Having spent so long living on the south side of Brisbane, I always thought Old Petrie Town was just too far away to visit. Crazy really for someone who’s always dragging the kids up to the Sunshine Coast and Australia Zoo! Anyway, I finally decided to pay this gorgeous old venue a visit, and it was worth the trip! If you are thinking of a Sunday family day trip to Old Petrie Town, here’s what you will see.
Old Petrie Town markets
The markets are on every Sunday from 7am until 1pm and they draw a good crowd of cheerful shoppers. At the Old Petrie Town markets you will find artisan craft stalls, fruit and vegetables, local produce, and quirky little nick-nacks. We visited post-COVID when restrictions had recently eased, and while there was a lot of stalls there, I’d like to think there are even more on a usual weekend.
Farm animals
A cute little petting farm beside the village green has animals and birds to pat and feed. When we visited, we saw alpacas, geese, goat kids, lambs, piglets, guinea pigs and chickens. Pony rides are available through the market for little children to enjoy.
Shopping
Not just the markets, Old Petrie Town is a village of historic cottages and sheds turned into shops. You can buy antiques and collectibles, crafts, clothing, second-hand books, international goods – there’s a surprise through every doorway!
Food
There’s no shortage of dining or snack options at Old Petrie Town.
The Emporium is a 1950’s style diner serving milkshakes, hot drinks, pancakes and light meals. It’s popular, so be prepared for a wait at busy times! Note: The Emporium permanently closed its doors in September 2023.
Other dining options include mobile food vans and permanent stalls in Mumford Barn, serving everything from burgers to international cuisine and Dutch Poffertjes. The Heritage Motel is a great option for a restaurant style sit-down meal.
Entertainment
Kids will make a beeline for the village green because this is where the jumping castles are! It’s also where you will find the old bandstand where singers and musicians showcase their talent.
The village green is the starting point for pony rides, and rides around the village aboard the mini firetruck.
History
History surrounds you at Old Petrie Town, from cottages over 100 years old, to the art deco fire station and the war memorial on the village green. The town is also home to the Queensland Steam and Vintage Machinery Society Inc. where you can see vintage steam engines and machinery on display. Visit on the first Sunday of the month to see the steam engines in action, including a parade of vintage machinery through the town’s streets!
Vintage Cars
Every Sunday, vintage motor enthusiasts roll into Old Petrie Town to display their stunning classic cars. You will find cars from all eras and owners happy to chat with you about their vehicles’ history and the restoration they have done.
Pine Rivers Heritage Museum
The Pine Rivers Heritage Museum is a small – but surprising – museum sharing the car park with Old Petrie Town visitors. The museum takes visitors on a journey through the lives of the first settlers in the Pine Rivers area. There is an old school room inside, a theatrette telling the stories of people who migrated to the area in the 1800’s, a well-stocked historic grocer’s store, and sporting and social memorabilia.
The museum is open daily except Mondays, from morning until mid-afternoon, and entry is FREE!
Getting to Old Petrie Town
Old Petrie Town is a 40-minute drive north-west of Brisbane. You will find the entrance at 901 Dayboro Road, Whiteside, QLD.
There is plenty of parking on site but it does get busy, so arrive early to secure your spot and make the most of what Old Petrie Town has to offer!
Find out more about Old Petrie Town here.
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I too love this place.
Thank you for the lovely words.