If you’ve got kids then you know that close encounters with animals never get old.  Luckily Ipswich has a handful of great places where you can interact with furry friends.  Here’s 7 places to visit that offer animal experiences.1. Ewe Nique Hobby FarmThis charming hobby farm is home to sheep, lambs, alpacas, chickens, goats and geese.  Children and adults can meet, pat and feed the animals and walk through the bird aviary which features replica dinosaurs and fish ponds!.  Ewe Nique Hobby Farm also has a coffee shop selling hot and cold drinks as well as homemade cakes, slices, muffins and other snacks.  2. The Llama FarmA farm experience that offers visitors the chance to take a Llama for a walk, feed, pat them and take a Llama selfie or two.  The Llama Farm has the largest herd of Llamas in Queensland as well as donkeys, goats, miniature ponies, peacocks, turkeys, guinea fowl and more.  Tours are available on weekends and school holidays by appointment.  They are also running a Little Llama Farmers school holiday program.

Warning, this list may cause serious FOMO.  Add these adventures to your Ipswich itinerary, just don't forget to invite your BFF.Get your head in the cloudsThe best way to see the Ipswich countryside is sky-high in a Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights basket. Live out your motorsport dreamsYou can become a V8 race car driver for a day in the drivers’ seat of an iconic Ford, Holden, Mustang or Camaro.   Or take to the track in a go kart, drift car or on the back of a superbike. 

From historic and heritage buildings, to newly renovated and built event spaces there are a lot of reasons to book your next party in the Heritage City.Jets Leagues ClubJets Leagues Club recently underwent a stunning transformation making it a stylish space for your party!  There's food and drinks packages available, all you have to do is phone 3202 1887 and speak to the functions team.Bakehouse SteakhouseGet a group together and book a few tables at Bakehouse Steakhouse.  Treat your guests to great food and drinks, book a semi-private space or choose inside or out in the courtyard.

Greater Springfield is a great location for a getaway, with world-class hiking, an award-winning golf course and fantastic dining on offer.There are also great pet-friendly activities, if you live close enough you could also make this into a day trip with your furry friend or book a pet-friendly Airbnb.Day 1, 7.00 amPack the car and head to the entrance of the White Rock–Spring Mountain Conservation Estate to enjoy a morning hiking up to the Main Ridge Lookout.  See the high rises of Brisbane City in the distance.

There's just something so restorative about staying in nature.  Whether you want to rough it a little by camping or you'd prefer the comforts of four walls and a bathroom - here's the spots to get on your to stay list.Ivory’s Rock Here you'll be immersed in nature with wallabies and koalas to spot.  The campsites have mountain views and private bathrooms, there's powered and unpowered sites, WiFi, bunkhouses and a rent-a-tent service where the staff will set up your tent and beds before you arrive.  Ivory's Rock is suitable for caravanning and camping, is open for weekenders and has extended times during the school holidays.Hardings PaddockFor a more rustic experience book into Hardings Paddock right at the foot of the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate.  The campground is great for bird-watching, hiking, mountain biking and horse riding (BYO horse and bike).  You will need to bring your own camp shower and drinking water but there are camp loos and shower cubicles available, as well as a large firepit. 

As the temperature drops there's nothing better than sitting by a cosy fire, wine or beer in hand or enjoying a delicious meal.  Here's a few places in Ipswich where you can stay warm and cosy watching the flames this winter.Spicers Hidden ValeThe re-built Homage Restaurant design includes a double sided fire place.  There's comfy lounges where you can sit and enjoy the warmth of the fire with a drink and nearby tables overlook the fireplace.  There's also a fire pit outside to help up the ambiance.The Cottage RestaurantAt Cottage Restaurant there are two fireplaces.  The restaurant is a converted heritage home and the warmth travels throughout the rooms.  They also have a fantastic seasonal menu to try out in winter.