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.

If you’re heading to Planes, Trains and Autos… or are simply a fan of all things aviation, rail and motoring.  Check out all the fun and exciting Planes, Trains and Autos themed experiences on offer throughout the City of Ipswich all year round. There’s hot air balloons, steam trains, race cars, motocross fun and much more… just waiting to be discovered.V8 Race ExperienceThe V8 Race Experience puts you in the drivers’ seat with a professional driver in the passenger seat to give you tips as you take to the iconic paperclip track at Queensland Raceway.  You can choose to drive in their new purpose built Mustang or Camaro or the legendary Falcon or Commodore.  You can also book hot laps with a pro driver.Floating ImagesRise before dawn to experience a magical hot air balloon ride with Floating Images Hot Air Ballon Flights. With 30 years ballooning experience, owner/chief pilot Graeme Day will be your guide through the skies over the Ipswich region. See the sunrise as you float majestically over the countryside dotted with a patchwork of fields, nature reserves and views to the Ipswich CBD and Brisbane skyline. After you come back down to earth, enjoy a gorgeous breakfast prepared by Fourthchild Cafe.  

If you love discovering new places to visit or getting a behind the scenes look at places, then guided tours might be for you.  Here's a few of the best on offer in Ipswich!Take a guided night walkYou can take in the beauty of nature at night in these guided walks through the White Rock - Spring Mountain Conservation Estate at dusk when the estate is usually closed.Your guide will expertly help you reach the lookout where you can see the twinkling lights of Brisbane City, before leading the descent back to the starting point.

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.

Before you head to Ipswich for an event, check out these 20 reasons why you should stay a little bit longer and explore Ipswich while you’re here.If you're looking for accommodation check this list: Where to stay in Ipswich.Soar high on a hot air balloon flightFloating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights offer a scenic one-hour journey over farmland and country landscapes.  Your blissful morning ends with breakfast at a popular local café.  Flights run most days but are weather dependent.

School holidays can be a magical time spent making memories with the family, but the long summer break can sometimes feel too long.  When the kids are once again back at school, you might need some me time to decompress from the endless "mum", "dad", "I'm bored" talk.  Use this list that can help you plan some fun times without the kids.Smash your frustrations away!Don't wait, book in now to smash out those school holiday frustrations safely - at Rage Cage.  All the safety equipment is supplied, and it's just you in a room with a bat smashing to your heart's content!  Enjoy.Indulge in fried chicken followed by ice cream sans childrenIf you've spent the holidays trying to force fruit and veges onto the kids, saying no to takeaway and just setting a great example for the kids with healthy eating - then I applaud you!  And you probably need a cheat day...