Ipswich has some of the most incredible but underrated walking trails in Queensland that both casual and experienced walkers. Only less than an hour’s drive from Brisbane CBD, Ipswich walks are family-friendly and well-suited for prams and wheelchairs.
Time to put on your most comfortable shoes and check out these best sites to visit:
Springfield Lakes Promenade
The Promenade is an easy stretch that features a section of the Springfield Lakes. It starts off on Springfield Lakes Blvd and down to the Waterside Reserve.
Public artworks of metal crocodiles and other designs are scattered all around the walking paths so it makes for a nice and interesting walk with the little ones. There’s a barbecue area and a fenced playground at the Promenade Park and it’s a lovely place to rest or cap off a Sunday afternoon romp with family.
Nerima Gardens
Within the eastern section of Queens Park is a Japanese garden, an ideal place to find your zen and solace. Nerima Gardens has a few winding paths surrounded by native Australian plants and fir trees, some Japanese-styled bridges across calming ponds, and a verandah overlooking a lake filled with ornate flowers and greens.
If walking helps you think, this is where to go to get those creative juices flowing. This garden is well-maintained and has benches all around if you’d like to just sit, relax, breathe fresh air and relish in Mother Nature’s beauty.
Denmark Hill Conservation Park
Set at the heart of the city, this Ipswich walk delivers the best views from the west. The old quarry in this area has been closed since 1952, leaving an abundance of natural places to explore for day-trippers, pet owners, birdwatchers and families or groups.
Pick from three different walking tracks — the Waterfall track (200m), the Circuit track (800m) and the Water Tower track (800m). The old water reservoir towers now serve as a climbing spot for visitors to view the best landmarks of Ipswich.
Denmark Hill Conservation Park is also home to the Triassic park, where dinosaur footprints on preserved sandstones are found.
Kholo Botanic Gardens
A short drive north of Ipswich city is this gorgeous nature reserve that may be the best place to reset, rejuvenate and recover a peaceful mental state. If you need a break from your hectic life, reconnecting with nature at the Kholo Botanic Gardens should be the fix.
The Kholo Botanic Gardens is a paradise of flora and fauna amidst a spacious green open space. This subtropical bushland offers heaps of walking paths, varying from 400m to 800m.
There’s a bit of history here, too, with the restored and preserved structure of the Redbank Uniting Church from 1904. This is actually a favourite spot for small weddings.
The botanic gardens provide public toilets, drinking water stations, BBQ and picnic areas.
Ipswich Heritage Trail
If you have a full day to spare, reconnect and rediscover the city and join the Ipswich walk through the heritage trail. The “Then and Now” series come highly recommended for both kids and adults who want to learn more about the people, places and events that shaped Ipswich.
You’d surprised at how much fun, educational, and physically rejuvenating the heritage trail walk can be. Secure the maps at the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre at Queens Park if you’d like to set your trail at your own pace.
