Somerset Dam holds back the Stanley River in the hills north-west of Brisbane, and its wide, quiet lake is one of the best-kept secrets of the Brisbane Valley. The dam was begun in the 1930s and finished in the 1950s, partly to supply water and partly to control flooding, and it forms Lake Somerset, a long arm of blue water winding among forested hills. Brisbane suffered badly in the great flood of 1974, and a bigger dam, Wivenhoe, was built downstream afterward to protect the city.
The area is popular with locals for fishing, boating and picnicking, and the lake has a number of recreation areas where families gather. Swimming is allowed in designated areas, but should be approached with sense, since dams have sudden drop-offs, submerged timber and cold water below the surface. Check signs before getting in, and do not jump from heights. Bass and golden perch are stocked in the lake, and the fishing is well regarded.
The riding on the way is good. The roads from Brisbane, through Samford and up Mount Glorious, are winding and shady, with views across the rainforest, and the surface is generally good. The Mount Glorious road is one of the best motorcycle roads near the city, a tight and twisty ride through subtropical forest, so it is popular and often busy with riders at weekends. Police patrols are frequent. Further on, the road passes through Kilcoy and across the farmland of the Brisbane Valley, with rolling pastures and gum trees. Lyrebirds and brush turkeys scratch in the forest, and in the early morning, the air smells of eucalyptus and damp earth.
Weather in south-east Queensland is warm to hot, with summer afternoon storms that can be fierce, with heavy rain and lightning. Check the sky before setting off, and avoid exposed spots during storms. Winter is mild and dry, and the best time for riding. Spring brings wildflowers.
Services around the dam are limited. There is a small township, and a few cafes may be open at weekends, but fuel is a matter of planning. Esk, Kilcoy and Toogoolawah all have stations within twenty kilometres, and are the usual places to fill up. Bring water, sunscreen and insect repellent, and be prepared for the heat.