Quaint country villages and hamlets rich in history, and a warm, hospitable community set amongst picturesque mountain ranges characterise Laidley.
Travel
60 minutes south west from downtown Brisbane. Drive along the Ipswich Motorway, transferring to the Warrego Highway and follow the signs to Laidley.
Laidley is also accessible from Brisbane by train (to either Ipswich or Rosewood) and then by bus transfer. Visit TransLink or phone TransInfo on 13 12 30 for timetables and ticketing information. Public transport to Laidley will take a while, so drive if you can, and enjoy the gorgeous scenery along the way.
What to do
- Visit Das Neumann Haus, built by a German immigrant of the same name in 1893. Local volunteers have lovingly restored the house and refurnished it in the art deco style of the 1930's. Annie's Place Coffee Shoppe, which operates within the building, serves up authentic German pastries, Devonshire teas and excellent coffee.
- Check out Laidley Pioneer Village, where you can get the feel of what it was like to live like an early pioneer. There's a hundred year old school, a complete blacksmith shop, country store, even a post office and police cells.
- Alongside the Pioneer Village, see the Narda Lagoon conservation area and historic suspension bridge.
- Turn back the clock and explore Laidley's Second Childhood Museum which boasts a fascinating collection of antique toys and circus paraphernalia. Located in the centre of Laidley. Tel: 07 5465 2070
- Take a scenic drive to Cunningham's Crest Lookout, where explorer Alan Cunningham and his party crossed the Little Liverpool Range into the Laidley Valley in 1829
- Adrenaline seekers can jump from a plane with Ripcord Sky Divers. Tel: 07 5466 5521
- Take in the Valley from a hot air balloon with Balloons Above. Tel: 1800 648 050
Plan your visit to Laidley around the Laidley Spring Festival, in September. Contact the Lockyer Valley Visitor Information Centre for more information. Tel: 07 5465 7642
Where to stay
- B&B cottages and hideaways for couples or families from rustic to superior
- Caravan parks, hotels, motels and hostels are also available
- Camp at Lake Dyer, Tel: 07 5465 3698 (first two nights free) and Centenary Park, Thornton (first three nights free). No bookings required
For a complete listing of accommodation options visit the Queensland Holidays
Where to eat and drink
- Café 4342, Forest Hill – alfresco dining
- Café Sorella, Forest Hill – Quaint village café
- Mulgowie Hotel, Mulgowie – Old-fashioned country cooking
- Plainland Hotel, Plainland – Lots of variety
- Queensland National Hotel, Laidley – Hearty meals and great value
- D'lish Café Laidley – Award winning pies (yes, they are delicious).
What to take home
- Local arts and crafts – exquisitely turned local wood, paintings and local craft
- Homemade jams from Das Neumann House and other local specialty shops across the Shire
- Local produce and crafts from the many markets happening throughout the Shire. A market schedule is available from the Lockyer Valley Visitor Information Centre. Tel: 07 5465 7642.
For more information visit the Lockyer Valley Regional Council website or call the Lockyer Valley Visitor Information Centre on 07 5465 7642.
Have you been to Laidley? Tell us what you enjoyed.
