Historic Esk Railway Station

An historic landmark in rural Esk, just 65 km north-west of Brisbane, is the original Esk Railway Station building which still stands today as a popular attraction, part of our country’s longest recreational trail, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

Although the original railway line that carried steam trains and the like into the area since the late 1800s, dropping off passengers and delivering freight, is long non-existent, Esk is still home to this beautiful building worth a visit when you’re in the area.

The platform looks exactly as it did back in 1913, which is when Esk’s name was changed. With classic benches and wide waiting areas, you truly step back in time when you sit and take it all in.

Previously known as Sandy Creek and then Gallanani, the township was established in 1872, when local pioneer Mary McConnel purchased and sub-divided a large parcel of land to make way for homes and families needed to support the agricultural growth of the region.

Soon becoming the thriving hub of the valley’s farming industries – cattle, dairy, crops and timber – the butter factory was next to find it’s home in Esk in 1906, giving a much-needed economic boost to the village at the time.

Something that not many people know is that the incredibly devastating floods of 2011 flash-flooded Esk, with most of the main street inundated. So high were the water levels, in fact, that roads to a couple of the neighbouring towns were cut off for six weeks because of the damage.

Nice to know – The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail covers some 161 kms and is popular with walkers, horse-riders and cyclists.

Need to know – There is a small section of the rail trail through Esk that horses aren’t allowed on, and riders need to follow the designated Esk Town Horse By-pass.

By Danella Perrins

Looking for more ideas on what to do on when day tripping to Esk, check out our guide HERE. Or, if you’re wanting to spend longer in the region, think about staying with Pure Glamping, just a short drive from Esk, with romantic glamping and family glamping sites available.