Name: Fernvale Visitor Information Centre
Address: 1483 Brisbane Valley Highway, Fernvale QLD 4306
Phone: (07) 5427 2333
Opening Hours: Typically 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (7 days; seasonal variations)
Type: Accredited Visitor Information Centre
Region: Somerset Region / Southern Brisbane Valley / Wivenhoe–Brisbane River Corridor
This is the primary accredited VIC for the southern Somerset Region, located at the gateway to the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and close to Wivenhoe Dam.
What Area It Caters For
1. Fernvale Township (Primary Area)
- Fernvale Bakery (well‑known regional attraction)
- Fernvale Markets (Sundays)
- Local cafés, shops, and heritage buildings
- Brisbane Valley Highway touring stop
- Brisbane River parklands and recreation areas
2. Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (Major Coverage)
- Key southern access point to the 161 km trail
- Sections linking Fernvale to Lowood and Wulkuraka
- Maps, trail conditions, safety advice, and route planning
- Popular with cyclists, walkers, and horse riders
3. Wivenhoe Dam (Lake Wivenhoe)
- Day‑use areas, picnic spots, and lookouts
- Fishing, paddling, and boating zones
- Camping areas (managed sites)
- Scenic drives and wildlife viewing
4. Lowood & Coominya (Nearby Support Area)
- Lowood township and rail trail facilities
- Coominya heritage sites and rural landscapes
- Vineyards, cafés, and local produce
5. Esk & Northern Somerset
- Esk township and cultural attractions
- Glen Rock Gallery
- Access to Somerset Dam and northern lakes district
6. Brisbane River Valley
- Riverfront recreation areas
- Kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching
- Rural touring routes and scenic farmland
7. Ipswich & Western Brisbane Corridor (Extended Support)
- Wulkuraka (southern trailhead of the BVRT)
- Ipswich heritage precincts and museums
- Access routes from Brisbane to Somerset Region
Services Provided
- Local and regional maps
- Brochures for Fernvale, Somerset Region, Wivenhoe Dam, and the BVRT
- Rail Trail advice, safety information, and route planning
- Accommodation and dining recommendations
- Event information (markets, festivals, community days)
- Weather, road, and dam‑access updates
- Information on fishing, boating, and water‑based activities
- Souvenirs, local crafts, and regional products
Summary
The Fernvale Visitor Information Centre is the accredited hub for the southern Somerset Region, supporting visitors exploring Fernvale, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Wivenhoe Dam, Lowood, Coominya, and the Brisbane River Valley. With strong local knowledge of cycling routes, lakeside recreation, rural touring, and heritage attractions, it is an essential starting point for discovering the southern Brisbane Valley and the wider Somerset hinterland.