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.

My name is Ben Forbes, I’ve been racing for 21 years across 29 countries. I continue to race whilst coaching mountain biking to all levels and providing mountain bike hire to push my mission of making it a more accessible sport for all. If you like what you see and hear on this article and want to get involved but don’t have a bike, contact me on ForbesMTB.com.au.We are truly lucky here in Ipswich, and here’s why.Castle Hill is the BEST option for rainy daysWhen it Rains, it Drains. Due to the porous gravel and rock, the trails of Castle Hill hold up super well when it rains so your bike isn’t going to degrade as much as going to somewhere where the mud would get amongst your drivetrain, brakes, frame bearings and suspension.

The Ipswich Region is home to many wonderful farm experiences ideal for couples and families.A great example is The Llama Farm, which is only a 45 minute drive from Brisbane’s CBD. Visitors can enjoy guided tours where you can meet a menagerie of cuddly animals such as goats, miniature ponies, camels, bunnies and of course llamas! The farm boasts the biggest llama herd in Queensland and visitors can feed the animals and also lead a llama on a walk around the property. Visitors must book in advance.

Looking for an amazing stargazing experience? Ipswich is the place to be! With its dark night skies and expansive countryside, Ipswich is a prime location for star gazing. For an unforgettable night-sky experience, read on! GrandchesterSpicers Hidden Vale is one of the top stargazing destinations in Ipswich. Located just outside the town of Grandchester, this sprawling property features wide open fields with little to no light pollution, making it the perfect spot for a clear view of the stars. For the best results, you'll want to book in for the night and settle in for your own personal showing of the heavens.White Rock - Spring Mountain ReserveFor an equally immersive stargazing experience, another great option is to check out the Moon Rise Tour and City Lights night hike with Ipswich City Council. This unique tour offers exclusive access to the conservation estate after dark, for an entirely different point of view. If a decent hike, some wildlife and then some stars is your cup of tea, this one is the choice for you. 

Greater Springfield is a great location for a getaway, with world-class hiking, an award-winning golf course and fantastic dining on offer.There are also great pet-friendly activities, if you live close enough you could also make this into a day trip with your furry friend or book a pet-friendly Airbnb.Day 1, 7.00 amPack the car and head to the entrance of the White Rock–Spring Mountain Conservation Estate to enjoy a morning hiking up to the Main Ridge Lookout.  See the high rises of Brisbane City in the distance.

Kayaking, boating and fishing... What better way to make a splash this spring and summer than by dipping a toe in at some of the greatest waterways in South East Queensland?And what better place to do so than right here in Ipswich?  Central to both the Bremer and Brisbane River Systems, with a few river accessible parks to choose from, we've got exactly what you need...Colleges CrossingOf course, Colleges Crossing is the first place on the list.  It's an obvious choice if you want something a little bit more civilised to complement your rugged exploration into nature.