If you’re looking for a place where you can hike and birdwatch, Ipswich is the place for you, there are more than 277 recorded bird species on record in Ipswich.Colleges Crossing Recreation ReserveSet on the banks of the Brisbane River, Colleges Crossing, is a great spot for a walk and some birdwatching. Look out for pelicans, great egrets, royal spoonbills, black kites and many more species. There’s also a lake for fishing and kayaking, bike and scooter paths and walking tracks. Bring a picnic as there’s BBQ facilities and sheltered tables. Brisbane Valley Rail TrailThe BVRT is the longest rail trail in Australia, at 161km it follows a disused Brisbane Valley rail link that connects Wulkuraka to Yarraman. The Ipswich section is 22km long from Brassall to Fernvale. It winds its way through rural settings and country towns and is perfect for fun family adventures.  Along the BVRT there have been more than 40 recorded species of birds including Australian Wood Ducks, Rainbow Lorikeets, Eastern Yellow Robins and Magpie-larks.

The leading accommodation in Ipswich is Cumquat House, with an exceptional 5/5 rating by guests on TripAdvisor. In this interview, founders Marie and Peter explain the significance of the property’s architecture and heritage, its recent renovations and the special welcome offered to Ipswich visitors.Q: What inspired you to buy Cumquat House? Did you intend to run it as a B&B?A: We were looking for a business opportunity in relation to the UQ university, which was due to open. Always having a love for heritage buildings we came across Cumquat, although it was severely damaged by storm and some parts were unoccupied for 18 months. To us, it was a blank canvas waiting for us to restore it. In 1998 we initially offered student accommodation and limited B&B. In 2016 we closed the student accommodation and refurbished again into full-time B&B.

Nestled inside the beautiful Queen’s Park is the jewel in Ipswich’s crown – The Ipswich Nature Centre.Home to some of the city’s cutest and fluffiest residents, the Ipswich Nature Centre is a safe haven for a wide range of Australian wildlife.As animal lovers make their way through the lush landscape gardens and exhibits, they can’t help but say “aww” when they see the cuddly wombat, or watch the pair of energetic dingoes that love to play and climb together.

Café Kalina at the newly emerging residential estate Kalina Springfield is winning fans for a hearty breakfast menu, Nutella Lattes and for being one of the region’s most dog-friendly cafes.Pupstars visiting this coffee spot, like Zeus, pictured, can enjoy puppycinos and specially sourced dog treats that come in three flavours; peanut butter, beetroot and turmeric.The café, on Kingfisher St, Springfield, sits next to Panorama Park with an adventure playground so the kids will be happy too as Mum and Dad stretch out on the deck with the paper and a coffee. For humans, the Nutella Latte puts a smile every caffeine feind's face.   

Watercress Olive and Lime Farm is located at Pine Mountain, where visitors can pick up fresh olives, limes and gourmet products from their tiny farm gate shop or a ready-made picnic pack to enjoy in the scenic grounds.Owner Bernie is a fourth generation farmer on the 7.5ha property, which was purchased by his family back in 1890. The farm was originally a dairy farm, with some small crops, until Bernie first planted the olive trees back in 1998.Today Watercress Farm has some 1100 olive trees producing manzanilla, arbequina, kalamata, jumbo kalamata and frantoio olives while the Tahitian lime orchard has some 600 trees. Farmer Bernie sells his produce direct to clubs in Brisbane and through his farm gate.  

From rural settings to historic brick backdrops and lush garden scapes, Ipswich ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to planning a wedding.  Read on to discover some of the region's best locations to say "I do" and have a party afterwards!Woodlands of MarburgThe rustic charm of an old bohemian styled mansion is hard to beat. The 1890 built plantation style mansion has exquisite cedar lined walls, high ceilings and ornate marble fire places, allowing you the chance to step into another time and a day you'll never forget.A great place for a ceremony is the iconic lone fig tree on the hill. It’s one of the most instagrammed trees in South East Queensland.  Woodlands of Marburg has many venue options but Fig Tree Hill Vineyard is an amazing space that overlooks the vineyard and surrounding Marburg valley.