With over 5,000ha of conservation area to call our own, it goes without saying that Ipswich is the place to be for outdoor activities, but I bet you’ve never been out into one of our green spaces at night… Enter night hiking in Ipswich and the wonderful opportunities that now present themselves when you book onto one of our guided after-hours experiences with Ipswich City Council.City Lights Night HikeAmongst our more full-on expeditions, the City Lights Night Hike is one of the truest nature at night experiences we have to offer. Guided by nothing but our headlamps and headed deep into White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Estate, the City Lights Night Hike walk is a unique way to witness the bush come to life in all its nocturnal glory. As you might have guessed, this particular experience culminates in the summit of a ridge, overlooking thousands of distant lights, in an ocean of human habitation. All with the backdrop of a stillness that only nature can provide. The City Lights Night Hike tour is a crowd favourite and bookings are essential, so book via our website to secure your spot.Moonrise Night HikesJust like our last mention, the Moonrise Night Hikes available through Ipswich City Council are of the more demanding experiences on this list. But nothing good ever comes easy and the Moonrise Night Hikes are no exception.

Expand your horizons with a visit to Ipswich mountain peaks featuring stunning views, natural wildlife and thrilling heights…Flinders PeakThe highest public accessible peak in Ipswich is Flinders Peak. It is located inside the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate and reaches some 680m high into the sky. While Flinders isn’t the highest peak in the region (Mt Beau Brummell located on privately owned land at 700m high takes that title) it is the highest peak you can climb.  Expect a steep climb up passing over several crests, expect views to Brisbane, the Fassifern Valley and Lamington Plateau as you ascend. The final segment is the most rugged section, rock scrambling skills and rugged boots are essential.This hike is a class 5 rated trail for very experienced bushwalkers and should take about six hours to complete.

You can dial up the romance, or experience an adrenaline rush with these date ideas... Great for Valentines Day, anniversaries or just to spice things up a bit... Boho styled picnicsIf you're after something special and romantic then a hanging pod picnic at The Soul Nook Collective will tick all the boxes.Indulge in a packed and styled picnic with your love.

The Ipswich region is home to some colourful and also quite cheeky birdlife - including many species you won’t find along the coastal regions of south-east Queensland.  

The Ipswich Nature Centre is South East Queensland’s only free zoo, it’s a popular destination for families and attracts about 250,000 visitors a year.It is home to a range of animals from dingos to spotted quolls and a bilby conservation program that was started by Save the Bilby Fund co-founder Frank Manthey.

“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.