Discover Ipswich Magazine 2021

ADVENTURE

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Where to go HIKING A BIRD WATCHING If you’re looking for a place where you can hike and birdwatch, S # D I S C O

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Ipswich is the place for you, there are more than 277 recorded bird species on record in Ipswich.

This shy ground-feeder is especially vulnerable to the presence of dogs. You’ll also find spotted pardalotes and rainbow bee-eaters, 138 species have been found here. Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate from 12 reviews The conservation estate supports extensive forests, rugged volcanic peaks and slopes including Flinders Peak, Mt Blaine, Mt Catherine and Mt Goolman. A range of recreational activities are on offer including bird-watching, hiking, mountain biking and horse riding (BYO bike or horse). River Heart Parklands from 24 reviews Enjoy wheelchair and pram-friendly riverside boardwalks that lead through to Bob Gamble Park. Stroll through a mini rainforest, past a cascading waterfall and sculpture pond. Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve Once you descend the walking tracks amid huge native trees, you completely forget you're in the city. It's a popular place for bird watchers, 54 different recorded species were found here including Australian king parrots, rainbow lorikeets and pale-headed rosellas. Walk to the picnic area where you venture into Triassic

Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve from 71 reviews Set on the banks of the Brisbane River, this is a great spot for a walk. Look out for pelicans, great egrets, royal spoonbills, black kites and many more. There’s also a lake for fishing and kayaking. Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) from 63 reviews The BVRT follows a disused rail link that connects Wulkuraka to Yarraman. The Ipswich section is 22km long from Brassall to Fernvale. It winds its way through rural settings and country towns and is perfect for fun family adventures. Along the BVRT there have been more than 40 recorded species of birds including Australian wood ducks, rainbow lorikeets, eastern yellow robins and more. White Rock-Spring Mountain from 13 reviews Visitors can enjoy hiking, bird-watching, horse riding (BYO horse), mountain bike riding and nature study. For the bushwalker, there’s everything from a leisurely 200 metre walk to the more challenging 19 kilometre round trip. Look for the uncommon Spotted Quail-thrush searching the leaf litter for insects and seeds.

Park, with dinosaur footprints and fossil displays. Purga Nature Reserve For a unique nature walk try Purga Nature Reserve. It has the E n v i r o C o m p e n t r y : R a i n

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largest remnant of swamp tea tree protected in Australia, and there are short, self-guided walks. With native herbs, wildflowers and ground covers in place, it’s an inviting habitat for birds. Keep your eyes peeled for eastern grey kangaroos, koalas and echidnas. Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve From culture-rich mining heritage to adrenalin-fuelled downhill mountain biking, Castle Hill is a unique place. Take a walk along the Lewis Thomas Historical Trail, open mine tunnels, hand-dug mine shafts and relics of a three storey Castle which once towered over Blackstone. See more Discoveripswich.com.au/greatwalks ■