How to plan an accessible trip to the Lockyer Valley
Famous for its beautiful countryside, lush farmland, mouth-watering foodie flavours, farm experiences, boutique shopping and good old-fashioned country hospitality.
Conveniently located less than 30 minutes from Ipswich and Toowoomba, one hour from Brisbane, and two hours from the Gold Coast and Moreton Bay, the Lockyer Valley is the perfect destination for your next country escape.
With 2023 being the Year of Accessible Tourism, Council has put together this itinerary of accessible-friendly destinations and attractions to welcome visitors of all ages and abilities.
This itinerary can be changed and altered depending on what direction you are coming from and can be used for a weekend away or two day trips.
Day one
Porters Plainland Hotel
Hit the road early because your first destination is breakfast at Porters Plainland Hotel.
This popular spot is located just off the Warrego Highway and boasts everything from hearty breakfasts to traditional pub meals including pizzas, gourmet burgers, seafood, pasta and steaks, as well as chef’s specials and delectable desserts – all of which will satisfy your rumbling tummy.
Parking and access into the venue is effortless, with multiple disabled parking spaces and two access ramps. The layout of the restaurant and deck is very spacious, allowing people who use walkers, wheelchairs and motorised scooters easy access to move around the premises.
There is also an on-site hotel, which we will mention in the accommodation section below.
Schulte's Fresh Gourmet Market
We hope you packed your Esky or portable car fridge because you are going to need it on your getaway to the Lockyer Valley, AKA Australia’s salad bowl.
Your next stop is Schulte’s Fresh Gourmet Market, which has everything you need to make your next barbecue a hit!
Selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to quality red meat, pork and lamb, award-winning smallgoods, boutique cheeses, as well as European and local continental dry goods, we guarantee you won’t be leaving empty handed.
Laidley Township
After stocking up at Schulte’s, it’s a quick 10-minute drive to the township of Laidley. This quaint little town is full of charm and heritage, with many shopfronts dating back to the early 1900s.
As you make your way through the centre of town, the wide footpaths make it easy for visitors to access the town’s second-hand op shops, unique gift stores and fashion retailers. For the young ones, and young at heart, there is also a toy store.
If you’re feeling peckish or in need of a coffee, there are numerous bakeries and eateries where you can recharge.
Accessible bathrooms can be found on William Street.
Forest Hill Township
If you consider yourself a shopaholic, set your GPS for Forest Hill - which is known for its eclectic boutiques and trendy cafes.
Drop by Queen B’s Collective to browse their range of country chic outfits, handmade jewellery and antique furniture and bric-a-brac, and the Forest Hill Post Office and adjoining Cafe 4342, where you will find lots of beautifully decorated pendulum clocks, ceramic tile paintings and other knick-knacks, plus grab a bite to eat.
Caffe Sorella has alco combined dining with shopping, selling clothing, handbags, accessories, beauty products and more.
The small shopping strip in Forest Hill covers one block. The pathways are flat and there is ample parking.
Scenic Country Drive
As you make your way along the country roads past the various crops, you will quite often come across many roadside stalls. This is a fun paddock to plate experience and a great way to support local farmers.
Fairways Park
If you feel like taking a break, you will find lots of beautiful parks across the region that have facilities suitable for all people.
Fairways Park at Hatton Vale has multiple play areas with all-abilities components such as nature play areas, sensory node areas targeting various senses (smell, taste, touch, hearing), a learn to ride track, picnic facilities and public amenities.
Day two
Jak & Mo Taste Co.
If you have chosen to stay for the weekend, head to Jac and Mo Taste Co in Gatton for breakfast.
This urban style cafe prides itself on dishing up real and wholesome food. Why not treat your tastebuds to their famous brekkie burger, which consists of bacon, eggs, cheese, spinach, caramelised onion, barbecue sauce and chipotle on Turkish bread.
Seating is available both inside and outside the cafe, and accessible bathrooms can be found in the public facilities in nearby North Street.
Country Markets
Markets are a great way to pick up fresh produce, as well as arts and crafts, books and plants all at great prices.
