Ipswich has several Conservation Estates and Bushland Reserves run by the local council that are part of the Trails of Ipswich walks.
White Rock - Spring Mountain Conservation Estate
Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate
Denmark Hill Conservation Park
Purga Nature Reserve
Haigh Street Quarry Bushalnd Reserve
A picturesque retreat into nature seven kilometres from the Ipswich Central Business District is the peaceful Kholo Gardens at Pine Mountain. It’s an unexpected delight to explore with its lush gardens, crystal clear lily pond, bush walks and open spaces. Giant Kauri trees and Hoop Pines planted by early settlers, rare birds and plants, and the nearby Brisbane River all make this a special place to spend some time. It’s also a sacred site for the indigenous Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul People.
At this subtropical haven, you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the 400 metre walk through Tree Fern Lane under a natural rainforest canopy. The more energetic can try the steeper 800 metre Coal Creek Walk – aptly named seeing as the earliest recordings of coal in the area were made here in 1825.
Formerly the site of a water pumping station, Kholo Gardens has an historic well onsite as well as a charming little old church, relocated here in 1990 from Redbank. With that and a stunningly restored Queenslander nearby, you can see why this is a popular venue for weddings and other functions. There are also barbecues, picnic tables and public toilets.
The Purga Nature Reserve allows visitors to view the largest
protected area of endangered Swamp Tea Tree forest in
Ipswich. These self-guided walks provide visitors a unique
opportunity to explore vegetation and watch wildlife while
only 15 minutes from Ipswich Central.
The Purga Nature Reserve allows visitors to view the largest
protected area of endangered Swamp Tea Tree forest in
Ipswich. These self-guided walks provide visitors a unique
opportunity to explore vegetation and watch wildlife while
only 15 minutes from Ipswich Central.
Denmark Hill Conservation Park is within walking distance of
Ipswich Central. The main entry and parking areas are located
opposite the corner of Deebing and Clay Streets, just south
of the city centre.
Walking tracks lead to the water tower and provide 360° views
of Ipswich City and on a clear day, all the way to Brisbane.
Triassic Park, located within the park boundaries, provides
visitors with an opportunity to explore the many fossils that
were once found in the area.
Denmark Hill Conservation Park is within walking distance of Ipswich Central. The main entry and parking areas are located opposite the corner of Deebing and Clay Streets, just south of the city centre.
Walking tracks lead to the water tower and provide 360° views of Ipswich City and on a clear day, all the way to Brisbane. Triassic Park, located within the park boundaries, provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the many fossils that were once found in the area.
Denmark Hill Conservation Park is within walking distance of
Ipswich Central. The main entry and parking areas are located
opposite the corner of Deebing and Clay Streets, just south
of the city centre.
Walking tracks lead to the water tower and provide 360° views
of Ipswich City and on a clear day, all the way to Brisbane.
Triassic Park, located within the park boundaries, provides
visitors with an opportunity to explore the many fossils that
were once found in the area.
Denmark Hill Conservation Park is within walking distance of Ipswich Central. The main entry and parking areas are located opposite the corner of Deebing and Clay Streets, just south of the city centre. Walking tracks lead to the water tower and provide 360° views of Ipswich City and on a clear day, all the way to Brisbane. Triassic Park, located within the park boundaries, provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the many fossils that were once found in the area.
This trail forms the backbone of all trails in the Conservation Estate, and connects the two picnic areas. It caters for hiking, horse riding and recreational touring (mountain bike riding). At 38 km return, this trail becomes challenging. Experienced walkers would need to start early in the morning to complete a return trip, requiring at least a 10 to 14 hour day. Note that the conservation estate is open between the hours of 6am and 6pm. Alternatively, a 19km one way walk could be considered for those who can organise travel/accommodation arrangements at the other end. Rugged mountain scenery, views to the coast from Mt Flinders, creek crossings and diverse landscapes such as dry rainforest and heath will reward you.
Entry to this walk is from Harding's Paddock Picnic Area - Encompassing the Picnic and Bush Tucker areas, this trail is flat and easily accessible for all levels of fitness. Along the trail learn about various bushtucker plants through interpretive signage from both an Indigenous and European perspective.
Walk takes approx 5-10mins