It only takes 30 minutes to drive from the heart of Brisbane to Samford Village but you’ll feel much further away. Here, time slows down and your worries drift away on the fresh, cool breeze. This scenic spot offers an abundance of great food, fun outdoor activities and ways to relax, unwind and reconnect. To help you plan your visit, here are some of the best things to do in Samford & Dayboro.
Planning your trip?
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Hotels, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover-More
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
SIM Cards: Simify
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You might also like to read:
You might also like to read:
- 16 Things you absolutely must do in Brisbane
- 21 Things worth doing in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland
- Where to stay in Brisbane: Rydges South Bank
16 Things you absolutely must do in Brisbane
21 Things worth doing in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Where to stay in Brisbane: Rydges South Bank
Jollys Lookout
Start your adventure at Jollys Lookout where you’ll be treated to the very best views over the region. The area was visited by William Alfred Jolly, the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, in the 1920s. He was so impressed by the views he extended the road up to the lookout point and established what is now the oldest formal lookout on the range.
Hiring a car? We recommend booking it here
Maiala Rainforest Circuit
Enter Jinabara Country with a walk through Maiala , meaning ‘quiet place,’ the perfect way to describe this scenic and tranquil location. The Maiala Rainforest Circuit is an easy 2km loop that should take no more than 1 hour at a leisurely pace. You’ll walk through the lush rainforest, spot wildlife and enjoy the sounds of the birds along the way.
Bonus Tip: Driving through this region is a real highlight of the trip. The winding roads will take you through beautiful sections of rainforest and bushland with stunning views. Be sure to drive safely.
Bonus Tip: Driving through this region is a real highlight of the trip. The winding roads will take you through beautiful sections of rainforest and bushland with stunning views. Be sure to drive safely.
Bonus Tip:
Little Tree Bake & Brew House
Grab a bite to eat in Samford at Little Tree Bake & Brew House. The menu here focuses on sourcing and incorporating local produce into a seasonal menu, with plenty of fresh-made goodies to sample too. There are options for gluten-free folk, vegetarians and vegans as well.
Explore Samford Village
Take a walk through Samford Village, stopping off at local spots like the Store of Requirement for everything Harry Potter, the Samford Museum and a range of local boutiques, cafes, a bakery and more. Stock up on local goodies for loved ones or treat yourself to a few freshly baked bites for later.
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Bonus Tip: Plan your trip around the Samford Valley Markets held on the second Saturday of each month at St Paul’s Anglican Church.
Bonus Tip: Plan your trip around the Samford Valley Markets held on the second Saturday of each month at St Paul’s Anglican Church.
Bonus Tip:
Cedar Creek Falls
Located a 20-minute drive from Samford, Cedar Creek Falls is a popular swimming spot in the warmer months and a quiet place to sit and unwind in the cooler months. Clamber over smooth rocks, dip your toes in the refreshing water or enjoy a picnic lunch alongside the trickling creek.
Mill Creek Cafe
Start your day off right with a visit to the Mill Creek Cafe in Dayboro. Open for breakfast and lunch 7 days a week, you can nab a seat outdoors in the warm sunshine, watching the ducks paddle past in the creek while you sip on delicious Campos coffee and get stuck into a tasty breakfast.
Bonus Tip: Many places in the region will close on Monday’s and Tuesday’s so be sure to check opening times to avoid fomo.
Bonus Tip: Many places in the region will close on Monday’s and Tuesday’s so be sure to check opening times to avoid fomo.
Bonus Tip:
Explore Dayboro Town
Spend some time wandering around the delightful Dayboro Village. There are a number of fantastic cafes lining the main street as well as the ever-popular Dayboro Bakery, a gelato shop, butcher, a book store and a couple of boutiques too.
The Gantry
Take a drive up to the D’Aguilar National Park and visit The Gantry, a remnant of the region’s sawmill history. Built in the 1950s by Hancock’s Sawmill, the gigantic shed housed the overhead gantry crane where timber was produced for use across Brisbane including the Hornibrook Highway.
Piccabeen Walk
If you only do one walk in the region, make it the Piccabeen Walk! This short, 1 km circuit will take you through the subtropical and eucalypt rainforest. There’s a boardwalk section that is just lovely, winding past giant trees and an abundance of birdlife.
Bonus Tip: Visiting on the weekend? Add the Lyell Deer Sanctuary and Ocean View Estates Winery to your itinerary too!
Bonus Tip: Visiting on the weekend? Add the Lyell Deer Sanctuary and Ocean View Estates Winery to your itinerary too!
Bonus Tip:
Dahmongah Lookout
If you love a good lookout spot, head to the Dahmongah Lookout for sweeping views of the Glasshouse Mountains, Caloundra, Moreton Bay and the Bay Islands. If you’re brave enough, try getting up at sunrise or simply time your visit for sunset for the best golden light possible.
Explore Woodford
Famous for the iconic Woodford Folk Festival, a visit to Woodford is a great addition to any Samford and Dayboro itinerary. There are some great local stores along the main street, including some cute cafes and a couple of great thrift stores too. We grabbed lunch and a cold beer at the Woodford Village Hotel. Find more things to do in Woodford here.
Find more things to do in Woodford here.
Stony Creek
One of Brisbane’s best-kept secrets, Stony Creek is a short drive outside of Woodford. The water here is a beautiful shade of blue, perfectly enticing for a warm, sunshine-filled day. There are picnic tables and wood fire BBQs (BYO timber) so you can make a day of it or just spend your time soaking in the natural beauty.
Where to stay
For accommodation, we spent two nights at Dayboro Cottages in, ‘Arbol.’ This beautiful, fully self-contained cottage is equipped with everything you need including a very comfortable big bed, kitchenette facilities, TV and DVD player, in-room laundry, reverse cycle air-conditioning and an outdoor grill and dining table.
We loved the unhindered views over the scenic Dayboro Valley and huge windows which ensured we made the most of our time enjoying the outlook! Arbol was cosy, comfortable and the spa in our ensuite added an extra touch we really enjoyed. In addition to all that, there are some friendly animals who call the farm home including alpacas, miniature horses, goats, chickens and neighbouring cows and sheep.
Our stay at Dayboro Cottages was thoroughly enjoyable, allowing us to feel totally rested and relaxed while being in a fantastic location. If you’re looking for a place to stay in the region, we highly recommend this wonderful spot.
Book your stay at Dayboro Cottages & Llama Walks here
Dayboro Cottages & Llama Walks here
Bonus tip: Visit The Old Storehouse in Dayboro to stock up on cheese, meats and more for a relaxing sunset on the balcony of your cottage.
Bonus tip: Visit The Old Storehouse in Dayboro to stock up on cheese, meats and more for a relaxing sunset on the balcony of your cottage.
Bonus tip:
Get connected with a local SIM card from Simify.
Get it delivered before you leave home, ensuring you can connect and navigate as soon as you arrive + find great things to do on the go!
Get connected with a local SIM card from Simify.
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