Esk Garden Fair - Back on June 20 - 2026

🌿 Esk Garden Fair – Celebrating 10 years
 
🌸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!


$5 Entry, under 16 Free, Cash only at gates, 8am till 3pm
🚗 PARKING GUIDE: Esk Garden Fair 🌸
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.
2. The New Wattle Steet Parking (Via Wattle Street) Best if you're Coming from Sunshine Coast on the Brisbane Valley Highway.
  • From the highway, take Highland Street.
  • After the Hospital turn left into Wattle Street and continue to Wattle St gate parking area.
3. Showgrounds Entrance (From Toowoomba)
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
♿ Accessible & Disabled Parking from 8 am only.
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.
We have an entire car park dedicated to disabled parking.
  • Location: Use the Esk-Hampton Road entrance.
  • Directions: Drive straight through into the bitumen car park located immediately inside the entrance Gate 
📍 Tip: Please have your permits ready for the disabled parking area and follow the directions of our friendly SES parking marshals!
We have 3 food courts positioned conveniently around the grounds with each food court providing table and chairs seating for around 100 people at each area, as well as some seating at the old Esk Railway Station and the large grassy hill opposite which is a popular spot for families to sit and let the kids play on the hill while the parents relax in the lovely winter sun and take in the view. We pride ourselves on offering multiple comfortable areas to relax and recharge and immerse yourself in the country atmosphere and hospitality of Esk.

Food & Drink
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
When our official stallholder list is announced, you will find specific notations next to each vendor indicating the dietary options they cater for.
Coffee & Refreshments
To satisfy your caffeine cravings, we have 6 coffee vendors on-site, so a fresh brew is never far away.

Yes we love dogs, please keep them on a short lead and under supervision at all times.

Group Bookings & Coaches
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:
  1. Book in advance: Register your coach with our team.
  2. Pre-pay: Payment must be made via bank deposit or by prior arrangements to the event.
The VIP Experience
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.
Ready to book? Simply send an email to valleyofthelakesgardenclub@gmail.com to start your registration.



Esk is a charming country town in the Somerset region, located approximately 100 km northwest of Brisbane. Below are directions from key locations:
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.


From Brisbane ( Southside) (Approx. 1 hr 15 min, 100 km)
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! 🌿🚗


If you are interested in being a stallholder for 2026, you can email your stall details and we will review to see if we have any gaps in our variety of stalls that you may fill or go on our waiting list. We are strictly garden related, plants, garden art and garden related items only are permitted. Craft stalls can book at the ESK CWA craft Fair , contact Patti on 0418758713 and regular market stalls can book at the Esk Country Markets.
The Esk Garden Fair is proudly presented by the Valley of the Lakes Garden Club.
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.
We look forward to seeing you there and at the Fair!
To hold a not-for-profit event to showcase Esk and the Somerset Region. To promote the enjoyment of gardening, friendship and a healthy lifestyle through gardening. Money raised is used to pay expenses relating to the fair with the balance of funds being held over to help cover costs for the next year’s event.
The Valley of the Lakes Garden Club held the first Esk Garden Fair on June 18th, 2016.  Since then, the Esk Garden Fair has gone from strength to strength winning the Somerset event of the year in 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Help Out at the Esk Garden 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.
What You’ll Be Doing
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..
Come join the team and see the fair for free!

Esk Garden Fair Plants Seeds of Creativity with Lasting Legacy:

A vibrant new chapter in Esk’s public art story began on Friday, May 23- 2025, with the unveiling of the first installation in the Esk Mosaic Trail—a striking mosaic totem now proudly standing in Pipeliner Park near the Old Esk Railway Station. Crafted by members of the Valley of the Lakes Garden Club, the totem is a joyful tribute to the region’s biodiversity, made from both recycled and new materials with over 2,000 volunteer hours poured into its creation. The Esk Mosaic Trail is fully funded through proceeds from the annual Esk Garden Fair and proudly supported by the Somerset Regional Council. More installations are already in the works, with the trail expected to grow each year.

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.


  • Esk Garden Fair, Pipeliner Park, In the grounds of the Old Esk Railway Station, off Esk-Hampton Road, Esk.