In the foreground are flowers and in the background are the blue waters of Storm King Dam with a jetty on the left hand side

Never heard of Storm King Dam? That’s because it’s one of the Granite Belt region’s best-kept secrets! And you can enjoy all that this natural landscape has to offer at the Sommerville Valley Tourist Park, a peaceful haven for holidaying families which overlooks the dam and is close to all of Stanthorpe’s main attractions.

Staying at Sommerville Valley Tourist Park

Wake up to birdsong and laughing kookaburras before enjoying a refreshing morning dip in the cool waters of Storm King Dam. Sit on the jetty with the kids, and throw a line in the water to snag a golden perch, Murray cod, silver perch or a river blackfish.

Beat the heat in summer by enjoying the region’s less humid climate and laze by the inviting pool while the kids splash around. Keep an eye on the forecast for possible snow and frost in the cooler months, and gather around the campfire or fireplace to toast marshmallows with a hot drink warming your hands. This place is a haven for families and potentially your pet, subject to the park manager’s approval. In terms of accommodation, there are options to suit everyone, including:

Budget cabins (sleeps 4 people) with kitchenette and shared bathroom facilities
Well-appointed cottages with two or three bedrooms (sleeps 5 or 6 people), bathroom, full kitchen, laundry, deck with water views and BBQ facilities
Unpowered campsites that are surrounded by bushland, also with water views (water taps available)
Powered campsites on either a grass or concrete base are perfect for any camping style from tent to motorhome (water also available).

Facilities at Sommerville Valley Tourist Park

This is a well-equipped holiday park with everything you need to make your stay comfortable and memorable. If you need to buy supplies, you can get a few things at the onsite kiosk (located at reception), or it’s a short drive into the township of Stanthorpe, where there are cafes, supermarkets and plenty of other shops on the main street. At Sommerville Valley Tourist Park, you will find:

Clean amenity blocks
Fully equipped camp kitchens
A small playground for kids (pictured)
wireless internet access
laundry with ironing facilities
a recreation room with television, pool table etc.
covered BBQ areas and picnic tables
tour desk to make bookings for local tourist activities
dump point
BYO off-ground campfires (subject to local fire conditions/rules)
boat ramp

Activities at Sommerville Valley Tourist Park

There is so much to do at this holiday park thanks to it being situated amongst 80 acres of natural bushland and adjacent to the beautiful Storm King Dam. You and your kids might like to try:

canoeing/kayaking/water inflatables
fishing
swimming (either in the pool or dam)
play on the built or natural playground
take a boat out on the water
stargaze around the campfire

There’s also plenty to explore in the surrounding Granite Belt region, including beautiful Girraween National Park, Granite Belt Maze, Granite Belt Christmas Farm, and lots more which you can find in our detailed itinerary.

Make the most of your stay at Sommerville Valley Tourist Park

Remembering water safety when staying at a location with an unfenced waterhole is important, so please keep children supervised.

If you wish to go fishing, you must obtain a permit first, which is easy to do.

You may also like to BYO a firepit or brazier if you’re not staying in one of the cottages (which has its own wood heater).

There is plenty of room to spread out and let the kids run, so bring bikes, scooters, balls, and other sporting or play equipment. You can also BYO your boat or other watercraft to enjoy the calm waters of the dam; however, a permit is required for powerboats (at no cost). Contact Southern Downs Regional Council to obtain a permit.

Stargazing at night is a must, as you are far away from light pollution at this beautiful location. Sunrises and sunsets are pretty special in the bush too.

Sommerville Valley Tourist Park is located at 63 Sommerville Lane, Stanthorpe, Queensland, and is approximately three hours from Brisbane. For more information, or to make a booking, please visit their website.