Esk Garden Fair June 20 - 2026
🌸Join us in the heart of Esk for our biggest celebration yet! Whether you’re a green thumb or a garden lover, this is the ultimate winter day out.
What’s Waiting for You:
🌱 The Plants: Dozens of specialist nurseries & hobby growers.
🎨 The Fair: 100+ exhibitors featuring unique garden art & essentials.
🎤 The Wisdom: Expert guest speakers all day.
🎶 The Vibes: Live music, 6 specialty coffee vans, & 3 massive food courts.
🐾 The Family: Dog-friendly! Bring the whole pack.
Plan Your Visit:📅 When: Sat 20th June, 2026 🕗 Gates Open: 8:00 AM 🎟️ Entry: $5 (Under 16s FREE!) 📍 Note: Cash only at the gates (ATM on-site). Skip the queue—buy your tickets online now!
At The Bendigo Bank Speakers Marquee
Bendigo Bank Representative
9:50 am
Welcome & Marquee Opening
Kate Wall
10 am
Arno King
11:30 am
Romaine Undery
1 pm
The Magic of Butterflies
Workshops & Demonstrations
Ky & Co | Dried Floral Workshops
See Board for Sessions (Retail All Day).
Kyla Hopkins master of everlasting blooms. Join a hands-on workshop to learn styling techniques or shop for curated arrangements.
Blacksmithing
All Day.
Experience the ancient craft of the forge with Nick Graham. Watch raw, reclaimed metal transformed into bespoke garden art in this fascinating live demonstration.
Searles Coffee Cup Refill
All day until plants run out
Jill Coomb from Searles, Give your coffee cup a second life! Bring your used cup to be recycled with a seedling, a eco-friendly piece of the fair to take home.
Somerset Floristry
All Day.
Witness expert floral composition and pick up professional care tips. A selection of stunning, ready-made arrangements will also be available for purchase.
On The Searles Butterfly Stage
Amanda King
12 pmHailing from the Gold Coast, Amanda King is a dynamic solo vocalist. A massive crowd-favorite, we are thrilled to have her as our Feature Artist—you won’t want to miss this!
The Sasi Musos
8 am"Start your day with a dose of local talent! 🎶 The Somerset Musicians are hitting the stage first to get your toes tapping and your heart happy. Don't miss the opening set!"
Jill Coomb
10 am. 11.30 am - 1 pmEasy gardening tips with Jill from Searles learn, be inspired, or simply relax and enjoy the day. Her session timing complements the Fair’s lineup of entertainment.
Robby Brooks
10.30 amEasy Listening smooth vocals of Robby Brooks
Sunny Vicars
1.30 pmA true veteran of the stage, Sunny Vickers brings years of experience and a deep passion for jazz to every performance. From timeless standards to swinging classics.
Amanda King
12 pm
The Sasi Musos
8 am
Jill Coomb
10 am. 11.30 am - 1 pm
Robby Brooks
10.30 am
Sunny Vicars
1.30 pm
2026 Site Map
2026 Raffle - Tickets available at the Fair - $2 each or 3 for $5 Drawn - 2pm June 20
1st Prize
Value $ 500.00
Eagle Metal Sculpture by Hen House Outdoor Art
2nd Prize
Value $500
Searles products with cart
3rd Prize
Value $450.00
Corrugated Iron Wombat by Crinkle Creek
4th Prize
$420.00
Garden Arch by Garden Stuff
5th Prize - Copy
$325.00
Birdhouse With Stand by Trevor's Birdhouses
6th Prize
$200.00
3 Piece Bistro Set by Esk IGA
7th Prize
$200.00
Earthlife Products by Earthlife
8th Prize
$180.00
Set of Pottery Flowers by Gumnut Pottery
9th Prize
$150.00
Welcome Sign by Harrison Metal Art
10th Prize
$125.00
Glass Art Suncatcher by Dream Believe & Create
Common Questions
Entry Cost and times
Parking, where to park?
We want to make sure everyone has easy access to the fair! Here is everything you need to know about where to park.
General Parking Options
1. Pipeline Park (Via Esk-Hampton Rd) ideal if you're coming from Brisbane
- Turn off Esk-Hampton Road into the car park.
- Once inside, turn left and follow the track down.
- This leads you into the bottom part of Pipeline Park to our South Gate.
- From the highway, take Highland Street.
- After the Hospital turn left into Wattle Street and continue to Wattle St gate parking area.
Best for those traveling from the Toowoomba direction.
- As you come along Esk-Hampton Road, look for the parking area outside the Showgrounds.
- You can walk up the rail trail will take you straight to South Entrance to the Fair
To keep traffic moving smoothly, our parking is "pay before you park." * Please have your money ready to pay the attendant as you enter the gate.
- Once you have paid, you will be directed to your parking space.
- Location: Use the Esk-Hampton Road entrance.
- Directions: Drive straight through into the bitumen car park located immediately inside the entrance Gate
Do you have places to sit?
Are there food options?
