While many of us travel for festivals and events, I’m a big fan of staying a few days longer to explore the region. Ipswich is the perfect place to do this, with many unique experiences on offer.So next time you head to Ipswich for one of its fantastic events, don’t rush off. Discover more with this three-night camping itinerary.Day OneArrive at Ivorys Rock and set up campLocated around 20 kilometres from the Ipswich CBD, Ivorys Rock is a top spot to camp in the Ipswich region. Set on over 1,700 acres of stunning Australian bushland with rolling hills, nature trails and native wildlife, Ivorys Rock is camping reimagined.

As Dr Andrew Tribe held out a stumpy tailed lizard, he asked the kids if they would like to hold it.  My five-year-old daughter, who is clearly not a reptile fan, slowly shrank backwards to ensure that I was between her and the odd-looking lizard.  My seven-year-old son simply said, ‘’Yes please!’’ and held his hands out.  Dr Tribe, who runs the wildlife research centre at Spicers Hidden Vale, promptly plonked the armoured lizard into his hands and continued on with some fascinating facts.‘’Do you want to hold it mum?’’ he whispered.‘’Errr, no thanks,’’ I whispered back. To be honest, I could barely tell which end was its head and which was its tail.

There’s lots to love about camping.  The freedom, fresh air, the faint smell of last night’s campfire, warm marshmallows, the outdoors, wildlife, stars and the chance to sit down and actually talk with your friends and family … the list is endless.Do you know what’s not to love about camping?  Setting up the tent. I can almost see you nodding in agreement. Arriving at your campsite to a tent that’s already set up sounds like bliss, right?Well, it is! 

Although there is plenty to do around the city of Ipswich itself, it's when you road trip out to its small rural towns that you really start making memories with your family.Only 50 minutes from Brisbane or 25 minutes from Ipswich's CBD, the small town of Marburg is the ultimate in family-friendly activities and relaxation.Enjoy a picnic in a Bell Tent at The Soul Nook CollectiveThe Soul Nook Collective is located on The Old Church Grounds in Marburg and it’s absolutely divine.