There’s a special feeling when you step on board a heritage steam train. The puffs of smoke, noisy engine and swaying carriages are an incredible way to experience a bygone era.

Country Ipswich offers many fabulous farms and rural experiences for families to explore - some where you can even stay the night, like TallaValley Farm.Tallavalley Farm B&B is one such place – a working 50-acre farm that allows visitors to bring their dog and even their horse.David and Jo Baker have been delighted by the response to their farmstay since launching it in early 2019 and have already hosted visitors from around Australia.

I have curated the perfect Ipswich street art day trip for you which starts with catching the train.That’s right leave the car behind and jump on an Ipswich train which will take you straight to the hub of Ipswich street art. Nothing better than catching the train as you can relax, admire the scenery and not worry about where to park or the traffic situation.Hop off the train at Ipswich central and once you’re out of the station make your way to Rafter & Rose, situated on Ellenborough Street, and grab a take away coffee to enjoy while on your street art adventure. Ok let’s get started …

The Century Batteries Ipswich SuperSprint returns to Ipswich again this August, at Queensland Raceway. It’s set to offer the most accessible trackside experience on the Ipswich calendar, promising a weekend packed full of action and experiences far beyond the track itself.Here are six reasons that are sure to have you sprinting for tickets, find out why the Ipswich SuperSprint is so much more than just a race.Feel the buzzEven the crowd close-ups you see on TV can’t capture the buzzing atmosphere you feel on-the-ground at the SuperSprint. Get wrapped up in the atmosphere with people from all walks of life, as you witness the thrills of motor racing and celebrate being a part of a major Queensland sporting event - all less than an hour from Brisbane’s CBD.

The Ipswich Nature Centre is South East Queensland’s only free zoo, it’s a popular destination for families and attracts about 250,000 visitors a year.It is home to a range of animals from dingos to spotted quolls and a bilby conservation program that was started by Save the Bilby Fund co-founder Frank Manthey.

Among the eclectic range of businesses that call the Old Flour Mill home is one called The Soul Cauldron.People travel from far and wide to explore the shelves of quite magical stock here – but what’s it all about?Original owners, Paul Knox and his wife Marina opened Soul Cauldron for people wanting to explore the world of spirituality.

What is Powercruise we hear you say?  Powercruise has been around for over a decade, giving car enthusiasts a safe place to get their inner speed demon out of their body and onto the track. From the moment you walk through the gates, it sounds and smells like excitement. You can close your eyes and hear cars racing on the track, smell cars doing burnouts and you just know it is going to be an action packed day!Powercruise has it all, from cruising the Queensland Raceway track alongside other like-minded fans to powerskids, burnouts, drifting, a show and shine and more.

With inbuilt trampolines, an inclusive merry-go-round, custom parkour inspired obstacle course, and swings – all surrounding a mammoth three-story climbing tower and giant slide – kids of all ages will be bouncing, swinging and climbing to their hearts content on the new Orion Springfield Central Playground which is now open!Orion Springfield Central Manager, Melissa Crittenden, is over-the-moon to deliver this transformational project.“The centrepiece of this innovative play space is the custom built 11 metre tower. The slide from the top of the tower rewards little adventurers, while the 16-metre walkway offers children a new elevated vantage point to engage with the space around them.”

The Workshops Rail Museum has a new permanent attraction and kids are loving it.Tucked away in the right hand corner of the museum there’s now 20 interactive exhibits for big kids and little kids alike in the new Sciencentre.There’s fly wheels, a fluid coupler, sparks and air blasts to help you learn the science behind train travel, challenge your friends and solve puzzles.

Your destination? Flinders Goolman Conservation Estate, a veritable theme-park for hikers, with 10 walking trails and three summits encompassing 2,200 hectares of extensive forests, countryside and volcanic peaks.Grab your backpack, fill your water flask and get ready to conquer Mt Goolman, Mt Blaine and Flinders Peak with this guide.1. For lookout wanderers – Mt Goolman LookoutIf you’re still building up to the Mt Goolman summit, you can still settle for getting a good glimpse of it, taking the Mt Goolman Lookout track.