodation at places such as the Yarraman Caravan Park and Cabins, Esk budget accommodation and Esk Caravan Park & Motel.
For all users to enjoy the trail it’s important to keep your dog on leash at all times, clean up after it, ensure that your dog doesn’t interfere with wildlife, keep left and give way to horses. You can head to the BVRT’s website at www.brisbanevalleyrailtrail.com.au/ for all of the rules and up to date information.
🐶 2. Grab a Puppuccino at a Dog Friendly Cafe
Toogoolawah, Esk and many other towns have some lovely dog-friendly cafes. Grab a coffee for you and a puppuccino treat for your best mate while you fuel up with delicious food.
The Coffee Shack, Have a Chat café and Picnic Society at Toogoolawah have dog friendly seating outside as do Brisbane Valley Roasters and the Nash Gallery and Café in Esk. The Nash Gallery and Café have gluten free, dairy free, nut free, vegetarian and vegan options available.
🐾 3. Explore Yimbun Railway Tunnel
Tucked just off the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail near Harlin, the Yimbun Railway Tunnel is a hidden gem with a splash of history and a whole lot of charm. Built in the early 1900s as part of the Brisbane Valley railway line, this hand-dug tunnel is carved through solid rock and stretches about 100 metres making it a short but exciting adventure to walk through with your pup by your side.
There’s something a little magical about stepping into the cool, dark tunnel, hearing your dog’s paws tap on the stone and imagining the old steam trains that once chugged through. It’s the perfect mix of history and nature - and a great photo op too!
Dogs are welcome on leash and the surrounding trail offers a peaceful walk with scenic views and plenty of smells to keep your four-legged explorer entertained. It’s a small detour with big adventure vibes!
🐶 4. Swim at Sandy Creek near Kilcoy
On a hot day there’s nothing better than taking a dip in a cool, refreshing creek with your dog after a walk! Make happy memories, bond and cool off at the same time. Some calm creek spots near Kilcoy are perfect for a splash if your pup enjoys the water. Always check for safe and permissible access and be mindful of local conditions which can change rapidly.
🐾 5. Go Camping Together
There’s something magical about camping under the stars - the crackle of the fire, the quiet rustle of the trees, and your dog curled up beside you, totally content. Whether you’re in a tent, swag, or van, sharing the great outdoors with your pup is pure joy. In the Somerset Region there are plenty of dog-friendly campgrounds where you can escape the noise, breathe in the fresh country air and wake up to sunrise cuddles and birdsong. It’s the perfect way to slow down, unplug and make memories - just you, your dog and a sky full of stars.
There are dog-friendly campgrounds such as Northbrook Creek Camp, Dundas, Neurum Creek Bush Retreat, Mt Archer or Belbrooke Farms, Caboonbah which are ideal for a weekend getaway under the stars. Be sure to check the rules and regulations of a campsite before booking.
🐶 6. Attend a Local Market
Country markets in towns like Esk, Fernvale, Kilcoy, Moore and Linville often allow well-behaved dogs on leash. These are great opportunities for socialisation for your pup and a chance for you to find local produce, foods and handcrafted goods.
🐾 7. Step Back in History and Visit Historic Train Stations
One of the coolest parts about exploring the Brisbane Valley is stumbling across the old train stations dotted along the way which are little windows into Queensland’s past. The trail follows the former Brisbane Valley railway line, which operated from the late 1800s to the 1990s, connecting rural towns with the rest of the state. This line first opened in 1884, running from Wulkuraka near Ipswich all the way up to Yarraman and it played a huge role in shaping the towns along the route.
Though the trains stopped running in 1993, many of the stations still stand today and are full of charm and stories from a different time. Several historic stations still stand (or have been lovingly restored), giving walkers a taste of what travel looked like in a different era.
In Esk, the station building is now a visitor centre, packed with local history. Toogoolawah's old station adds charm to the trail and often hosts community events. Linville's station has picnic tables and shade - perfect for a rest stop. And in Yarraman, you’ll find remnants of the rail’s end point. These stations aren’t just landmarks; they’re stories waiting to be discovered, adding character to every step of your journey.
📸 8. Scenic Photoshoot (Hint Hint!)
From rustic bridges to country trails to wide open fields, the Brisbane Valley is full of perfect backdrops for a photoshoot. Snap some selfies with your phone or go for the full experience and book a dog photoshoot with me. I can find the perfect spot for a photoshoot that matches your style and I’ll put you at ease as I take photos of you and your dog that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
At the end of the day, our dogs don’t care about fancy toys or perfect routines - they just want time with us. Whether it’s splashing through a creek, sniffing every tree on a trail, or sharing a puppuccino at a local café, these moments become memories we’ll cherish forever.
Doing fun activities with your dog isn’t just great for them - it’s good for you too! It strengthens your bond, gets you outside, and reminds you to slow down and live a little. Think of it like ticking off a doggy bucket list: epic hikes, new smells, rolling in grass, camping under the stars... maybe even a silly hat at a local market. Why not do it all?
The truth is, we only have so many years with our furry best mates, so make them count. Explore the Somerset Region, try something new, and let your dog’s joy be your guide. Because one day, you’ll look back on these adventures and be so glad you took the time to have fun, get messy, and chase a few sunsets together.
So go on—grab the leash, pack the treats, and start planning your next tail-wagging day out. Your dog’s dream day is just around the corner.