To keep everyone fed and happy, we source a wide variety of food vendors offering both sweet and savoury, and hot and cold options. With over 20 food vendors spread throughout the event, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste buds!
Dietary Requirements
We want everyone to enjoy the fair, so all vendors are encouraged to offer options for:
- Vegetarians and Vegans
- Gluten-Free diets
- Dairy-Free diets
Coffee & Refreshments
To satisfy your caffeine cravings, we have 6 coffee vendors on-site, so a fresh brew is never far away.
Are dogs allowed?
Bringing a Group
We warmly welcome groups of all sizes, from intimate gatherings of 8 to large excursions of 50 or more. To make your visit as seamless as possible, we offer a dedicated "VIP" experience for organized groups.
Coach Special Offer
Groups arriving via coach can take advantage of a reduced entry rate of $4 per person for bookings of 20 or more.
To secure this special pricing:
- Book in advance: Register your coach with our team.
- Pre-pay: Payment must be made via bank deposit or by prior arrangements to the event.
We want your group to feel welcome from the moment they arrive. Our coach package includes:
- VIP Bus Stop: A dedicated drop-off point for easy access.
- Greeting Hostess: A friendly club representative will meet your bus to ensure a smooth and organized entry. from 8am till 11am.
- Easy Parking: Dedicated coach parking is located nearby in Wattle Street.
Getting to Esk?
From Brisbane ( Northside) (Approx. 1 hr 30 min, 100 km)
1. Take the Bruce Highway (M1) north, then exit onto Samford Road (State Route 22) towards Ferny Grove.
2. Follow Mount Glorious Road (State Route 31) through the D’Aguilar National Park.
3. Continue on Wivenhoe-Somerset Road to Esk.
1. Take the Ipswich Motorway (M7) towards Ipswich.
2. Merge onto the Warrego Highway (A2) and take the exit for Fernvale/Esk (Brisbane Valley Highway, A17).
Follow the Brisbane Valley Highway into Esk.
From Ipswich (Approx. 50 min, 60 km)
1. Take the Warrego Highway (A2) west.
2. Take the Brisbane Valley Highway (A17) exit towards Fernvale.
Continue on the Brisbane Valley Highway, passing through Fernvale and Coominya before reaching Esk.
From Toowoomba (Approx. 1 hr 15 min, 85 km)
1. Take the Warrego Highway (A2) east towards Brisbane.
2. Exit onto the Gatton-Esk Road at Gatton.
Follow Gatton-Esk Road north through the scenic countryside until you arrive in Esk.
From the Sunshine Coast (Approx. 2 hr, 130 km)
1. Take the Bruce Highway (M1) south towards Brisbane.
2. Exit onto the D’Aguilar Highway (State Route 85) at Caboolture.
3. Follow the D’Aguilar Highway through Woodford and Kilcoy.
Turn left onto Brisbane Valley Highway (A17) at Harlin and follow it to Esk.
From the Gold Coast (Approx. 2 hr, 150 km)
1. Take the Pacific Motorway (M1) north towards Brisbane.
2. Merge onto the Ipswich Motorway (M7), then onto the Warrego Highway (A2) west.
3. Take the Brisbane Valley Highway (A17) exit towards Fernvale and follow it into Esk.
For a smoother journey, follow GPS navigation and allow extra travel time during peak periods. Enjoy the scenic drive and we look forward to welcoming you to the Esk Garden Fair! 🌿🚗
Stallholder Enquires
Who are we?
The event is a true community effort, made possible by the dedication of over 100 volunteers from our club who work tirelessly to bring this fair to life.
About Our Club
We are a community non-profit organization focused on general gardening, plants of all kinds, and everything associated with the love of gardening. Whether you are a seasoned green thumb or just starting out, our club offers a welcoming environment to learn and share.
Monthly Meetings
We invite you to join us at our regular meetings to connect with fellow gardeners and expand your knowledge:
- When: The second Tuesday of each month at 9am. Except for January
- Where: Somerset Civic Centre, 35 Esk-Hampton Road, Esk.
- What to Expect: * Engaging guest speakers.
- Monthly raffles.
- A display table to showcase local blooms.
- Plant sales to add to your own collection.
Our aim
How we started
Would you like to Volunteer at the Fair
We are looking for friendly people to help make this year’s fair a success.
The Perks
- Free Entry: All volunteers get free admission to the fair!
- Short Shifts: We only ask for 2 hours of your time. Once your shift is done, you are free to enjoy the rest of the day.
- Easy Work: No expert gardening knowledge required—just a friendly smile.
We have simple roles available, just ask.
How to Join
If you have 2 hours to spare, we’d love to have you!
- Email: valleyofthelakesgardenclub@gmail.com
- In Person: Join us at our next meeting (2nd Tuesday of the month) at the Somerset Civic Centre at 9am..