Luckily for you, there are plenty of markets held around the Lockyer Valley each weekend. Click here to see a full list of dates and times.
Farmgate Produce
If you have ever wanted to learn more about sustainable farming, 9Dorf Farm in Lilydale is your next stop. 9Dorf is famous for its aquaculture, pasture raised poultry, beef and pork, as well as fodder production.
The farm is open for tours and can cater for people in wheelchairs and seniors with walking frames. The tour includes a look at the fish farm, as well as the chickens (provided you have the right vehicle to drive on the farm up to where the chickens are located).
There is also a farm gate shop onsite where you can purchase farm-fresh eggs, poultry and barramundi fillets. Products can also be purchased online and picked up from the farm gate.
Farmgate Cheesery
Cheese lovers rejoice because the Lockyer Valley is home to one of Queensland’s best sheep dairies.
At Awassi Cheesery in Grantham, cheese aficionados can indulge in a range of artisan and bespoke cheese products, including handcrafted camembert, labneh, fetta and halloumi - all made from 100 percent Awassi sheep milk.
You will also find a range of Awassi condiments including yoghurt, jams, balsamic and honey, as well as ice cream and beauty products to put in your Esky.
Awassi Cheesery is compliant with disabled and ambient bathrooms for guests, and as per Council regulation, they also have a disabled car park. The farm’s beautiful gardens are flat and accessible for wheelchairs, with no obstacles around the farm or cheesery that would inhibit access for all visitors.
However, due to the farm’s Biosecurity plans, no assistance animals are allowed on site.
Tins & Trays
Fancy lunch inside a 114-year-old Queenslander? Head back to Gatton and visit Tins & Trays - a unique patisserie with an amazing menu.
Why not try the specialty steak sandwich, pistachio crumbed salmon, pulled pork burger or one of the many other delicious items, all made in-house from quality local ingredients.
There is an elevator at the bottom of the building that will take visitors upstairs to the restaurant.
Queensland Transport Museum
You don’t have to know a lot of trucks, motorbikes and planes to appreciate the many vehicles on display at the Queensland Transport Museum, located inside the Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre in Gatton.
Here you will find old army vehicles, firetrucks, mail trucks, buses and even a plane! There are also thousands of collectables behind class cabinets to peruse.
The museum exhibits change regularly so be sure to keep coming back to see more historic and vintage vehicles.
Access to the Queensland Transport Museum is via ramps that take you down to the exhibit.
Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre
While inside the Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre, you will also find the Colonial Cafe, the Lockyer Legends Hall of Fame - where you can learn more about some of the region’s most important and influential people such as war veterans, politicians and sport stars - plus the Art Gallery.
The centre features large spacious areas for people to gather, as well as accessibility bathrooms.
You will also see the friendly tourism team who are only too happy to help you with any questions or queries you may have.
Lake Apex Parkland
Right behind the Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre is Lake Apex Park - a beautiful waterfront park which is home to more than 150 bird species.
Everyone can make their way around the park on the paved pathway, and along the way you will also find public barbecues, playgrounds and bathroom facilities.
This is a great location to get back to nature, soak up the sunshine, breathe in the fresh country air and enjoy a picnic.
Where to rest your head
If you’re looking to extend your trip to make the most of your Lockyer Valley holiday, here are some disability-friendly accommodation options.
Porters Plainland Hotel
The King mobility access suite at Porters Plainland Hotel features one king-sized bed, but also has a double sofa bed, catering for four guests if required.
The accessible room is extremely spacious (approximately 60sq m) and has a large bathroom.
Each room is fully air-conditioned and equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay, including free onsite parking, Smart TV, Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities, mini fridge and iron and ironing board.
You can also order room service meals and beverages.
Room Motels Gatton
Room Motels Gatton also have multiple rooms for visitors with a disability, all of which come equipped with free internet, free in-house movies, room service and free undercover car parking.
We hope you enjoyed this itinerary and will visit the Lockyer Valley soon. Be sure to share your photos on social media using #luvyalockyer.
