There's just something so restorative about staying in nature.  Whether you want to rough it a little by camping or you'd prefer the comforts of four walls and a bathroom - here's the spots to get on your to stay list.Ivory’s Rock Here you'll be immersed in nature with wallabies and koalas to spot.  The campsites have mountain views and private bathrooms, there's powered and unpowered sites, WiFi, bunkhouses and a rent-a-tent service where the staff will set up your tent and beds before you arrive.  Ivory's Rock is suitable for caravanning and camping, is open for weekenders and has extended times during the school holidays.Hardings PaddockFor a more rustic experience book into Hardings Paddock right at the foot of the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate.  The campground is great for bird-watching, hiking, mountain biking and horse riding (BYO horse and bike).  You will need to bring your own camp shower and drinking water but there are camp loos and shower cubicles available, as well as a large firepit. 

Spending a few hours riding your bike is a great way to not only get some exercise in the great outdoors, but it’s also a fun activity you can do with friends and family.Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced rider, Ipswich has plenty of pathways and trails to suit people of all ages.  So go explore Ipswich today!Brassall BikewayThe Brassall Bikeway is a popular route for families and cyclists as it links North Ipswich, Brassall, Wulkuraka and the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

The Winternationals will run in June. Racing this year is top fuel, funny cars, pro alcohol, pro slammer, pro stock, top bike, pro stock bike and IHRA pro mod and many more classes.Entry for kids 13 and under is free if you book online (however there is a $2 processing fee) and you can also bring food and drinks in just no glass or alcohol.Read on to discover five reasons why you should book a ticket this year!

Ipswich is home to a lot of great experiences and attractions.  We've got a motorsport precinct which hosts the largest drag racing event outside of North America and the biggest international country music event in the country, as well as a top hot air ballooning business, award-winning cafes and restaurants and world-class parks and conservation estates, great to walk off those tasty goodies.But did you know that there are quite a few products made right here in Ipswich? Chilli Willies Pepper SaucesA family-owned business established in 1999, Chilli Willies designs delightful sauces from their mildest “friendly” style sauce right through to a “set your tail on fire” specialty. Spice up your kitchen with their variety of flavours such as Habanero Spontaneous Combustion, Mango ‘n’ Ginger Hot Bot, Blurter Hurter and Caribbean Pine ‘N’ Coconut.

As the temperature drops there's nothing better than sitting by a cosy fire, wine or beer in hand or enjoying a delicious meal.  Here's a few places in Ipswich where you can stay warm and cosy watching the flames this winter.Spicers Hidden ValeThe re-built Homage Restaurant design includes a double sided fire place.  There's comfy lounges where you can sit and enjoy the warmth of the fire with a drink and nearby tables overlook the fireplace.  There's also a fire pit outside to help up the ambiance.The Cottage RestaurantAt Cottage Restaurant there are two fireplaces.  The restaurant is a converted heritage home and the warmth travels throughout the rooms.  They also have a fantastic seasonal menu to try out in winter.

Knock off work early on a Friday, pack a bag and head to the heritage city for a weekend of fun, contemporary tastes and historical delights. Day 1 Friday night4.00 pm: Start your weekend with tapas and cocktails at The Rusty Nail Bar. Try their drink of the week and small bites including pork belly, arancini and more.6.00 pm: Stop in for dinner at Bakehouse Steakhouse, next door to your accommodation for the night. You’ll love the chic vibe at this award-winning restaurant, set inside a historic building that was originally a bakery. You can finish your cocktail crawl here too.

For those with sensory sensitivities try these gentler experience next time you're in town...Queensland Museum Rail WorkshopsQueensland Museum Rail Workshops is a Best of Queensland recognised tourism experience that offers sensory days during the holidays.  During these sessions less tickets are sold and lights and sounds are lowered allowing access to events like Day out with Thomas to those that need a gentler experience.  Noise cancelling headphones and sensory kits are available for every visit though. Ipswich Nature CentreTake a walk through the Ipswich Nature Centre, in the morning, during the week to enjoy the nature refuge in the middle of Queens Park.  After you can head to the children’s playground which includes a liberty swing. 

Did you know Ipswich has its own award-winning boutique craft distillery? Well, you do now!Imbibis Craft Distillery, located in Bundamba, is a small business success story worth celebrating with a tasting room and cellar door worth visiting, and a range of spirits most definitely worth sampling.Founded by award-winning winemaker Jason Hannay and his wife, Maree, Imbibis prides itself on using only premium Australian ingredients in its small, bespoke gin batches, including bottle brush, lemon myrtle, native pepper berry, and anise myrtle, with many ingredients grown in the Hannay’s very own backyard.

Pubs! The foundation every Queensland city in the late 1800s was built upon. If you’re looking to experience Ipswich’s own historical flavour but not sure where to start, why not check out some of our heritage pubs for a classic pub feed and some frothies! Sit back and enjoy the atmosphere in one of these historical gems.The Prince Alfred HotelIf you’re looking for something for everyone, look no further! The Prince Alfred Hotel has a wide range of options on the menu for adults and the offspring as well as the eye-catching drinks menu. Get in where the food is hot, and the drinks are cold!  The hotel was originally built in 1842 and in 1961 it was destroyed by fire.  It was rebuilt and reopened in 1963, and the original cold room from 1842 survived and still stands today.Stony Creek BrewingSituated in a 100-year-old building near what was once Ipswich’s first well, Stony Creek Brewing is certainly THE place to visit for top quality, locally brewed beer. The menu offers everything from finger food to share plates and everything in between! The building is located in the old Ipswich Technical College at 88 Limestone Street.

Wind your way along country roads to discover Spicers Hidden Vale, an escape just an hour’s drive from Brisbane combining the style and comfort of a luxury retreat with the warmth of country welcomes. Here you can discover a genuine regional adventure that combines a breath of fresh air with luxury, garden to plate dining and a generous range of nature-based activities.You can experience the bush at its best in understated luxury, with space to relax.  Space to listen, to laugh, to embark on an adventure among the abundant wildlife on the 12,000 acres of Australian bush.And here's a few ways to get the best out of your weekend...