While many of us travel for festivals and events, I’m a big fan of staying a few days longer to explore the region. Ipswich is the perfect place to do this, with many unique experiences on offer.So next time you head to Ipswich for one of its fantastic events, don’t rush off. Discover more with this three-night camping itinerary.Day OneArrive at Ivorys Rock and set up campLocated around 20 kilometres from the Ipswich CBD, Ivorys Rock is a top spot to camp in the Ipswich region. Set on over 1,700 acres of stunning Australian bushland with rolling hills, nature trails and native wildlife, Ivorys Rock is camping reimagined.

Jacaranda season is just around the corner and the most breathtaking place to take in these blooms is, of course, our heritage city, Ipswich. Start your day at dawn with a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Floating Images. Pilot, Graeme Day, has been flying for over 30 years and boasts spring as the time to gain altitude and spot these purple pretties from above.

Visitors can explore the City of Ipswich's history with a suite of heritage trails and tours.  These free self-guided trails can be found online thanks to the hard work of Picture Ipswich.To enjoy the trails simply bookmark this page and click the links when you're in town to access the trails.Then & Now Heritage TrailsWhether you are interested in cemeteries and churches, heritage pubs or the history of towns you can find this information thanks to Then and Now Heritage Trails.

Your teens might be too old to hang out with Thomas at the rail museum these days, but there are still plenty of things to keep them (and you) entertained in and around Ipswich.Brisbane Valley Rail TrailCycle Australia’s longest rail trail or just do a section or two and enjoy picturesque rural scenery and a warm welcome at friendly towns that are evenly spaced along the way. All you need is a mountain bike, plenty of water and your sense of adventure.  Find out more on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail here.Floating Images Hot Air Balloon FlightsIt takes something pretty special to get a teenager out of bed before sunrise, but soaring over Ipswich in a Floating Images hot air balloon is definitely worth it. From the distant high rise of Brisbane’s CBD to a mob of kangaroos bouncing through the bush, it is amazing how much you can see from the air.

The great outdoors Flinders Peak hiking with Kids ,Sometimes the best adventures are right under your nose. Scott and I have driven past Flinders Peak for years, admiring the dominant peak with its dramatic cliffs until we finally decided to schedule it in as our next family adventure.The hike is rated as a Class Five (Difficult) walking trail, and our three boys aged 9, 11 and 12 love a good hard hike and were up for the challenge.

Say “I do” this valentine’s day in some of the most romantic wedding locations in Ipswich. Whether you are looking for a traditional chapel ceremony or tranquil garden wedding, the city of Ipswich has so much to offer the romantic at heart.Queens Park Bush ChapelEntering through a gorgeous poinciana lined one-way street, Queens Park Bush Chapel provides a beautiful leafy location to say “I do”. The open-air chapel accommodates up to 120 guests and is a beautiful and peaceful setting, located right in the heart of Ipswich CBD.The poinciana lined street is a magnificent location for photos when in bloom late from November to February, providing a brilliant pop of red to your wedding portraits. Once finished at the bush chapel, head to The Glasshouse for endless photo opportunities.