A DAY TRIP TO DAYBORO
When you next have friends or relations visiting from interstate or overseas, make Dayboro your day trip destination. Dayboro is Brisbane's closest country town situated less than an hour from the heart of the city. Of course, it is even closer when visitors are staying in the Moreton Bay Region. There are three routes into Dayboro - through Petrie along Dayboro Road, through Samford along Mt. Samson Road, or over the D'Aguilar Range along the Mt. Mee Road.
Dayboro township was inundated by flood waters on 11th January 2011 but most of the businesses were back in operation after a short time. These businesses really need your support. Unfortunately a couple did not re-open.
On arrival, call at the Dayboro Information Centre in Dayboro Cottage, run by volunteers from the Dayboro District Historical Society. There is a sealed car park at the rear of the building. Have a look at the historical photographs and other displays and make sure to pick up a copy of the Historical Town Walk brochure which features 18 of the older buildings in town, mostly in the main street, all of which are still in use today and are very easily recognisable. Sadly building No. 12 on the walk was destroyed by fire in June 2011. Also pick up a copy of the Out and About in Dayboro/Ocean View Region flyer which will give you all the current information on the district. Dayboro Cottage, which was built in 1900, is building No. 1 on the walk. Should you feel like some refreshments before you start, the Dayboro Bakery, home of award winning pies, is opposite Dayboro Cottage.
The
next building on the walk is Hay Cottage which is the oldest
building in the district, built about 1871 on a farm at Rush Creek and
moved to its present site in 1989. This is the home of the Hay Cottage
Arts and Craft Association and they have some wonderful items for sale,
all made by their own members. The Dayboro Art Gallery is No.
3 on the walk. Take time to have a look at the paintings and pottery
produced by their members.
Dayboro Cottage, Hay Cottage and the Dayboro Art Gallery
are all open from 10am to 3pm, 7 days a week and are all staffed by
volunteers.
Cross the street and follow the walk back up Williams Street passing several more old buildings until you reach Dayboro Deli Country Kitchen (No. 11 on the walk). Maybe you could come a little early for one of their breakfasts. They are open from 8am to 4pm [excluding Mondays]. If you are just feeling a little peckish stop off at Dayboro Café (No. 13) for an icecream or a milkshake or maybe try some of the British sweets they have in stock. If you are feeling hungry, seafood baskets are one of their specialities.
At the top of the hill is the Crown Hotel built in 1913. Sit on the verandah under the shade of the huge weeping fig trees and sip a cool beer or wine and watch the world go by. The Crown Hotel also has lunches every day and dinner is available Wednesday to Saturday evenings.
Follow McKenzie Street along to the corner of Delaney Street and you will find the delightful Country Rose store which is packed with fine giftware and homewares, including Cornishware, hundreds of bolts of quilting fabric, card supplies and much more. Country Rose is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Cross the street and stroll back to Inspired by Time (No. 17 on the walk). You will feel welcome in the relaxed ambience. Take moments to enjoy beautiful decor and furniture inspired by time. Vintage, Retro and Timeless pieces for your home, at affordable prices. Open Wednesday to Sunday and public holidays.
Still feeling hungry! Rendezvous at Dayboro, the readers' teahouse, could be just the place for a light meal. They also have a range of gifts and books and will even order that special book for you. They are open every day from 8am to 4.30pm.
Terah's Alfresco Cafe & Restaurant on the corner of Heathwood Street is fully licensed and is open Wednesdays to Fridays 9am until late, Saturdays 8am until late and Sundays 8am to 3.30pm. The breakfasts are superb and there are usually blackboard specials in addition to the normal menu. The burgers are huge. Why not come back one evening for dinner? They also offer a take-away menu.
When you visit Dayboro be sure to bring your esky or cooler bag with you so you can fill it with sausages from the Dayboro Butchery home of the award winning Famous Sausageman. They are open Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm, Saturday from 7am to 2pm and Sunday from 8am to 3pm.
A Little Bit Vintage has a range of new vintage [1950s-1980s] inspired clothing and accessories, quality pre-loved clothes and lots more.
For lovers of antiques, Dayboro Shed Antiques is about 3.5km from town heading towards Samford on the Mt. Samson Road, open Wednesday to Sunday and public holidays from 10am to 4pm.
For lovers of wine and fine food, Ocean View Estates Winery and Restaurant is about 10km from Dayboro on the Mt. Mee Road. The restaurant is open Thursday to Saturday from 10am and they are open for Sunday breakfast from 8.30am. The cellar door is open for wine tasting Thursday to Monday from 10am. Picnic hampers are also available to enjoy in their grounds or to take with you
.A little farther along Mt. Mee Road is The Pitstop if you are just looking for a coffee or a cool drink and some light refreshments. Take time out to sit and enjoy the spectacular views. Browse through the collectables and motoring memorabilia. Pitstop is open Friday from 10am to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 5pm and Monday from 10am to 4pm. They do Sunday breakfast.
The entry road to the Mt. Mee State Forest is some 20km from Dayboro with another 5km to travel before reaching the Gantry Day Use area. Take a picnic hamper with you from the Ocean View Winery or collect your own supplies from the Dayboro Bakery or Dayboro Valley IGA and make use of the many picnic tables available. The Piccabeen Walk of about 1/2 hour duration leads off from the carpark area.
For
a longer stay, there are a number of Bed & Breakfasts in the district.