Esk, QLD 4312

I have been living in Esk for about a year. Very nice, quiet place. But I have mix feelings.
The most amazing thing is the wildlife , you can see many different species of birds, beautiful rainbow parrots, king parrots, wallabies and even koalas! All in your very own backyard!
If you love nature and wildlife that's definitely the place for you. If you're looking for great exciting night life, shopping, you will be disappointed, there are a few very basic shops, and a few pubs. No public transport and far away from everything. But houses are cheap, affordable, whether you want to rent or buy.
The cons of this small town that the little take away shops are very expensive. There's an Indian and a Thai take away, portions are small and price are dear. The fish and chips shop is nice and prices are reasonable.
The bakery shop is basic, they can't make proper bread, cakes or other sweets are nothing but baked flower with full of sugar.
The gallery cafe has a nice atmosphere but prepare yourself it's not cheap!
So if you're visiting, better you bring your pic-nic bag with you. If you live here, better bake / cook for yourself.

I love wildlife, but sometimes I'm getting bored here. Not much to do. I wish it was closer to Brisbane, - it's actually more than 1 hr to Brisbane center it's about 1.5 hr - but then again, if it was closer we probably wouldn't have so much beautiful native animals around us.
A note for cat owners: please keep in mind that cats are an enormous problem to native animals, and please keep your cat inside or at least put a bell on him.

Having lived and breathed the fresh country air of this delightful town of Esk for some 46 years and proud to say I am still a resident of this lovely place, I would like to spread the word on what a treasure we behold in our township. 2012 brings a fresh injection of prosperity and optimism as we all move forward into the new year. Our main street is dotted with alfresco dining cafes and restaurants and featuring the newly opened Julie's at the Rectory, Nash Gallery & Cafe and the Eskcape Cafe. Our town also features a fantastic Thai Takeaway, Fish & Chip shop, Bakery & Internet Cafe. Esk offers a medical centre with full time practitioners and the Esk Hospital from emergency to palliative care. The Somerset Regional Council is home to Esk and featuring our relatively new library. Our local schools can offer Kindergarten & Prep up to years 12. Esk is serviced by the many loyal and enthusiastic volunteer service clubs including Brisbane Valley Apex, RSL, Lions, over 50's plus plenty to keep you busy including bowls, golf, tennis, swimming, and you can walk from one end of the Shire to the other on our Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. Our guiding & scout movement is active in our area plus other youth groups & child care to keep the young ones busy. There is plenty to talk about Esk and much more to see, so why not make that pleasant country drive to the town I call home...you won't be disappointed...

After the set back of the floods on January 10, 2011, the locals have done a fantastic job of coming together and helping each other... The community spirit is wonderful and is something that can not be bought, but comes from the heart and sole of good people. Esk needs visitors to help support the towns economy. The roads are open and it is a clear path into this wonderful country town. A drive in the country to this friendly town will be the start of love affair. You have to come and discover for your self...

Last saturday I was driving upcountry through Esk, good to see Wivenhoe full, and cqalled in for petrol and the Courier mail. But even I was surprised that the town was full of 'Ironbark' full bearded old men; standard dress is dungarees and plaid shirt plus a big bushy beard.
Now I used to like Esk but this retro back to Banjo Patterson is too much. If I want beards I'll go to a beardy place but I always wonder about how esk sees itself. Mates in Brisbane rave about it as the authentic Aus experience but I have my doubts. I think the couple of tourist draws are just overpriced, the local shopping mall is a tiny place with a nice coffee shop but its not Quenn Street by a world away.

Reasons to live here?
If you've got a big beard you'll probably fit in well. Add some denim and plaid and you'll probably be a trendy councillor.

For modern people, like going to work, connectivity, et al, sorry but its a big miss.

We have lived in this area for about 13/14 years now and can only say that we have been happier here than any other place in Australia, New Zealand or Gt Britain that we have lived in. The people are great, friendly and we have been readily accepted by most. It is a pleasure to be able to walk down the street, to enter shops and to meet friendly faces and to encounter people whom we know - certainly not be just a number as is the case in so many bigger centres. No, the night life is not great if you want loud brash 'thump-thump' type of music but we have found the the social life to be outstanding in that we have entered into community life, have joined a couple of local organisations and have found the community spirit to be exceptional. We love Esk!

The people are friendly everybody helps everybody there are lots of wildlife and lots of birds and parrots it is a great place for family

One of the few villages left in South East Queensland that still have 75% of houses in the traditional Queenslander style. Sadly, in recent years a few nice 'Queenslanders' have been allowed to be moved out of town. Shame on the real estate agent involved and the totally ignorant Esk Shire Council that sees nothing wrong with it. This little gem of a village needs people that care about the protection of historic buildings and good old fashioned country life. Esk is a nice place to live.