Due to impacts from TC Alfred some events may be postponed or cancelled.
Event organisers will contact registered participants.
Ipswich’s Conservation Estates and natural areas are the ‘green lungs’ of our region, providing clean air, habitat for native plants and animals and preserving biodiversity. They are also places where you can unwind, exercise or enjoy time with family and friends. There are physical, emotional and social benefits when we take time out to connect with nature.
For 29 years the Ipswich community and council have invested in conservation through the Enviroplan initiative.
During autumn 2025 join us for special activities highlighting Ipswich's precious Enviroplan conservation areas and celebrating actions for a greener future.
Take a look at the 2025 Experience Nature Program (PDF, 1.3 MB).
| You have an important Mission - discover the secrets of Ipswich's natural environment! |
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March 2025: The Search for Enviroplan Gems at Haig Street Quarry Conservation Reserve April 2025: The Search for Enviroplan Gems at White Rock - Spring Mountain Conservation Estate May 2025: The Search for Enviroplan Gems at Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve |
Complete the Agents of Discovery Mission for your chance to win!
Enter via the Competition link available when you complete a 'Search for Enviroplan Gems' Mission between March - May 2025.
See here for Terms and Conditions (PDF, 204.9 KB).
9.30am - 11.30am, Friday 14 March, Queens Park, Ipswich
This play session aimed at under 5s includes activities such as loose parts play, nature exploration, sensory play and group time. It is led by Areta from Bush Kindy Teaching. *Also see date in May.
Free event but registrations required, see Ipswich City Council Eventbrite.
6.30pm - 8.30pm, Thursday 20 March, Ipswich Central Library
Join Gamilaroi astrophysicist Karlie Noon as she shares the rich traditions of Aboriginal astronomy. Discover how First Nations peoples have observed and navigated the stars for over 65,000 years, embedding stories of space, time and travel into oral traditions passed through generations. Presented by Ipswich Libaries as part of Experience Nature.
Registrations will be available on the Ipswich Libraries website.
Session 1: 9.30am - 10:30am, Session 2: 11am - 12pm, Friday 21 March, Haig Street Quarry Conservation Reserve
Join local artist Deb Mostert for a morning of observing and sketching in a beginner-friendly workshop. Start with a leisurely stroll beneath the eucalyptus and notice your surroudings. View Deb's visual sketchbooks and learn how to begin one of your own.
For ticket pricing and more information see Discover Ipswich.
4pm - 6pm, Wednesday 26 March, Queens Park Environmental Education Centre, Ipswich
Ipswich teachers and educators are invited to this professional development workshop on the principles of Bush Kindy. The workshop led by Areta of Bush Kindy Learning will discuss ways bush kindy principles can be implemented in different educational settings.
Free event but registrations required, see Ipswich City Council Eventbrite.
Throughout March, Haig Street Quarry Conservation Reserve, Brassall
Download the free app Agents of Discovery and play 'The Search for Enviroplan Gems' to discover more about Haig Street Quarry Conservation Reserve. Complete the Mission for your chance to win a great prize!
For more information see Agents of Discovery.
Bird ID walk 6:30am - 8:30am; Plant ID walk 9:00am - 11:00am, Saturday 5 April, Stirling Road Reserve, Rosewood
This Enviroplan conservation reserve is normally closed to the public. Join experts on special guided walks through this incredible natural environment. Bird expert Deborah Metters will lead an enchanting morning of birdwatching suitable for seasoned birders or curious beginners. Renowned local plant expert Martin Bennet will share the captivating world of local plants and explore their vital role in the local ecosystems.
For ticket pricing and more information see Discover Ipswich.
A range of popular natural areas will feature in fun activities to get young ones outdoors and active.
Each activity is facilitated by a qualified professional. Activities are free or low cost.
Check the Active and Healthy calendar for booking details from Monday 17 March. Spaces are limited and registrations essential.
Kids' Fishing
Session 1: 2pm- 5pm Saturday 5 April; Session 2: 9am-12pm Saturday 12 April, Joseph Brady Park, Barellan Point
This interactive fishing session will cover everything you need to get started, from safety to tying a fishing knot. Participants will be given plenty of encouragement and tips to help them land a fish. Rods, fishing equipment and bait all supplied. Cost $5 per person.
Children's Yoga
3pm - 3:30pm, Monday 7 April, Haig Street Quarry Conservation Reserve, Brassall
Find your inner peace with this interactive and fun class for primary aged children. Use games and storytelling to move, stretch, breathe, practice mindfulness and relax. Free event, but registrations required.
