Somerset Dam by Kathryn Gossow

“It’s not a place you live – it’s a lifestyle,” says textile artist and Somerset Dam resident Ann Brown.

When the SomersetRegion.info team decided to feature a town every month we thought starting in Somerset would be easy.  It is a small place after all.   Well let me say, a small place with a big history and big heart.  Not an easy place to start at all.

Many of us in Esk Shire may forget Somerset is nestled in the hills at the foot of the Somerset Dam.  But this place is a focal point for boat enthusiasts; thrill seekers and fishing fanatics.

Somerset also has a pivotal role in Queensland’s history.

There are about 100 houses in Somerset.  At first they seem singularly quaint, mostly small two bedroom cottages built for the Dam workers.   But drive a bit deeper and you will find holiday homes with architecture not out of place in Noosa.

“The weekenders” who flock from the City to Somerset Dam bring their boats, skis, wakeboards and fishing rods and liven up the town with parties and a holiday mentality.

Meanwhile, the permanent residents of Somerset seem to enjoy a slower place of life.  They have formed a Progress Association and Rural Watch.  The regular outing is indoor bowls on a Monday night.

My favourite building in Somerset Dam is the Hall built in 1934-5.  On the outside the Hall is entirely corrugated iron.  Inside the height of the supporting posts defies imagination.  The ceiling is festooned with cut out stars.  In the Hall’s heyday of dances and movies lights shone romantically through the stars.  Sadly the ceiling is now the home of multitudes of tiny bats and will be soon replaced.

The shop is the centre of the town, acting as communication hub and meeting point.  It is a one stop shop, café, petrol station, bottle shop and store.  It also has skiing and fishing equipment and a fishing boat for hire.  Call the shop on 07 5426 0176

Somerset Dam, as the name implies is all about the town - building on the dam commenced in 1935.  Additional to the intention of providing a water supply to Ipswich and Brisbane, it was also a response to the devastating flooding of the Brisbane River in the previous decades, notably 1893.

That it was built at the time, is thanks to the Great Depression.  Public works were used to generate some money into the economy and Commonwealth unemployment relief grants were used.  The work was mammoth, without much of the machinery of today.  It was a long haul.  Work was interrupted by WWII and did not resume until 1948.  Final installation of machinery and gates was to take until 1959.

Technical data on the dam can be found at www.seqwater.com.au

The town grew from the need to house the workers and the families.  At its peak there were 1000 people in the township.

What To Do

Fish

The dam is stocked with fish including Australian Bass, Yellowbelly, Silver Perch. Mary River Cod.  The annual Kirkleagh Klassic Fishing Competition is a big annual event.  www.sweetwaterfishing.com.au/swfsa

Visit Caboonbah

Apart from the Dam and great scenery it is worth a visit to Caboonbah.  The Heritage listed homestead built in 1890 is decked out in furniture and items from history.  There are also a number of other buildings on site including the old Esk Court House, police lock-up and workman’s hut.  Managed by volunteers from the Somerset Region Historical Association this facility has extensive ground and great views.

http://www.SomersetRegiontourism.com.au/member.php?member_id=caboonbah

Adventure

For those more adventurous Mount Lake Adventures offers horse trail rides, a unique Australian experience.  Both experienced and first time riders are catered for. http://www.horserides.com.au/

Where To Stay

Camp

The Campground at Somerset Dam is at an affordable fee of only $16 a carload - up to 5 people. The view from the riverbank is very pretty.  No bookings are required.  For more information call 07 5426 0108.

Hideaways and Retreats

Camp Somerset has accommodation for 130 people and is ideal for youth camps or business retreats.http://adventist.org.au/services/accommodation/queensland

The Lake House on Somerset offers Villa accommodation and great cuisine. http://www.thelakehouse.com.au 

The Hollow Log Country Retreat offers wheelchair accessible accommodation for up to 12 people.  This tranquil haven is great for social groups as well as large family gathering.  http://www.hollowlogcountryretreat.com

This information assembled as a community resource by Paul Computers