Being a winter girl, a summer drive through Australia’s back roads isn’t always pleasant for me, living as I do in a humid sub-tropical part of the globe, but I have to admit I discovered the Linville – Moore region of the Esk county, in Southern Queensland did have a particular provincial charm.
Linville, itself, boasts a Pub and a general store, in addition to a camping ground and a vague attempt at a historic railway exhibit, but this too simply adds to the relaxing country appeal of a laid back rural lifestyle.
Situated a 90 minute drive, north west from Brisbane, the Esk shire had a rich history of timber getting and cattle grazing. Veteran soldiers returning from World War I established small dairy farms in the surrounding areas, many of which have folded, following the deregulation of the dairy industry in the late 20th century.
In 1910, the Brisbane Valley railway line was extended to Linville, from Toogoolawah. It must have been a big event when the railway branch line opened and dignitaries boarded the train that took them from here to the Pinkenba docks in Brisbane, 140 kilometres away.
The golden times have long gone for this small country town. The rail line was closed in the 1950’s and the station has suffered the ravages of time and neglect.
The station master’s office contains several historic photos and memorabilia, but unfortunately it was locked when we visited and we could only peer inside through the window.
The railway carriages are unlocked and free to enter, but as charming as they are, they too, are in complete disrepair. They might just be awaiting a philanthropic entrepreneur to renovate them into a fashionable Air B &B?
Looking inside you can get a taste of rail travel of yesteryear. Beautiful leather seats and ornate plaster ceilings must have made for a luxurious alternative to a Horse and Jinker.
The old rails has now been removed but the track itself remains now as a cleared, cycle or walking path. Cyclists can access a level 23 km run north to the town of Blackbutt but those on foot can take the path in the opposite direction of 7 kilometres to nearby ‘Moore’ township.
The major waterway in the area, the Brisbane river, follows parts of the track, as it begins its winding course, meandering its way to Brisbane proper, finally spilling out into the sea, at Moreton Bay.
Due to recent good summer rainfalls, the vehicular causeway over the river was only just passable.
Before leaving Linville, you might enjoy 100 years of history over a meal of very decent pub grub, moderately priced at around $15 for a Burger with chips.
Word has it that you can even stay the night at the historical pub, if you wish.
Accommodation at the Linville Hotel will set you back $40, a night, if you chose to linger longer. Nighttime entertainment includes a game of pool, playing the piano or checking out the unique jukebox.
Or perhaps take in some more refreshments in the bar with the locals. Yes that label is fair dinkum!! Don’t let the chainsaw or the Port’s label, put you off!
MOORE
Strolling down the ex-railway track for seven kilometres, you will arrive at the town of Moore. In the main street you will find a lovely gallery cafe.
The Old Church Gallery on Linville Road has a friendly buzz is evident with the owner operator enthusiastically welcoming visitors to her garden verandah cafe.
The menu for Lunch is centred on organic healthy cuisine, such as Cauliflower salad and Zucchini soup. There is plunger coffee, served individually to your table, according to taste, as well as infusions of loose leaf tea, and mouth-watering home made cakes, served with custard and figs, at prices that won’t blow your budget.
Plus you will find many interesting curios and artifacts from bygone times.
Home to Mackenzie fabrics, the adjoining Gallery contains a diverse range of arts, crafts, gifts and jewellery at moderate prices.
The Old Church Gallery is located at 35 Linville Road, Moore and is open from 11 am – 4pm, Thursday to Sunday, and will happily caters for Groups. Word has it a craft group has started up in Linville and they will also meet up at the cafe.
Access for disabled and Dogs are welcome in the courtyard. Always a bonus for dog lovers.
Moore and Linville’s Heritage Railway Walking trail make a delightful day trip to Ponder About and most suitable for Jo’s Monday Walks
Thanks goes to Ben and Nina for introducing us to the Linville area.
Tremendous blog, Amanda. Loved it.
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I am a winter girl also which is why live in the Pacific North West. Not too much winter, mostly not too much summer. Lately, too much summer. I tried to look these places up on the map but without using Google, couldn’t find it in relation to Toowoomba which is where my family live. It looks like it could be fun to see all the old stuff sitting around and a change of scenery. I have other family in Southern Australia. I would definitely have to visit there in your winter, if that were ever to happen. Great photos, Amanda.
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You will have to visit, Marlene!! Toowoomba is South west of Brisbane roughly the same distance as Linville from Brisbane , except Linville is North West. South Australia is two to three days drive away, so you will need a plane to get there. 😉
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Thanks for the information. I need to find a better map online.
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Google maps should take you there, shouldn’t it?
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I’ve been using startpage so google can’t track my searches. They are nosy buggers.
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You are right there. Linville may be too small. Try looking for Kilcoy or Blackbutt, Queensland, Australia. That may help.
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Thanks, I will do that. Have a wonderfilled week.
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Great post. Got a kick out of the ‘Welcome to our deck’ sign.
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Typical bush hotel humour hey, Peggy?
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Yes, perhaps one day the carriages will be revamped as a trendy B&B. That together with one nice eatery, and one shop with interesting bits and pieces and Linville would most certainly find it’s place on the map.
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There is a popular camping spot for the grey nomads nect to the raileay siding, Chris. Just in case you happen to be up this way
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I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks for the tip
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What a great idea for an Air B&B Amanda. Definitely a different experience. 🙂
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It was definitely fun for a Saturday outing with friends! You could be the one to develop it, Lorelle!
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Haha… yes, with my money tree growing in the back yard!!! 🤣
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More fertiliser perhaps, Lorelle? Lol!!
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I updated the post as a glitch meant a draft was published and not the final post! Was horrified to see the few spelling/sytax errors…. This is what happens when you post too late at night!
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Ha ha, yes the joys of late night blogging 😉😝
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Looks like a very interesting place!
Dwight
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Thank you, Dwight. It is small but has character. Do you know what I mean?
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I know a few places like that!
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What region are you in? Not Australia?
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I am near Charlotte, NC in the USA.
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And the small places that have character. Are they near to you? It would be fun to look them up on Google maps!
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This is an area I have not explored it looks very interesting and not too far from home
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It is a hidden corner as it was a first for me too! Yet I had been to Kilcoy and Esk many times. I hope you like it.
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Yes I’ve been to Kilcoy quite a long time ago, maybe time for another trip to that area.
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It would be interesting to see if you notice many changes. Country towns often move ahead at a slower pace than the big cities. Both Kilcoy pubs do great meals yoo if you get hungry along the way. 🙂
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How charming Linwood sounds with its rich history! You did what I baulked from. Enter the carriages and manage a good look at the disintegrating upholstery. While it would be certainly great to have them restored to their original splendour, I cannot help being intrigued by even their tattered beauty. When you have cakes to wind up such an atmospheric place with, it is perfection in itself. xx
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There is definitely a haunting atmosphere about the slow steady disintegration of the structures that previously were so full of life and conversations. It is such a small little place, history may one day entirely overlook Linville. In all my years living in this state, it is the first time I have ever visited. You can never really lay claim to seeing it “all” – can you, even in a place you feel you know so well.
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No, you can not. That is the pity of it all. So when I travel, it is always on mind to see these small places that are a bit off the radar. They always have such stories to tell.
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Definitely a good practise for us to travel off the beaten track. It is also helpful for the people living in the small villages who appreciate the tourist dollar spent there and reward the tourist with local knowledge and a moe intimate travel experience!
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Indeed. And travel blogging is a wonderful way to share some of those stories to those who won’t get the chance to visit, or who may be inspired to launch such a visit!!
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