Bird Walk (ages 12+)
7:30am - 9am, Wednesday 9 April, Kholo Gardens, Muirlea
Join volunteers from Birds Queensland to discover ‘Whooooo’ lives in Kholo Gardens. On this outing, search for some fine-feathered residents like the bar-shouldered dove, eastern yellow robin, white-bellied sea eagle and perhaps a powerful owl! Free event, but registrations required.
Kids' Hiking and Navigation skills (ages 12-17)
2pm-4pm, Monday 14 April, Haig Street Quarry Conservation Reserve, Brassall
Ever wanted to deepen your understanding of navigation and bushwalking skills? Scouts QLD will guide you on a walk using a map and compass, where you can hone your skills to tackle the bush. Free event, but registrations required.
Journey Sticks
Session 1: 2pm-3pm; Session 2: 3pm-4pm, Wednesday 16 April, Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve, Ipswich
The guides will identify some local flora and fauna along a short bushwalk and you’ll construct a journey stick as a reminder of your adventure! Free event, but registrations are required.
Beginners' Mountain Biking (ages 5-11)
9am-10am, Thursday 17 April, Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve, Blackstone
This session will help fast track children’s progression for off-road biking. The course will cover a wide range of skills with fun drills and challenges. Free event, but registrations are required.
Beginners' trail riding
10am-11am, Thursday 17 April, Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve, Blackstone
Test out your mountain biking skills on this short trail ride course. Basic riding skills and fitness required. Includes basic bike and helmet check, before a fun ride in the bush. Free event, but registrations are required.
Discover Ipswich and Active and Healthy Ipswich have collaborated to offer some incredible school holiday experiences.
Ipswich's precious Enviroplan conservation areas and our city's amazing plant and animal life will be featured.
Tickets are available now, for pricing see Discover Ipswich.
Kids' Spotlighting (8+)
6:15pm-7:30pm, Monday 7 April, *NEW LOCATION* Haig Street Quarry Conservation Reserve, Brassall
This easy nature discovery walk is led by Ranger Jody. Join us as we venture out into the wild after dark to discover the secrets of nature at night.
Afternoon Bushwalk Hike for Kids
1:45pm-4pm, Friday 11 April, *NEW LOCATION* Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve, Ipswich
We are going on a nature adventure with Ranger Jody to learn fun and interesting facts about the animals and plants that live here, as well as ways everyone can help take care of nature around us.
Nature Phone Photography for Beginners
2.45pm – 4pm, Tuesday 15 April, *NEW LOCATION* Ipswich Nature Centre, Queens Park
Learn how to take amazing nature photos on your phone with the help of practical, pleasant photography tips. Suitable for children aged 8+ through to young adults.
*New date due to TC Alfred* 9am-11am, Saturday 12 April, Haig Street Quarry Conservation Reserve, Brassall
Join Ranger Jody for a guided morning bushwalk that will give a special insight to the dry eucalypt forest that was once widespread in the Brassall area.
For ticket pricing and more information see Discover Ipswich.
3:30pm-7pm, Saturday 12 April, White Rock - Spring Mountain Conservation Estate, Redbank Plains
Join us for a guided hike to watch the sun set over beautiful vistas from the Main Ridge lookout of this conservation estate. *Also see date in May.
For ticket pricing and more information see Discover Ipswich
Throughout April, White Rock - Spring Mountain Conservation Estate, Redbank Plains
Download the free app Agents of Discovery and play 'The Search for Enviroplan Gems' to discover more about White Rock-Spring Mountain Conservation Estate. Complete the Mission for your chance to win a great prize!
For more information see Agents of Discovery.
It’s easy to explore our natural estates, no matter your level of ability, with trail and visitor infrastructure funded by Ipswich Enviroplan. However it’s important to ‘tread lightly’ as you experience nature, to stay safe and help preserve these amazing wild places for future generations.
Council is committed to sharing our knowledge and passion for Ipswich’s natural environment. Guided tours reveal stories, history and the fascinating life of flora and fauna within our conservation estates. Guided tours are held regularly, however spaces are limited.
Contact Discover Ipswich for tour information and bookings. See Discoveripswich.com.au or call (07) 3281 0555.
It’s easy to be inspired when you’re learning in an outdoor classroom. Council offers bookable tours for schools and early learning centres, with a number of age-appropriate locations available.
Contact Discover Ipswich on (07) 3281 0555 to enquire about school excursion bookings.
See the full calendar of events for 2023 Experience Nature 40 ways in 40 days (PDF, 19.5 MB).
