You don’t have to travel far to find premium experiences in Ipswich. From sunrise camel rides to hot air balloon adventures to retreats steeped in history, luxury and intrigue, there’s plenty to sample from the city’s top shelf. Spicers Hidden ValeSpicers Hidden Vale is a luxury retreat nestled into 12,000 acres of bushland in Grandchester.With only a small number of restored Queenslander style cottages dating back to the 1800s, the location spells privacy and seclusion.
Planning a long weekend or a mid-week mini-break in the Swich? We’ve done the hard yards to bring you some of the best coffee, brunch, lunch and dinner options so you can plan ahead for the ultimate foodie escape!There are a few things that make this region a unique dining destination…close proximity to the freshest bounty from some of Queensland’s most fertile farming regions, restaurants in century-old buildings (most of them in fact) and chefs determined to find a point of difference in this country-meets-city destination on Brisbane’s doorstep.But first… coffee!Fourthchild, 215 Brisbane St. Loved for its hearty home-cooked fare and eye-popping cakes cabinet, this cafe/restaurant/bar has various indoor and outdoor areas in one of the city’s grand old pubs.
As Dr Andrew Tribe held out a stumpy tailed lizard, he asked the kids if they would like to hold it. My five-year-old daughter, who is clearly not a reptile fan, slowly shrank backwards to ensure that I was between her and the odd-looking lizard. My seven-year-old son simply said, ‘’Yes please!’’ and held his hands out. Dr Tribe, who runs the wildlife research centre at Spicers Hidden Vale, promptly plonked the armoured lizard into his hands and continued on with some fascinating facts.‘’Do you want to hold it mum?’’ he whispered.‘’Errr, no thanks,’’ I whispered back. To be honest, I could barely tell which end was its head and which was its tail.
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.
Set in 12,000 acres of natural bushland, Spicers Hidden Vale at Grandchester is the definition of country comfort. This sprawling retreat is just an hour from the big city, perfect for a luxurious weekend or mid-week getaway.
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.
