Young children (and parents!) will love how easy it is to experience the great outdoors in Ipswich.An outing to the bush with young children doesn’t mean you have to rough it. Ipswich has a range of natural areas with the types of facilities that make the whole experience more enjoyable for the whole family.All of these areas are funded through Enviroplan, which is a council initiative to protect and manage areas with high conservation values, Enviroplan celebrated 25 years in 2021.

If you’re looking for a place where you can hike and birdwatch, Ipswich is the place for you, there are more than 277 recorded bird species on record in Ipswich.Colleges Crossing Recreation ReserveSet on the banks of the Brisbane River, Colleges Crossing, is a great spot for a walk and some birdwatching. Look out for pelicans, great egrets, royal spoonbills, black kites and many more species. There’s also a lake for fishing and kayaking, bike and scooter paths and walking tracks. Bring a picnic as there’s BBQ facilities and sheltered tables. Brisbane Valley Rail TrailThe BVRT is the longest rail trail in Australia, at 161km it follows a disused Brisbane Valley rail link that connects Wulkuraka to Yarraman. The Ipswich section is 22km long from Brassall to Fernvale. It winds its way through rural settings and country towns and is perfect for fun family adventures.  Along the BVRT there have been more than 40 recorded species of birds including Australian Wood Ducks, Rainbow Lorikeets, Eastern Yellow Robins and Magpie-larks.

Café Kalina at the newly emerging residential estate Kalina Springfield is winning fans for a hearty breakfast menu, Nutella Lattes and for being one of the region’s most dog-friendly cafes.Pupstars visiting this coffee spot, like Zeus, pictured, can enjoy puppycinos and specially sourced dog treats that come in three flavours; peanut butter, beetroot and turmeric.The café, on Kingfisher St, Springfield, sits next to Panorama Park with an adventure playground so the kids will be happy too as Mum and Dad stretch out on the deck with the paper and a coffee. For humans, the Nutella Latte puts a smile every caffeine feind's face.   

From rural settings to historic brick backdrops and lush garden scapes, Ipswich ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to planning a wedding.  Read on to discover some of the region's best locations to say "I do" and have a party afterwards!The Workshops Rail MuseumYou might not have imagined saying your vows at an historic railway workshop, but don't let that steer you away from The Workshops Rail Museum. The museum offers an impressive heritage setting with industrial-chic charm.There’s a selection of indoor and outdoor spaces available for wedding ceremonies and receptions. It is a blank canvas for you to create your modern wedding with the romance of yesteryear and heritage at its heart. 

Just in time for the school holidays Ivorys Rock has opened a new campground, probably the first in 20 years in Queensland.From June 27 up to 200 sites will be available for people to stay and from then on guests will be welcome Thursday to Sundays year round.The 600 hectare property backs onto Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate including Flinders Peak and the Ipswich-Boonah Trail.

The Great Houses of Ipswich event allows a glimpse behind the closed doors of some of Ipswich’s grand heritage homes twice a year. You might not have been able to attend the event in May due to Covid-19, however, we hope you enjoy this look inside one of Ipswich's great heritage homes: Gooloowan.

For a weekend filled with nature, adventure, gourmet food and craft beers, luxurious accommodation and a rich dose of history then look no further than Ipswich.In Brisbane’s backyard, a short 35 minute drive away, you can find yourself another world away, immersed in nature with spectacular mountain views!Pick your flavour, adventure and more to mix and match your perfect weekend in the Heritage City.

Looking for a gift, or just something new, then look no further than these boutique stores for one of a kind pieces from jewellery to shoes and fashion or artisan wares.*Check with individual shops before visiting for opening times.Arttime SuppliesThis creative space is more than just an arts supplier, they sell hand made artisian creations and offer art classes!

“That’s Henry, Pablo, Noodle, Neville, Teddy, Paddington, Humphrey, Wallace, Archie…” says farmer Shane Hancock, pointing around a paddock of his Pine Mountain Farm.It turns out that a long career in teaching – he is also deputy principal at Leichhardt State School – has given him a knack for remembering names, which is handy when you’re also in charge of Queensland’s largest herd of llamas. 

Country Ipswich offers many fabulous farms and rural experiences for families to explore - some where you can even stay the night, like TallaValley Farm.Tallavalley Farm B&B is one such place – a working 50-acre farm that allows visitors to bring their dog and even their horse.David and Jo Baker have been delighted by the response to their farmstay since launching it in early 2019 and have already hosted visitors from around Australia.