Yesterday, we had a great route. Our plan was to do a circuit to see the major dams near Brisbane, that is Wivenhoe, Somerset and North Pine dams. We left the Gold Coast and took the Pacific Highway, Logan Motorway, Warrego Highway and Brisbane Valley Highway to the Dams and then home in the afternoon on the Gateway and Pacific Motoways. Nothing really exciting in the highway and motorway part of the route. The great route actually started at Fernvale and finished at Petrie.
Turning off the Toowoomba Road (Warrego Highway at Blacksoil) we headed on the Brisbane Valley Highway to Fernvale. There we stopped for a rest and smoko break at the famous ‘Old Fernvale Bakery’, along with other bikers, a Porsche club out for the day and other day trippers. The bakery has great fresh baked food and hot/cold drinks. They boast to having over 100 types of pies.
Old Fernvale Bakery boasts to have over 100 types of pies.
From Fernvale the route took us to Wivenhoe Dam. A quick look at the spillway and dam wall from the parking area on the north side of the wall and then it was onto Captain Logan’s and Lumley Camping area. A lovely spot to pitch a tent for a day or two. Tent sites at the water’s edge, clean showers and toilets, fire places and it looked a quiet spot to wind down and relax. There was a caravan park too, for those who want a bit more comfort. Bring a boat, canoe or fishing rod and do it all from your campsite.
Leaving that area, the road winds its way along the edge of Wivenhoe Dam to Esk. A little village, however, growing now, as Woolworthes has moved in since we were there last. As we left Esk, we turned right towards Somerset Dam and continued to follow Wivenhoe Dam until we reached Somerset township, Somerset Dam Wall and Somerset Dam Picnic area. At the picnic area, various groups had gathered. The Ulysses Motorcycle Club had a gathering, so we had a chat. There were a couple of car groups, including FJ Holden. After a short break it was on the road again and north towards Kilcoy following the western edge of Somerset Dam. The road is windy, exhilarating, however, be careful on the corners. We stopped at the lookout and could see most of Somerset Dam and Kilcoy in the distance. It was a bird’s eye view.
Kilcoy was our lunch stop. We had a nice counter meal at the Stanley Hotel washed down with a soft drink. Other eateries include bakeries and cafes. After lunch we went east on the D’Aguilar Highway towards Woodford. Near Woodford we saw a turtle slowly crossing the road, so we decided it was better to return to it and assist, rather it get squashed because it was obviously moving very slowly across two lanes of busy road. We assisted it into a nearby waterhole and I am sure it was thankful of a safe passage across the road.
From Woodford we followed the D’Aguilar Highway to D’Aguilar and then turned right (and south) for Mount Mee. The road is a motorcycle haven, the road winds its way in the mountains towards Dayboro. It is exhilarating, up and down and keeps your mind and body on the job. We noted a couple of signs warning of motorcycle crashes and slippery conditions. A good subconscious reminder that riders are vulnerable to crashes. The road has a 80km speed limit, however, in the damp areas it was wiser to go much slower. Also we were on the lookout for leaves, they can be tricky. Watch the white line as your bike might be over the line, but your body, handlebars and your head may be on the wrong side of the road.
The Mount Mee road is exhilarating and keeps your mind and body on the job.
Mount Mee, at the top of the mountain range, has a lovely lookout with views to Caloundra on the coast and all the Glasshouse mountains. Behind the lookout, there are views towards the Brisbane Valley and Pine River Valley. Although yesterday was a sunny winter day, it was cool in the mountains with a breeze blowing. Of course much cooler when cruising along on the great route. From Mount Mee it was down hill on the windy road to Dayboro for a rest and pit stop. The Crown Hotel at Dayboro was popular with bikers enjoying the day out. Also the bakeries were doing a good trade for afternoon smoko.
From Dayboro it was a short journey to Pine River Dam, near Petrie. We were surprised to find that no recreational activities are allowed at Pine River Dam. Obviously the water has to be keep clean for human consumption. From Pine River Dam we continued onto Petrie and then made our way across to the Gateway Motorway and home to the Gold Coast on the Pacific Motorway.
The dam circuit is a great route and if you take your time it is relaxing, very exciting and gives you a good workout (physically and mentally). Another great route in South East Queensland.
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