The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is a now disused railway line that extends from Ipswich to Yarraman, brimming with breathtaking mountain scenery and tranquil waterways, old train stations and carriages, and a rich history of early settlers.It's 161km!It's only a 30min drive from Brisbane’s CBD to the rail trail, or you can catch a train from Brisbane all the way to the Wulkuraka train station right where the BVRT starts.  Then its 161km of rail trail to Yarraman so there is a lot to see along the way such as wildlife, murals, fellow travellers and even an abandoned train in Linville!Everyone can ride togetherDue to the flatness of the trail, it’s a nice easy ride which allows for all levels of fitness and ages to ride together.  If you’re still concerned about mixing abilities then that’s the beauty of electric mountain bikes that are available for hire.

While many locals pack up the car and head out of town for their camping trips, you might be surprised to hear that there are some great places to camp right here in Ipswich.  From stunning bushland properties, picturesque working farms and riverfront properties, Ipswich has a great range of campsites to choose from.If you’re a camper and think it’s about time to go on a camping trip in your own background, here is our pick for the best campsites in Ipswich.Hardings PaddockLocated in the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate, just 20 minutes from the Ipswich CBD, Hardings Paddock is a lovely place for a bush camping experience.  The campgrounds are surrounded by natural bushland and despite its proximity to the city, you’ll feel a million miles away.

Hillview Drive Reserve in Ipswich is a flowy 6km cross country loop featuring a variety of terrain. Only 200m from the beautiful Kholo Gardens, Hillview Drive is an ideal riding destination for a family day out. Here are my top five reasons to visit Hillview Drive circuit in Ipswich!LocationThe 6km circuit is easily accessible for Ipswich and Brisbane riders. This alone is perfect for those days you do not feel like driving excessively to get a ride in. 

An Ipswich summer day can be hot, hot, hot!  With temperatures rising well above 30 degrees on most summer days, knowing the best places in Ipswich to cool off is a must!  There are plenty of places to cool off on a hot Ipswich day, from zero depth water parks to massive lagoons, public swimming pools, and natural waterways.No doubt your family has their favourites which they visit regularly, but if you’re after some tips on where to cool off this summer, here’s a list of some of the best places to swim in Ipswich. Orion LagoonIn the peak of summer, families flock to the Orion Lagoon in their droves!  That’s because the Orion Lagoon is just awesome, offering something for everyone - and it’s completely free!  

As Spring rolls around every year, Jacaranda trees in the Heritage City and surrounding countryside start to bloom, adding a pop of colour to parks and reserves.Here are a few ways to experience the Ipswich Jacaranda season this year.Wander Timothy Molony ParkThe park is opposite St Mary's Church - a spectacular 1870s landmark which is one of the city's most photographed buildings - is fringed with Jacarandas blooming every Spring that eventually form a purple carpet on the grass below.

Take a step back in time and have a peek at our prehistoric past with these sites around Ipswich... Denmark HillFossils were first discovered at the Denmark Hill Conservation Area as early as the 1890s.   In the 1920s eight tonnes of material was sent by train to the University of Queensland and thousands of fossils were uncovered dating right back to the Triassic Age more than 200 million years ago.Follow the Triassic Circuit, a 200-metre walking track, kids will enjoy this circuit, there are barbeques, a playground, toilets, picnic settings and sealed walking paths through the park.

Are you looking for a place to take the kids where they can burn off some energy and then indulge in morning tea?  Or an ideal spot to meet up with friends for a play date followed by lunch? Then check out these top spots in the Ipswich region.Ripley Splash and PlayGrab the kids’ swimmers and a towel for this one – Splash 'n' Play at Ripley has shallow streams and small fountains for the little kids to play in and water shooters and aqua arches for the older children.There’s also a playground with seesaws and swings, a giant twisty slide, climbing ropes and a flying fox.

The Heritage City has 6500 hectares of reserves and conservation estates to explore.  Some have amazing facilities for kids from play equipment, zero depth water parks and environmental education centres.  Some of the city's parks are located on the banks of the Brisbane River and offer an ideal location to laze the day away.Learn more about some of the best parks in the region and some of the secret locations you can visit.

Man’s best friend has never been as important in our lives as now...  Holiday with your best mate in the Heritage city and select from these pet friendly experiences.Head to Joseph Brady ParkTo start your adventure we’ll stop at Joseph Brady Park where you can bring your pup for a run around on a leash.  Take a walk near the river which is home to swans and ducks.There's also plenty of off-leash parks around Ipswich, have a look at the map below.

This Easter why don’t you head to Ipswich for an awesome Easter getaway?The city has all the ingredients for a terrific holiday. For starters, it has Easter Bunnies! The Llama Farm is home to Queensland’s largest llama herd. Guests are invited to book and enjoy guided tours where they can meet and feed the animals! And over Easter, the farm’s resident bunnies will be there to charm the little ones.