The City of Ipswich has abundant natural and recreational spaces suited to all kinds of recreational, fitness and health activities. With a solid network of recreational and bicycle pathways, walking and cycling are great ways to get active in Ipswich!
Walking
- Suitable for all fitness levels (including beginners)
- Free and convenient way to be active
- No special skills or equipment needed
- Get fit while getting from A to B
- Enjoy with friends, family or solo.
10,000 Steps
Every step counts towards leading an active and healthy lifestyle! 10,000 steps is the recommended daily step goal for adults and participating in 30 minutes of moderate physical activity like brisk walking can help you achieve this goal. Register with 10,000 Steps and start making every step count by:
Pedometer
Get a pedometer on loan from Ipswich Central Library. For more information contact the library on (07) 3810 6815 or info@library.qld.gov.au
Log your steps
Start your step log by registering on the 10,000 Steps website or collect a step log from the library when you borrow a pedometer.
10,000 Steps challenges and prizes
- 10,000 Steps I-Challenge - take a virtual adventure anywhere in the world by participating in these monthly challenges and be in the running to win prizes such as heart rate monitors and Asics shoes.
- 10,000 Steps Workplace Challenge - the challenge aims to provide an opportunity for businesses to participate in a work-specific physical activity challenge to help workplaces take positive steps towards better health.
Walking tips and tricks:
- Walk instead of using the car
- Park further away from your destination and walk the rest of the way
- Walk to and from your train station or bus stop, and get on and off at a stop that is further away
- Take the stairs instead of the lift
- Walk rather than rest on escalators and travelators
- Aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day by walking with pets, family and friends in a walking group.
Ipswich Heart Foundation Walking Groups
Heart Foundation Walking is Australia's largest network of free community-based walking groups.
The free program is led by trained Walk Organisers and delivered by the Heart Foundation. Walk at your own pace and choose from slow, medium and fast walks. It's a great opportunity to make new friends, see more of Ipswich's famous parklands and get rewarded for reaching milestones as part of the Walker Recognition Scheme.
Looking for other ways to stay active? Check out our Active and Healthy page.
Start a walking group
Being a volunteer Walk Organiser is fun and easy. You get to choose the walking route and the days and times to walk. You also receive great support and resources from the Heart Foundation, as well as rewards for reaching walking milestones as part of the Walker Recognition Scheme. To find out more information on becoming a Walk Organiser, contact the Heart Foundation by email or phone them on 13 11 12.
Personal Walking Plans
Heart Foundation Walking offers Personal Walking Plans that will help you get more out of being active, whether it's improving your general wellbeing, using walking as a time to connect with others or a way to unwind after a busy day – there's a benefit suited to everyone.
You can get your free Personal Walking Plan in two minutes and be healthier and happier in six weeks.
Find a walking group
Heart Foundation Walking groups are established right across Ipswich, all with various days, times and specialities. By searching for your suburb or postcode, you’re sure to find one that suits you.
If your suburb doesn’t appear to have a walking group established yet, you may like to find out more about how to start a walking group.
Build connections in your community and walk together for a healthy heart.
With Heart Foundation Walking, you will:
- reduce your risk of heart disease - Walking 30 minutes a day can reduce your risk of heart disease by 35%
- connect with your community - Cross paths with friends, neighbours and new people while you walk
- improve your energy and wellbeing - Enjoy better energy, mood and sleep, as well as reduced stress and fatigue
- get active at your own pace - Walking can be as easy or challenging as you choose. Start slowly and build up over time.
Bushwalking
Bushwalking is a great way to get active while getting back to nature! Ipswich offers a number of parks and reserves with walking trails to cater for all levels of ability. Pick up a Trails of Ipswich guide from Ipswich City Council's Concierge and Support team, 1 Nicholas Street, or download a copy here - Bushwalking Guide.
Cycling
- Good for your health
- Environmentally friendly
- Cheap way to travel
- Fun way to enjoy the great outdoors
- Great way to spend time with friends and family.
Cycling Groups / Events
Get together with friends and family and join in local, social and free cycling groups and events:
Getting started
- Choose a route which is flat and smooth - a shared off-road path like the Brassall Bikeway is a great way to start!
- Ride slowly for the first 10 minutes, gradually increasing your speed as you warm up, and finish by warming down and stretching.
- Aim to participate in 30 minutes of moderate physical activity (such as cycling) on most days of the week.
- Stay motivated by keeping it fun - ride with friends, family or a local cycling group and try one of the many cycle-friendly routes in Ipswich.
Tips for a safe and enjoyable ride
When cycling on shared paths:
- Watch out - give way to pedestrians
- Stay safe - ride at a safe speed
- Use your bell - alert other path users and pass on the right
- Keep left - ride on the left side except when overtaking.
When cycling on roads:
| Be aware |
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| Be seen |
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| Be predictable |
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| Ride safe |
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Walk Ipswich Guide and recreational bike rides
Get together with friends and family and explore a walk-friendly route/recreational bike ride near you:
Walkability/bikeability checklist
How walkable/bikeable is your neighbourhood?
A safe and supportive environment for walking and cycling is essential. Neighbourhoods need to be walkable and bikeable for all members of the community and for all ages and abilities. Local residents know and understand their neighbourhoods better than anyone else and can identify aspects that may help or hinder walking and cycling in their areas. By completing and submitting the below checklists, individuals and groups can provide feedback to council to assist council in improving the quality of the walking and cycling environment. To help council to improve your walking/cycling environment complete and submit the below checklists:
- Neighbourhood Walkability Checklist (PDF, 331 kb) (PDF, 4.3 MB)
- Neighbourhood Bikeability Checklist (PDF, 217 kb) (PDF, 216.9 KB)
Walking and cycling contacts
Ipswich Hospital Foundation
P: 1300 736 428
E: info@ihfoundation.org.au
W: ihfoundation.org.au
Heart Foundation Walking
P: 13 11 12
E: walking@heartfoundation.org.au
W: walking.heartfoundation.org.au
Bicycle Queensland
P: (07) 3844 1144
E: bqinfo@bq.org.au
W: bq.org.au
Department of Transport and Main Roads (Cycling)
P: (07) 3167 4402
E: cycles@tmr.qld.gov.au
W: tmr.qld.gov.au/Travel-and-transport/Cycling.aspx
Ipswich Bushwalkers Inc
P: (07) 3282 5534
E: ipswichbushwalkers@gmail.com
W: www.ipswichbushwalkers.bwq.org.au
More Information
Add your organisation's details to the portal below:
Should you wish to join the recreational activities email list, provide feedback, suggestions or enquire about adding your organisation's activities to the program, please contact council on (07) 3810 6666 or activeandhealthy@ipswich.qld.gov.au.