Looking for hidden gems near Brisbane? Just 30 minutes from Brisbane CBD, Springfield in Ipswich City is filled with unexpected experiences, from championship-standard sporting events and scenic hiking trails to lakeside dining, mini golf, waterfalls and stunning sunset views. Whether you're planning a day trip from Brisbane or exploring more of the Ipswich region, Springfield offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, family fun, great food and local entertainment.Start with Mini Golf at BrookwaterKick off your Springfield adventure with a round of mini golf at Brookwater Golf & Country Club. Surrounded by beautiful fairways and natural landscapes, this hidden gem offers fun for all ages and is a great way to start the day with a little friendly competition.Photo: Brookwater Golf & Country Club Facebook

Before you head to Ipswich for an event, check out these 20 reasons why you should stay a little bit longer and explore Ipswich while you’re here.If you're looking for accommodation check our stay page.Soar high on a hot air balloon flightFloating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights offer a scenic one-hour journey over farmland and country landscapes.  Your blissful morning ends with breakfast at a popular local café.  Flights run most days but are weather dependent.

Whether you're looking for a spot to lay out your own spread, or want someone to do all the work for you, you'll find your way to picnic heaven with this list. Soul NookGrab your closest friends and book a luxury bell tent picnic at the Old Church grounds in Marburg.  Soul Nook take care of everything, the styling, the food, the bubbles and even the music with solo artists able to be booked to serenade you for the afternoon.  Just about any type of occasion is catered for, including hens parties and intimate date night settings.

Say “I do” this valentine’s day in some of the most romantic wedding locations in Ipswich. Whether you are looking for a traditional chapel ceremony or tranquil garden wedding, the city of Ipswich has so much to offer the romantic at heart.Queens Park Bush ChapelEntering through a gorgeous poinciana lined one-way street, Queens Park Bush Chapel provides a beautiful leafy location to say “I do”. The open-air chapel accommodates up to 120 guests and is a beautiful and peaceful setting, located right in the heart of Ipswich CBD.The poinciana lined street is a magnificent location for photos when in bloom late from November to February, providing a brilliant pop of red to your wedding portraits. Once finished at the bush chapel, head to The Glasshouse for endless photo opportunities.

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.

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 Soul Nook will tick all the boxes.Indulge in a packed and styled picnic with your love.

Start planning your weekends with these great walks in Ipswich.  From mountains to hike to lush gardens and reserves you'll find some nature here...Colleges CrossingColleges Crossing is a great place to take the family for a walk.  Check out the lake for fishing and kayaking.And there’s bike and scooter paths, walking tracks, a playground and sheltered tables.

If you’ve never explored the city, you’re in for a treat. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of photo spots in Ipswich to take some Instagram-worthy snaps! Here are 10 of our favourites (this week!) from some incredibly talented photographers.Queensland Museum Rail WorkshopIpswich gets some exceptional sunrises and sunsets. This one was taken through a fence behind Queensland Museum Rail Workshops in North Ipswich by @getoutandwalk.WillowbankSpeaking of sunrises, this phenomenal snap above was an early morning labour of love from Ian Barnes out at Willowbank.There’s plenty of air force action and wildlife snaps to get around the city, @nicksteelephoto captured both simultaneously at Willowbank.

Ipswich has an abundant number of walking trails, many of which are great tracks for both casual walkers and those with more experience who want more of a challenge. This isn’t supposed to be a comprehensive list by any means but provides a selection of some of my favourite walks. I have focused on two areas of Ipswich hiking that provide exciting views, rocky features, and flora and fauna.Ipswich hiking in Flinders-Goolman Conservation EstateThere are two main starting points depending on which walk you plan on doing. Both parking areas come off signed left hand turns from Ipswich-Boonah Road when travelling towards Boonah. Both have BBQ and picnic areas and are family-friendly: Hardings Paddock Picnic Area (15km from Ipswich CBD)– Part of this may follow a dirt road, but the parking is ample and access is not difficult with a conventional car.Flinders Plum Picnic area (25 km from Ipswich CBD) - To get there, you will need to drive several kms of unsealed road to the Flinders Plum Picnic area and there may be a small water crossing if it has recently had heavy rain, although most conventional vehicles will make it without much trouble.

Ipswich is home to some of the best kid's parks in South East Queensland. Parks in Ipswich include water parks, modern playground equipment, skate parks, fitness circuits, sports fields, Australian wildlife and much more.These parks offer some of the best free things to do in Ipswich. Here is a list of 10 of the best parks right across the entire Ipswich region.10. Robelle DomainRobelle Domain is arguably one of the best parks in the entire Ipswich Region. These parklands are spread out over 24 hectares. They contain everything from a water park, cafes, cycling tracks, walking tracks, playgrounds and a swimming lagoon. The water park includes a zero depth play area with 700 litre tipping bucket and jet sprays.