Common Questions
Entry Cost
A message from our committee: We are dedicated to providing the ultimate destination for gardening enthusiasts with a budget friendly day out, regrettably costs to run our event have increased substantially. Therefore, this year we will be charging an entry fee of $5 for adults, under 16 years free. By implementing a $5 entry and the very generous support from our sponsors the funds we raise will allow us to remain a not-for-profit event and be sustainable, into the foreseeable future.
Parking, where to park?
Parking is off Esk-Hampton Road in the bottom of the park. More parking can be found down the road past the bridge outside the showgrounds.
Do you have places to sit?
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.
Are there food options?
To keep everyone fed and happy we source a variety of different food vendors both sweet and savory, hot and cold options. With over 14 food vendors throughout the event, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste buds!. All vendors are encouraged to offer options for vegetarians and vegans as well as those who require gluten free or dairy free diet. You will find vendors have notations on our stallholders list when it is announced to what options they cater for. Also, to satisfy your caffeine cravings we have 5 coffee vendors, so you won’t have to look far.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes we love dogs, please keep them on a lead and under supervision at all times.
Bringing a Coach
Groups arriving via coach that book 20 or more, can receive reduced entry at $4 each. All you have to do to get this deal is book your coach in with us and pre-pay, via bank deposit or cheque. VIP Bus stop with greeting hostess for a smooth experience. Coach Parking is in Wattle Street.
Ready to book? Just shoot an email to valleyofthelakesgardenclub@gmail.com
Ready to book? Just shoot an email to valleyofthelakesgardenclub@gmail.com
Getting to Esk?
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.
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! 🌿🚗
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
If you are interested in being a stallholder for 2025, 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.
Who are we?
The Esk Garden Fair is presented by the Valley of the Lakes Garden Club. We are a community non-profit organization, that focus on general gardening, plants of all kinds, and anything associated with gardening. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month, at the Somerset Civic Centre 35 Esk-Hampton Road Esk, where we have guest speakers, monthly raffle, display table and plant sales.
Our aim
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.
How we started
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.
