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.

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?

Take a step back in time and have a peek at our prehistoric past with these sites around Ipswich... Denmark HillFossils were first discovered at the Denmark Hill Conservation Area as early as the 1890s.   In the 1920s eight tonnes of material was sent by train to the University of Queensland and thousands of fossils were uncovered dating right back to the Triassic Age more than 200 million years ago.Follow the Triassic Circuit, a 200-metre walking track, kids will enjoy this circuit, there are barbeques, a playground, toilets, picnic settings and sealed walking paths through the park.

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.

Keeping the family entertained on a budget isn’t always the easiest thing to do, but there are lots of public areas that might just be as much fun as the paid options!The Ipswich region has a wonderful and varied array of options that are completely free!Just remember to pack a picnic, plan your day and you’ll be in for a treat without breaking the bank! And for added fun, combine a few of of these attractions into one day and you and your family will be sure to come away fully content!

When it gets hots this summer, head to the city of Ipswich, just 30 minutes from Brisbane. That’s because the local city council has opened a big selection of FREE water parks that are suitable for families and great for kids of all ages, even little toddlers.Bob Gamble Park is in the River Heart Parklands has a zero-depth water pool for the kids and plenty of other activities like flying foxes, slides, a discovery forest and much more.