Set in 12,000 acres of natural bushland, Spicers Hidden Vale at Grandchester is the definition of country comfort. This sprawling retreat is just an hour from the big city, perfect for a luxurious weekend or mid-week getaway.

If there’s a pint-sized human in your life then you may be familiar with their friends Annie and Clarabel, Henry, James, Emily, Gordon …oh and Thomas!Thomas is a little blue tank engine who has captured the hearts of tiny tots around the world for more than 70 years.So it’s a treat when he leaves the island of Sodor for a holiday in the City of Ipswich (Queensland) and when that happens, A Day out with Thomas is a very popular school holiday must-do.

According to the much-loved children’s song, Old MacDonald pretty much cornered the market on farmyard animals – but we say he’s got nothing on the City of Ipswich!Finding your inner farmer is fun and easy when there are llamas, camels, ducks, geese, goats, sheep and cows to meet at family-friendly tourist locations across the region.

There is an ancient legend about a Chinese Emperor whose pot of boiling water was accidentally sprinkled with leaves falling in the breeze. He smelled its pleasant aroma, took a sip, and tea was born!Today’s it’s consumed all over the world – and remains one of our most popular drinks in Australia.If tea is … well… your cup of tea, the City of Ipswich has a potful of delightful experiences on the boil.

Everything that is old is new again! Vintage shopping is a great way to bag yourself a bargain and find unique items that aren’t produced anymore and the best place to hunt for hidden gems is in Ipswich, a town rich with history.Ipswich Antique Centre​86 East St, Ipswich QLD 4305Ipswich Antique Centre is a long-standing staple in Ipswich’s community- it’s huge and it really has everything. From bric-a-brac, to paint supplies, ceramic wares and vinyl records, the Ipswich Antiques Centre should be your first port of call for finding yourself a unique item.

With its stunning views and rugged scenery, Flinders Peak is a beautiful formation about a 50-minute drive out of Brisbane and just a stone’s throw from Ipswich.With over 2,000 hectares in the area, it’s connected to the Flinders Goolman area through to Hardings Paddock and White Rock Conservation Estate — all areas of natural beauty in their own right.

The town of Marburg lies in the city of Ipswich, halfway between Brisbane and Toowoomba along the Warrego Highway. To drive to Marburg from Brisbane takes about 45 minutes.The town has many heritage buildings in its main street including the Marburg Hotel which was built in 1879. It draws in visitors from far and wide, especially for its amazing Sunday lunches.Right across the street is Scotland Yard Antiques. The store has been open for about 30 years and is one of the last antique stores in the area.

  There’s a special feeling when you step on board a heritage steam train. The puffs of smoke, noisy engine and swaying carriages are an incredible way to experience a bygone era.