SearchThe Lockyer Valley Region
The picturesque Lockyer Valley is conveniently located less than one hour’s drive from inner city Brisbane. It straddles the Warrego Highway and covers an area of approximately 2200 sq kms.
The Lockyer Valley offers a unique experience filled with vibrant rural living, fascinating history, rich culture, adventure, and stunning contrasts of natural beauty.
Living and working in the Lockyer Valley region
There are lots of reasons to live and work in the region:
Location
The Lockyer Valley is located in South East Queensland, about 90 kilometres west of the Brisbane CBD. The region is well-connected to major transport routes, making it easy to commute from nearby cities such as Brisbane, Ipswich and Toowoomba. Travel to the Lockyer Valley: 30 minutes Toowoomba, 1 hour Brisbane, 1.5 hours Gold Coast, 2.5 hours Sunshine Coast.
Lifestyle
The Lockyer Valley offers a unique experience filled with vibrant rural living, fascinating history, rich culture, adventure, and stunning contrasts of natural beauty. The vibrant community offers a relaxed and friendly rural lifestyle for those wanting to live, work and play in the region.
For those who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle and plenty of open space, the region will not disappoint. The Lockyer Valley’s national parks and natural beauty make it the perfect playground for bushwalking, birdwatching, mountain biking and water sports. One of the key attractions of the Lockyer Valley is the affordable property prices, making it a great place to live and raise a family. The Lockyer Valley offers excellent value for money, making it an ideal place to relocate.
Community Spirit
Population growth provides the region with exciting opportunities and will continue to create increased housing development for those looking to call the Lockyer Valley home. The Lockyer Valley has a strong sense of community, with locals who are always happy to welcome newcomers. The region is full of rich history, and there are plenty of local events and festivals throughout the year that celebrate the area’s culture and heritage.
Fantastic Amenities
The Lockyer Valley has a fantastic range of amenities, including shops, playgrounds, restaurants, cafes and pubs. The region also offers a range of sports facilities, including golf courses, swimming pools and fitness centres.
Education Facilities
The Lockyer Valley is a great location for families, with excellent education facilities available. The region is serviced by 26 public and private schools and 16 early childhood education and care services. The University of Queensland Gatton Campus is located just off the Warrego Highway and is world-renowned for its veterinary and agricultural courses.
Healthcare Careers
Healthcare in the Lockyer Valley is ever-expanding. The region is serviced by two hospitals, located in Gatton and Laidley, and is home to several medical centres providing excellent healthcare services to the community.
Welcome to the towns in the region!
Murphys Creek
A town steeped in railway history.
Don’t miss:
- Spring Bluff Railway Station – the prettiest railway station in Queensland
- Murphys Creek Railway Museum
- Jessie’s Cottage
- Self-guided historic, heritage and railway sites
Helidon
Small village with world-class sandstone and mineral water.
Don’t miss:
- The sandstone town clock
- Flowering jacarandas in Spring and Summer
Withcott
At the foothills of the Toowoomba Range.
Don’t miss:
- Tabletop Mountain with its breathtaking views of the region
- Adrenaline Sport Go-karting for the thrill seekers
- Withcott Hotel
Grantham
Formerly the centre of the dairying district, surrounded by rich farmland.
Don’t miss:
- The original Grantham Butter Factory (opened in 1907)
- The Floating Café
- Tamor Roses roadside stall
Forest Hill
An unspoiled village known for its top-notch eateries and gift shops.
Don’t miss:
- Two beautiful large corner pubs
- Forest Hill self-guided tour
- The Forest Hill Post Office and Café 4342
- The Flower Grocer
Gatton
Centred around primary production and agriculture – chat to a local at our accredited Visitor Information Centre.
Don’t miss:
- Lake Apex Precinct
- Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre – Queensland Transport Museum, along with a café, library, art gallery and function centre
- Lights on the Hill memorial (convoy annually in October)
- William Kemp Rest Area, located within walking distance to the CBD
- Gatton and District Historical Society
Laidley
Retains a nostalgic feel with its heritage shop fronts and antique style lamp posts.
Don’t miss:
- Friday village markets
- Das Neumann Haus German Museum
- Laidley Pioneer Village and Museum
- Annual Laidley Spring Festival (September)
- Lake Dyer
- Cunningham Crest and Schultz Lookouts
Mulgowie
Best known for its real farmers’ market and traditional country pub.
Don’t miss
- Mulgowie Farmers’ Markets (first Saturday of the month)
- The Mulgowie Hotel, affectionately known as ‘The Mulga’, famous for twice yearly outback bull ride events
Plainland
On the doorstep of the Big Smoke yet maintaining a beautiful rural feel, Plainland is one of the Lockyer Valley’s fastest growing areas, offering affordable lifestyle options, from suburban to rural.
Don't miss:
- Schulte’s Fresh Gourmet Market
- Porters Plainland Hotel
- Grumpy’s Diner Plainland
- Hen House Café & Catering
Photography throughout the webpage provided by:
Lockyer Valley Regional Council.
Discover more about the Lockyer Valley region in the Visitor Guide or visit the Lockyer Valley Regional Council website.
