Dayboro sunset submitted by Johan Dumont
45 minutes drive, 36 kilometres north west of Brisbane city, Dayboro is a small country town, skirting the edges of Brisbane’s sprawling development. These days, the sawmill, train line and butter factory are gone but it’s home to acreage properties and a small, pretty community.
Heading out past Lake Samsonvale, you’ll drive through acreage properties and small farms. Dayboro sits in Brisbane’s hinterland, north west of the city, easily reached via the towns of Samford or Petrie. On Sunday’s it’s fun to start the day trip with a visit to the North Pine Country Markets at Petrie.
Dayboro is far enough away to feel you’ve discovered somewhere special but close enough to be an easy day trip. The Dayboro Crown Hotel, built in 1913, looms large in the centre of town behind enormous fig trees. It offers day-trippers good meals on the verandah and there are rooms available too.
And like country towns of old, Dayboro has a damn good butcher. The Dayboro butcher’s speciality is sausages. With up to 100 varieties on offer (up to 20 types each day) it will be a tough choice.
Perhaps you’d like to have afternoon tea at one of the cosy Devonshire tea shops or cafes? There are a couple of small galleries and craft shops open as well as a tourist information centre in the historic Hay Cottage.
You’ll see Dayboro come to life for a few big events a year. Try to time your visit and enjoy the fun of the:
- Dayboro Rodeo
- Dayboro Day Festival
- and Dayboro Show (11 - 13 July 2008)
Near the township of Dayboro (along Mt Mee Road) you’ll find Glengariff Estate. This farm and estate has been in the one family for 6 generations, since 1876. Today it is a very popular venue for weddings but the winery and cellar door is currently closed for renovations. Expect to see them open later in 2008.
