When I first visited Ipswich eight years ago, what stood out to me the most was the old buildings rich in history, the beautifully renovated Queenslanders and the views of the mountains. Over the past eight years I’ve witnessed the development and growth the Ipswich region has undergone to create a beautiful little city that so many are proud to call home.So, when I was asked by the Ipswich City Council to capture Ipswich through my eye as a photographer you can imagine my excitement at capturing some of my favourite spots. As a family, lifestyle and wedding photographer, this really got me out of my comfort zone, which I loved!My first stop was the Queens Park glass house at around 11am on a sunny day.  I absolutely fell in love with the way the glass house lights up with misty windows from the front. Surrounded by a meticulously manicured garden, it’s a photographers dream. I can't help but picture some cute family photos have been captured here.

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.

Although there is plenty to do around the city of Ipswich itself, it's when you road trip out to its small rural towns that you really start making memories with your family.Only 50 minutes from Brisbane or 25 minutes from Ipswich's CBD, the small town of Marburg is the ultimate in family-friendly activities and relaxation.Enjoy a picnic in a Bell Tent at The Soul Nook CollectiveThe Soul Nook Collective is located on The Old Church Grounds in Marburg and it’s absolutely divine.

I’m guilty of complacency. As Saturday rolls around I’m happy staying at home, reading the weekend newspapers and catching up on a few TV shows. Get out in the garden if the sun is shining.But staying home means I’m missing out on exploring fabulous sections of south east Queensland. And because everything is so accessible and within easy reach - making a day trip a pleasant experience - there really should be no excuses for not getting out.  So, when the offer was extended by the City of Ipswich to explore more of Marburg, a small country community, a 50 minute drive south-west of Brisbane, I jumped from my couch and left my home-bound attitude behind.Where is Marburg?

There’s lots to love about tiny towns, and right on our doorstep is one of the best: Marburg.Recognised as one of Queensland’s Top Tiny Tourism Towns in 2022, Marburg, halfway between Ipswich and Toowoomba, is in many ways a microcosm of our history.Quintessentially Australian, its history tells a story of indigenous people who have lived on the land for thousands of years, of new settlers and adventurers with new ideas who were willing to put in backbreaking work to achieve their goals, of heartbreak and disappointment, and of community sticking together.