Living and working in the Somerset region

Nestled in the heart of South East Queensland, the Somerset region offers the perfect balance between rewarding rural healthcare careers and an exceptional lifestyle. With welcoming communities, affordable living, stunning natural landscapes and easy access to Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba, Somerset is an ideal place to build both your career and your life. 

Location

The Somerset region is located approximately one hour north-west of Brisbane and is easily accessible from Ipswich, Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast. Covering more than 5,300 square kilometres, the region combines picturesque country towns with lakes, rivers, mountains and fertile farmland, making it one of South East Queensland’s most scenic places to live.  

Its central location allows residents to enjoy a peaceful country lifestyle without sacrificing access to major hospitals, universities, airports and city amenities.

Lifestyle

Life in the Somerset region offers the perfect balance between work and leisure. Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures, exploring local towns or spending quality time with family and friends, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The region is renowned for its natural beauty, with the picturesque Lake Somerset and Wivenhoe Dam providing opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, camping and water sports. The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is one of Australia’s longest recreational rail trails, attracting walkers, cyclists and horse riders from across the country.

Food lovers can enjoy welcoming cafés, country pubs, local wineries, farm gates and fresh regional produce, while vibrant markets showcase handmade goods, artisan products and seasonal produce. Throughout the year, the region comes alive with agricultural shows, festivals, community celebrations and sporting events that bring locals and visitors together.

With short commute times, open spaces and a relaxed pace of life, Somerset provides the opportunity to enjoy more of what matters outside of work.

Family

Somerset is a welcoming and family-friendly region where children can grow up surrounded by nature, strong community connections and plenty of opportunities to stay active.

Families have access to a range of childcare services, kindergartens and quality schools across the region, with additional education options available nearby in Ipswich, Toowoomba and Brisbane. Safe neighbourhoods, affordable housing and a genuine sense of community make Somerset an attractive place to raise a family.

Local parks, playgrounds, sporting facilities and recreation areas encourage an active lifestyle, while community sporting clubs offer opportunities to participate in football, rugby league, cricket, netball, tennis, swimming, equestrian sports and many other activities. Regular community events, markets and festivals provide opportunities for families to connect, make friends and become part of the local community.

Whether you’re starting a family or looking for a quieter place to call home, Somerset offers the space, support and lifestyle to help families thrive.

General healthcare

Healthcare in the Somerset region is delivered through a network of general practices, community health services, aged care providers, allied health professionals, pharmacies and visiting specialist services. Healthcare professionals work collaboratively to provide high-quality, patient-centred care across the region, supported by strong referral pathways and multidisciplinary partnerships.

The region is well connected to major hospitals in Ipswich, Caboolture, Toowoomba and Brisbane, ensuring patients have access to specialist, emergency and tertiary healthcare services when required while continuing to receive ongoing care close to home.

Education

Families have access to quality state and independent schools throughout the region, with additional schooling and tertiary education options available within easy commuting distance in Ipswich, Toowoomba and Brisbane.

Towns across the Somerset region

The Somerset region is home to approximately 27,000 residents across more than 5,370 square kilometres of South East Queensland, with a population density of around five people per square kilometre. The region’s largest townships include Fernvale, Lowood, Esk, Kilcoy and Toogoolawah, alongside a network of welcoming rural communities, each offering its own unique character and lifestyle.

Each township offers its own unique character, allowing healthcare professionals to choose a community that best suits their lifestyle while remaining connected to the broader Somerset region. Whether you’re seeking a rewarding healthcare career, a welcoming community or the opportunity to enjoy regional living, Somerset offers diverse opportunities to live, work and thrive.