Nash Gallery & Cafe

Popular with locals and visitors alike, beautiful Nash Gallery & Cafe is located in the heart of Esk, in historic Lars Andersen House, just a 1.5hr scenic drive from Brisbane.

Originally a family home for local builder and pioneer, Lars Anderson, his wife Janet and their eight children, the decorative, timber building is now owned by Gavin and Sandee Nash, and visitors are invited to wander through and read the history that is on the walls in a number of the rooms, admire the artwork and stay for a bite to eat.

Diners can choose to be inside, or to sit outside on the verandah or, weather permitting, outside under the shade of the trees.

The owners have kept the home's character-filled, 'Queenslander' original floorplan, with several rooms and nooks serving as the dining spaces. Being a gallery, you are surrounded by a mix of paintings and wall art, pottery and homewares.

Open 7 days a week, the cafe serves all-day breakfast, lunch and offers a wonderful dessert menu that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, free from judgement. Sweet-tooths, rejoice!

Breakfast fare includes wholesome, hearty country dishes such as Breakfast Stacks (Halloumi Stack or Bacon Stack), House-made Cottage Mince on grilled toast, Homemade Baked Beans, Eggs Benedict (served with your choice of ham off the bone, bacon, salmon, mushroom or halloumi), Pancakes (chocolate, berry, bacon & banana, and plain), to name just a few.

The lunch menu includes lighter options like freshly-made & healthy salads, burgers, sandwiches and wraps, through to mouth-watering dishes such as Crispy Coconut Prawn and Calamari, local Black Angus Rib Fillet, enchiladas, nachos, country-style patties, and more.

Everything is made onsite from locally-sourced produce, and of special mention is the vanilla slice – which often sell out early. Delicious!

An ideal spot if you’re in the market for gifts and homewares, many local artists and painters have their work on display, along with huge range of beautiful handicrafts, unique chrystalline pottery (by owner Gavin Nash), cushions, natural fibre shawls, tea cosies, handmade cards, handbags, and country-style timber crafts, so make sure you take your time when browsing.

If your pooch has come for the drive, it’s great to know your four-legged besties are welcome to join you in the garden but must remain on-leash.

Nash Gallery & Cafe is available for exclusive group bookings in the evenings, upon request.

Nice to know – A dedicated gluten-free menu is available, and there are a number of vegetarian and vegan options, too. A range of jams, pickles and chutneys are stocked so you can purchase to enjoy them at home.

Nice to know – For littlies, there's a kids menu, and there's even an enclosed play space at the back of the garden for them to toot around in. Also to be found at the back of the garden, everyone is welcome to venture through the gate (when it's unlocked) that leads to Sandra’s Garden, a hidden gem that’s well-worth a stroll around to enjoy, if you have time.

When planning a visit to Nash Gallery & Cafe, we strongly suggest you book ahead to avoid disappointment, but walk-ins are very welcome, as are take-away orders.

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.