2026 Sponsors
awards
2025 Gallery
The Esk Mosaic Trail Legacy Project
Planting Seeds of Creativity with Lasting Legacy:
A vibrant new chapter in Esk’s public art story began on May 23, 2025, with the unveiling of the first installation in the Esk Mosaic Trail. This striking mosaic totem, located in Pipeliner Park near the Old Esk Railway Station, stands as a joyful tribute to our region’s biodiversity. This piece was meticulously crafted by the "Mosaic Madness" team from the Valley of the Lakes Garden Club. Representing over 2,000 volunteer hours, the totem was created using a thoughtful blend of recycled and new materials. The trail is set to expand soon, with the next installation scheduled for May 2026.The Esk Mosaic Trail is fully funded through proceeds from the annual Esk Garden Fair and is proudly supported by the Somerset Regional Council. With more pieces already in the works, the trail will continue to grow as a permanent celebration of our community's creativity.
Red-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii)
Artist: Debra King
Details: Gregarious parrots often seen in flocks of 10 or more. Recognized for their vivid red tail feathers and loud calls.
Pale-headed Rosella (Platycercus adscitus)
Artist: Lisa Davis
Details: A quiet and shy bird usually seen in pairs.
Sacred Kingfisher,(Todiramphus sanctus)
Artist: Sue Ulhmann
Details: Small to sized birds with large heads and sharp beaks. Known for their striking colors and swift hunting over water.
Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys)
Artist; Lisa Davis
Details: Kookaburra known for its loud, laugh-like call. A familiar bird across eastern Australia, often heard at dawn and dusk. Willy Wagtail, A bold little bird often seen wagging its tail and chasing off larger birds from its territory. Frequently found near livestock.
Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus)
Artist: Anita Steele
Details: A very common bird along the Rail Trail loved for their vibrant and playful nature often seen in noisy flocks feeding on nectar.
Southern Boobook Owl (Ninox novaeseelandiae)
Artist: Debra King
Details: Australia’s smallest owl, known for its "boo-book" call heard at night.
Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus)
Artist: Stacey Butler
Details: Dazzling aerial insectivores, often seen swooping after bees and insects in open areas.
Protea (Protea spp.)
Artist: Kerri Melville
Details: A genus of flowering plants native to South Africa, known for their striking appearance and tough growth habit. Proteas are well-suited to the Somerset region's climate and are a popular garden plant, with several commercially grown locally.
Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen)
Artist: Sue Ulhmann
Details: Known for its warbling song and bold personality and often a troublemaker swooping along sections of the trail. Magpies are territorial and intelligent.
Waratah (Telopea speciosissima)
Artists: Kerri Melville & Lisa Davis
Details: although the NSW floral emblem it’s a garden favorite for its striking red flower known for its bold structure and long-lasting bloom.
Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata)
Artist: Lisa Davis
Details: Small finches with striking striped patterns and bright beaks. Often seen in groups around dams and water sources along the Rail Trail.
Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Artist: Lisa Davis
Details: A joyful sight along the trail seen sleeping in eucalyptus trees. Mostly nocturnal and quite solitary.
Sulfur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita)
Artist: Kerri Melville
Details: Large, loud, and intelligent white parrots with a signature yellow crest.
Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)
Artist: Rosie O’Brien
Details: Nocturnal and widespread, this possum is often seen along the trail at night. Known for its bushy tail and adaptability.
Eastern Yellow Robin (Eopsaltria australis)
Artist: Sue Kokkinn
Details: Often seen perching quietly in low shrubs. Has a pleasant, whistling call.
Australian Bass (Macquaria novemaculeata)
Artist: Patti Jaenke
Details: A native freshwater fish, popular among anglers. Inhabits rivers and streams along the rail trail and Somerset and Wivenhoe dams.
Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla)
Artist: Sue Kokkinn
Details: Also called the pink and grey cockatoo. A highly social and intelligent bird, common throughout Somerset.
Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha)
Artist: Sue Ulhmann
Details: Australia's national floral emblem. Bright yellow blooms in late winter to spring.
King-Parrot (Male) (Alisterus scapularis)
Artist: Patti Power
Details: The only Australian parrot with a completely red head. Known to be gentle and social, often seen visiting gardens.
Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)
Artist: Lisa Davis
Details: An introduced species, often seen around Somerset. Was once the emblem of the former Esk Shire.
Mistletoebird (Dicaeum hirundinaceum)
Artist: Nicolee Ditchfield
Details: Small and fast, easily missed unless you glimpse its red chest or hear its high-pitched call. A specialist feeder on mistletoe berries.
King-Parrot (Female) (Alisterus scapularis)
Artist: Leigh Pearson
Details: Similar to males, but with a completely green head and chest. Often seen in pairs or family groups.
Double-barred Finch (Taeniopygia bichenovii)
Artist: Lisa Davis
Details: A petite, cheerful finch with a distinctive black “double bar” across its chest.
Blue-faced Honeyeater (Entomyzon cyanotis)
Artist: Lisa Davis
Also known as: Banana Bird Details: Recognizable by its striking blue face and energetic feeding behavior.
Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)
Artist: Leigh Pearson
Details: A shy monotreme covered in spines, feeding on ants and termites. Often seen waddling slowly across bushland.