Are you looking for a place to take the kids where they can burn off some energy and then indulge in morning tea?  Or an ideal spot to meet up with friends for a play date followed by lunch? Then check out these top spots in the Ipswich region.Ripley Splash and PlayGrab the kids’ swimmers and a towel for this one – Splash 'n' Play at Ripley has shallow streams and small fountains for the little kids to play in and water shooters and aqua arches for the older children.There’s also a playground with seesaws and swings, a giant twisty slide, climbing ropes and a flying fox.

Beat the summer heat and escape to someplace completely relaxing with a pool in the Ipswich region! Here are just a few of those on offer.Spicers Hidden ValeThe luxury escape Spicers Hidden Vale offers two beautiful pools at which to take a dip, linger with a holiday read or sip a cocktail as the sun goes down.One features in the foreground of that famous country vista offered from the verandah of the retreat’s hatted restaurant, Homage, while the other is tucked into a leafy pocket near the luxury cottages you can call home for your stay.

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.

An Ipswich summer day can be hot, hot, hot!  With temperatures rising well above 30 degrees on most summer days, knowing the best places in Ipswich to cool off is a must!  There are plenty of places to cool off on a hot Ipswich day, from zero depth water parks to massive lagoons, public swimming pools, and natural waterways.No doubt your family has their favourites which they visit regularly, but if you’re after some tips on where to cool off this summer, here’s a list of some of the best places to swim in Ipswich. Orion LagoonIn the peak of summer, families flock to the Orion Lagoon in their droves!  That’s because the Orion Lagoon is just awesome, offering something for everyone - and it’s completely free!  

Set on the stunning hills of the Tallegalla area, is the secluded and peaceful Tallavalley Farm B&B. Guests enjoy the entire charming four-bedroom house to themselves. Visitors have exclusive use of a full open kitchen, living room, laundry and deck. If you’re an animal person, you’re in luck! You’ll find cows, goats and chickens on the almost 50 acres of the working property.Tallavalley Farm is in a convenient location with the country towns of Marburg and Rosewood just a few minutes drive away. Brisbane city is only around 45 minutes away and the City of Ipswich is about a 20 minute drive.