While Japan has cherry blossoms and the Netherlands have tulips, Ipswich has Jacaranda trees and there is no time more pretty than Spring in Ipswich, when the Jacaranda trees bloom and the landscape is dotted with splashes of purple.Native to South America, Jacaranda mimosifolia or as we commonly call them, Jacarandas, have made their home in Ipswich and each year put on a spectacular display from October through to November.During Spring parks, schools, backyards and footpaths bloom with purple but why not plan a visit to one of these locations for a truly magical display.

There’s lots to love about camping.  The freedom, fresh air, the faint smell of last night’s campfire, warm marshmallows, the outdoors, wildlife, stars and the chance to sit down and actually talk with your friends and family … the list is endless.Do you know what’s not to love about camping?  Setting up the tent. I can almost see you nodding in agreement. Arriving at your campsite to a tent that’s already set up sounds like bliss, right?Well, it is! 

With 12,000 acres of terrain, over 100km of trails and a whole heap of downhill fun to be had, Hidden Vale Adventure Park is the perfect place to run, explore, hike! Or, if you’re so inclined, throw yourself downhill on a mountain bike. “I guess the main attraction is being out in the open, fresh air and with your mates” Hayden Books, the park manager tells us. He’s spent the last 11 years perfecting the trails that cater to all levels of rider.

Just a stone’s throw out of Ipswich, there’s a patch of bush that’s got everything a good hike should have — an interesting trail, great views, wildlife and tall timbers.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.

Your teens might be too old to hang out with Thomas at the rail museum these days, but there are still plenty of things to keep them (and you) entertained in and around Ipswich.Brisbane Valley Rail TrailCycle Australia’s longest rail trail or just do a section or two and enjoy picturesque rural scenery and a warm welcome at friendly towns that are evenly spaced along the way. All you need is a mountain bike, plenty of water and your sense of adventure.  Find out more on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail here.Floating Images Hot Air Balloon FlightsIt takes something pretty special to get a teenager out of bed before sunrise, but soaring over Ipswich in a Floating Images hot air balloon is definitely worth it. From the distant high rise of Brisbane’s CBD to a mob of kangaroos bouncing through the bush, it is amazing how much you can see from the air.

Although there is plenty to do around the city of Ipswich itself, it's when you road trip out to its small rural towns that you really start making memories with your family.Only 50 minutes from Brisbane or 25 minutes from Ipswich's CBD, the small town of Marburg is the ultimate in family-friendly activities and relaxation.Enjoy a picnic in a Bell Tent at Soul NookSoul Nook is located on The Old Church Grounds in Marburg and it’s absolutely divine.

Looking to explore the foodie scene beyond Brisbane? Feast your eyes upon these Ipswich restaurants that are worth the drive…From burgers to fine dining, coffee to cocktails there is a variety of dining options just a short drive from Brisbane, for some it’s a 20-minute drive, up the motorway.You can also start – or end – your visit with something crisp and cold at Stony Creek Brewing – which incidentally offers its own pub menu of crowd pleasers.

So you want to go fishing? Don't want to hit the road for an hour or more and then fight the crowds for a spot then battle traffic on the way home? Well you don't! Ipswich has some great spots to fish and most of them are right around the corner.Colleges CrossingA very popular spot for all types of activities, including fishing! You will get a very mixed bag of species in this part of the river and common catches are bream, flathead, garfish, mullet and the odd Australian bass if you're lucky enough. Colleges Crossing is perfect for a relaxed fish off the bank or there's a boat ramp for the kayak fisherman to launch from to head either up or downsteam.Tips: Use light line and light sinkers for targeting bream with prawns or mullet baits or alternatively lightly weighted soft plastics with a slow subtle retrieve. Please be aware bullsharks and stonefish are in this part of the river.

Just in time for the school holidays Ivorys Rock has opened a new campground, probably the first in 20 years in Queensland.From June 27 up to 200 sites will be available for people to stay and from then on guests will be welcome Thursday to Sundays year round.The 600 hectare property backs onto Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate including Flinders Peak and the Ipswich-Boonah Trail.

Visiting the Great Houses of Ipswich, is an invitation to step inside, experience and appreciate the magnificent heritage homes of Ipswich.This was my second year enjoying the Great Houses of Ipswich, an event held twice a year in partnership with the National Trust of Australia, and I was looking forward to joining the bus tour conducted by the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre.The houses open for viewing were Collingwood, The Duce House and Woodlands of Marburg.