In Ipswich we have farms that open their gates for you to explore, either choose one to visit on a day trip or make a weekend out of it and stay at one for the night.Start with a morning session on Saturday at Ewe Nique Hobby Farm.  This authentic farm lets you pet and feed the animals including sheep, lambs, alpacas, goats, chicken and geese for 90 minutes.  You can also meet farmers Penny and Dave and find out more about the animals and what life is like on the farm.Your next stop is only 15 minutes away at Watercress Creek Olives and Limes in Pine Mountain. 

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. Haigslea 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.Queensland Museum Rail WorkshopsImagine your next function set in the authentic surrounds of the birthplace of rail in Queensland.  Queensland Museum Rail Workshops offers a variety of one-of-a-kind spaces.  Functions are developed to suit your requirements and come with the option to add a torch light tour of the museum after dark.  Choose from a magical space for dinner and cocktails, or the cafe which has a dance floor overlooking the beautiful fairy lit trees!Catering is available from cocktail style with hot and cold options to alternative drop menus, see more information here.

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.