Discover Ipswich Magazine 2023

jacaranda blooms Where to see the COUNTRY

From late September each 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 Moloney Park The park is opposite St Mary’s Church , a spectacular 1870s landmark, which is one of the city’s most photographed buildings. The park is fringed with jacarandas blooming every spring that eventually form a purple carpet on the grass below. Best enjoyed with a coffee to go and a pretty petalled treat from Rafter and Rose nearby. Visit Woodlands of Marburg In spring you can see beautiful jacaranda trees in full bloom at Woodlands of Marburg . The heritage estate is home to Tommy Smith Cafe

which opens on weekends and The Sugarmill Restaurant which is open Friday and Saturday nights. You can also book to stay the night and soak up the peaceful surrounds a little longer.

See the purple haze from the basket of a hot air balloon You could see the purple haze from the air as you tranquilly float over the trees from the basket of a Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flight . This is probably one of the most spectacular ways to see the blooms, and definitely a bucket list experience. Settle under a blooming tree in Queens Park Take a walk around Queens Park and settle with the picnic blanket under the shade of one of the gorgeous flowering trees for a moment of beauty and peace! You could also grab a coffee or lunch at the Queens Park Cafe while you’re there.

Drive to Goodna for streets lined with blooms Goodna celebrates the purple haze with a Jacaranda Festival . A highlight are the jacarandas planted during the 1930s at Evan Marginson Park and along Brisbane Terrace, which bloom gorgeously. The festival is being held in October 2023.

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