Taking in breathtaking views from a height is one of life’s simple pleasures. There's something rejuvenating about pausing to breathe deeply while soaking in the landscape around you. In Ipswich, you don’t always need to lace up your hiking boots to enjoy the scenery. Here are seven of the best scenic spots in Ipswich that promise stunning vistas with and without the strenuous trek!Floating Images Hot Air Balloon FlightsFor an unforgettable perspective of Ipswich, nothing beats a hot air balloon flight with Floating Images. The early morning awakening is well worth the effort, as you'll be treated to awe-inspiring views of the heritage city and its stunning surroundings while gently floating above it all.With over three decades of ballooning experience, owner and Chief Pilot Graeme Day has been delighting locals and visitors alike for the past 25 years. You can rest assured that you're in expert hands.

Historian Jack Sim, who has long been researching ghost stories in Ipswich and Brisbane and hosts ghost tours of the Ipswich Cemetery and CBD has let us in on some of Ipswich’s most haunted places.Find out about the Ipswich Cemetery tours here.St Mary's ChurchOne of the most haunted places in Ipswich is St Mary's church, where a soul is believed to haunt the building.

As Spring rolls around every year, Jacaranda trees in the Heritage City and surrounding countryside start to bloom, adding a pop of colour to parks and reserves.Here are a few ways to experience the Ipswich Jacaranda season this year.Wander Timothy Molony ParkThe park is opposite St Mary's Church - a spectacular 1870s landmark which is one of the city's most photographed buildings - is fringed with Jacarandas blooming every Spring that eventually form a purple carpet on the grass below.

We can't deny that Ipswich can get hot.  So what do you do when it's sweltering and you need to cool off?  Head to one of these free water parks!Orion LagoonOrion Lagoon offers pools for all age groups with a toddler friendly 0.3m depth area up to 1.5m for proficient swimmers.  Checkout the fun squirting spouts and stepping-stones, barbeque areas and picnic tables.Robelle DomainKids will love the large tipping bucket in the zero depth water park at Robelle Domain.  There’s also jet sprays and spouts.  The water park is surrounded with shady picnic areas, boardwalks and playgrounds as well as land art pyramids and an early evening sound and light show.

EWE Nique Hobby Farm at Haigslea just west of Ipswich Central has become a favourite for young families and school classes over the past six years since opening. Now the hobby farm has added a new bevvy of creatures to the offering – including static displays of the prehistoric kind.​Large scale dinosaur sculptures have been embedded into a wonderland of huge-leafed plants and shimmering palms. The enclosed arena is also home to flying colourful budgies and finches, and covered ponds of goldfish.EWE Nique’s owners Penny and Farmer Dave wanted to create a peaceful nature-filled experience for young children.

Whether your children like to be creative or adventurous, here is our ultimate list of boredom-busting ideas perfect for school holidays or weekends!Walk or feed a llama​Grab your walking shoes and head to The Llama Farm in Pine Mountain to take one of the many eager llamas for a stroll along a purpose-built trail.The Llama Farm is one of a number of farm visit experiences unique to the Ipswich region, and is home to the largest herd of llamas in Queensland.