Day Tripping in Dayboro

Spend a day or even a weekend discovering the rich and interesting history of the picturesque country town of Dayboro.

Originally known as Hamilton, then Terrors Creek, this town was finally named Dayboro in 1917. Learn the reasons for these name changes when you spend a day or maybe a weekend discovering the rich and interesting history here. There are tales to be told if you know who to ask...

This trip begins at Samford and takes in scenic rural views all the way along Mt Samson Road. Dayboro Shed Antiques is situated just before the township of Dayboro and is full of memorabilia and precious pieces from yesteryear. Be reminded of grandma's kitchen by dresser shelves laden with old electric jugs, sets of canisters, old fashioned orange squeezers, egg beaters, fine bone china and bone handled cutlery.

As the drive continues into Dayboro, take note of the historic Crown Hotel on the left. Sitting on the deck under one of the beautiful old fig trees and enjoying either a cool drink or a meal is a great way to settle into the country vibe. Good pub meals are served here but check the days of service as these vary seasonally.

If it's a coffee and refreshment that visitors are looking for, Rendezvous at Dayboro is a cafe well known for its interesting range of books and giftware. Served in pretty teapots and on beautiful crockery, a Devonshire tea is a real treat here. And for a foodie's brunch you can't go past The Old Storehouse, inside a converted Queenslander cottage behind a white picket fence and further up the Silverwood Cafe. Otherwise, there's the charming Dayboro Sugar Mill across the road on the banks of Sugar Mill Creek. 

And a must-visit is the old Dayboro Butter Factory which is now home to The Churn Room, a beautiful collection of artisan works, with a local artist often in residence.

Don't forget to pack an esky or cooler bag for the trip, as a little further down Williams Street is the Dayboro Butcher, home to the award winning Famous Sausage Man. They make hundreds of different varieties of sausages here with 10 - 12 varieties for sale each day. How do lamb and rosemary, chicken and mango or pork and plum sausages sound?

Dayboro Cottage is next on the list, also in Williams Street. This cottage is home to the Dayboro Historical Society and Tourist Information Centre.

Here, volunteers from the Historical Society tell tales of the town's history, inhabitants and historic buildings, many of which are still recognizable and being used today.  hey will also suggest things to see and do in the area and provide information and maps to make sure visitors get the most out of their visit to "The Town of Yesteryear". Make sure to pick up the "Historical Town Walk" brochure and also the "Out and About" information sheet.

Walk a little further along and Hay Cottage welcomes visitors to browse through the collection of arts and crafts for sale. Thirty members contribute to the items for sale here, with each member taking their turn at manning the Cottage during the year.

The Dayboro Art Gallery is just down the street, at the corner of Williams Street and Mt Mee Road and is definitely worth a visit. Most items exhibited at the Gallery are for sale and with watercolours, oil paintings, pastels, pottery, indigenous art, photographic prints, sculptures and more displayed by approximately 35 artists, a leisurely visit here is a must-do.

A short drive along Mt Mee Road is the Ocean View Estate and Winery. OVE restaurant is beautifully-positioned to catch the stunning view across the vineyard and dam and is a very pleasant place to take a break from the sight-seeing. Visitors can sample wine at the cellar door of simply enjoy a coffee or meal at the restaurant. 

Time permitting, visitors can drive on to Mt Mee where lookouts provide amazing views across rolling green hills to the Glasshouse Mountains.  Follow Sellin Road to the Mt Mee section of the D'Aguilar National Park where the day use area is perfect for a picnic or BBQ. Lush green dairy farms and contented cows will have photographers reaching for their cameras to capture this picturesque scene.

On the return journey, Dayboro Cottages is worth a quick stop to see whether the llamas are in the top paddock. These funny characters are inquisitive so there's a good chance they'll come to the fence to say hello. They are herbivores so a handful of grass could be all the enticement they need to come close.

Back in town again, drop in to the Smith & Barton Studio Workshop where leatherwork, hand-crafted furniture and pre-loved bespoke pieces can be found. A visit to the Dayboro Bakery and/or the Dayboro Cafe will soothe a grumbling tummy and it's worth noting that the IGA makes fresh sandwiches at the deli counter.

There's a lot more to discover in this quaint country town and so much history to learn about. Pick a few of the above stops and enjoy a day exploring or make a weekend of it and take your time seeing all that the Dayboro area has to offer.

Blue Ridge Lavender Farm and Retreat is a beautiful Queenslander and lovely accommodation for a family or group of friends. For couples, Dayboro Cottages is a great accommodation option, with each cottage having stunning views of the Dayboro Valley.

At the end of your visit, it's good to know that the return trip back to Brisbane is only a short 45 minute drive - just one more reason to discover Dayboro.

by Sandy Ludinski