Discover Ipswich Magazine 2022

COUNTRY

escapes Secret

please Pitch 1. Ivory’s Rock Immersed in nature with wallabies hopping around and koalas to spot, along with private bathrooms, Ivory’s Rock ticks a lot of boxes. Add in mountain views, powered sites, Wi-Fi, bunkhouses and a rent-a-tent service where staff will set up your tent and beds, and you’ve got a great location for all levels of camping. The park is suitable for caravanning and camping and open weekends with extended times during the school holidays. ,

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Uncertainties and mayhem over the past couple of years have emphasised more than ever the benefits of getting away from it all and reconnecting with nature. Here are three places to do exactly that – escape from the city and soak up some serenity surrounded by nature. Switch off your screens but maybe bring a camera for those roos and kookaburras at cocktail hour as the sun goes down. 1. Pocket Retreats offer charming bespoke accommodation in two cottages on a working cattle property that feels far from the traffic and pace of modern life. Take in starry skies at night and by day explore this expansive ‘pocket’ with exclusive secluded access to a glass-topped expanse of the Upper Brisbane River. You’ll honestly feel a million miles from it all, yet this special spot is just over an hour from Brisbane.

2. Keira Farm is the place to be if you really want to immerse yourself in nature – in an outdoor tub with views through to Flinders Peak. The famous outdoor bathroom is part of your experience when you opt for the Keira Billy cottage – a fully equipped affair complete with a large fire pit for evenings under the stars. And in case you’re wondering – there’s an indoor bathroom too. There’s also camping, glamping and pre-pitched options if you’re looking to travel with a crowd. Book well in advance for events at nearby Willowbank Raceway such as the famous CMC Rocks QLD. 3. Tallavalley Farm B&B lets you bring your own dog or horse if you want an escape the whole family can enjoy! You’ll stay in a restored farmhouse with adjoining horse paddock and surrounded by pretty gardens and walking tracks – all within a few minutes’ drive to local townships. This quiet retreat allows you to experience the dream of country life and who knows, perhaps you’ll even be inspired to pursue a tree change of your own.

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2. Hardings Paddock Campground For a more rustic experience book into Hardings Paddock bush camp right at the doorstep of the Flinders-Goolman

Conservation Estate. Great for bird-watching, hiking, mountain biking and horse riding (BYO horse and bicycle). You will need to bring your own shower bag and drinking water but there are camp loos and shower cubicles available.

For more accommodation options in the Heritage City see pages 38–39.

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3. Rosewood Showgrounds The Rosewood Showgrounds camping facility is located 20 minutes from the Ipswich CBD and an hour from Brisbane in the RV friendly town of Rosewood. The showgrounds have 16 powered sites with access to water and sullage and about 40 more unpowered sites. It’s a great place to start exploring the Cobb & Co Tourist Drive and the nearby Grandchester Model Steam Railway. You can also explore Ipswich and Brisbane using the nearby Queensland Rail Network.

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