Nature at Night – White Rock Spring Mountain Conservation Estate
Friday 5 May, meet at 5.15pm
Tickets $5 individual, $15 per family through Discover Ipswich.
As the sun sets behind the tall trees, we’ll head off to experience the sights and sounds as creatures of the day go to sleep… join our guides at dusk to discover the life of the forest at night!
Experience Nature – Moonrise Hike at Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate
Saturday 6 May, meet at 3.45pm
Tickets $5 individual, $15 per family through Discover Ipswich.
Join us for a late afternoon guided hike to watch the full moon rise just as the sun sets over the beautiful views from Mount Goolman Lookout. This challenging hike through woodland departs from the Hardings Paddock day use area.
Experience Nature – Habitat and History Guided Walk
Wednesday 10 May, meet at 9.45am
Free (registrations essential) through Ipswichcitycouncil.eventbrite.com
Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve is a sanctuary for wildlife, an unspoiled natural wonderland with an interesting history. Join a guided walk and hear some of the interesting stories about the heritage homes and buildings surrounding the reserve.
Author Hour – Darryl Jones
Thursday 11 May, 6.30pm
Free (registrations essential) through Ipswich Libraries
Hear from author Darryl Jones (ecologist, academic and researcher) as he shares his investigations into why certain animals are doing so well in our urban environment. It's a story of danger, romance and discovery. With bin chickens.
Trees for Mum
Sunday 14 May, 9am-11am
Free (registrations essential) through Ipswichcitycouncil.eventbrite.com
Pack a picnic rug and enjoy coffee and treats while you listen to free nature talks and soak up the peaceful Jim Seymour Park, Camira. Every mother or carer registered will receive a complimentary gift and treat to enjoy at the planting.
Experience Nature – Learn how to use iNaturalist
Wednesday 24 May, meet at 9.45am
Free (registrations essential) through Ipswichcitycouncil.eventbrite.com
Explore the great diversity of nature at Ric Nattrass Environmental Park and join a guided walk of the reserve. Learn how you can record and share your observations through the free iNaturalist app on your phone.
Experience Nature – Paddling on the Bremer River
Saturday 27 May, Session 1: 2pm, Session 2: 3pm
Tickets $5 individual, $15 per family through Discover Ipswich
Join us at Cribb Park, North Ipswich for a guided afternoon paddle on the Bremer River and discover the importance of healthy water ecosystems and the role they play for life in and out of the water while developing your canoeing skills.
Experience Nature – Habitat and History Guided Walk
Sunday 28 May, meet at 9.45am
Free (registrations essential) through Ipswich City Council Eventbrite
Join this all ages guided walk in the Kholo Botanic Gardens and learn about the site’s historical buildings, relics and the site’s significant connection to cultural heritage.
Experience Nature – Nature Sketchbook Workshop with Deb Mostert
RESCHEDULED to Tuesday 30 May. Session 1: 9.30am, Session 2: 11am
Tickets $10 per person through Discover Ipswich
Join local artist Deb Mostert for a morning of observing and sketching in a beginner friendly sketchbook workshop in the Purga Nature Reserve. View Deb’s visual nature sketchbooks and learn how to begin one of your own.
Mindfulness Trail Walk with Experience Nature
Friday 2 June, meet at 4.45pm
Tickets $5 individual, $15 per family through Discover Ipswich
Take some time out of your busy schedule and make some time to relax your mind in nature at the Haig Street Quarry Reserve. Mindfulness is an effective strategy to calm a busy mind, open your heart, and inspire creativity and connection with others and the world around us.
Experience Nature – Moonrise Hike, White Rock
Sunday 4 June, meet at 3.15pm
Tickets $5 individual, $15 per family through Discover Ipswich
Discover White Rock-Spring Mountain Conservation Estate at dusk. Meet the furry locals and their feathery friends on this rare opportunity to explore the estate as the sun goes down on a guided walking tour to experience nature after the park has closed.
Experience Nature – Outdoor Education Day for Schools
Thursday 8 June, closed event for schools. For information email enviroed@ipswich.qld.gov.au
To acknowledge World Environment Day we are inviting students to come and experience nature in Ipswich. Students will be inspired to become environmental stewards and reflect on discoveries, and challenge themselves to make changes as individuals, and within their schools, to meet environmental and sustainability objectives.
Experience Nature – Bird Walk with Professor Hugh Possingham
Saturday 10 June, meet at 6.30am
Free (registrations essential) through Ipswich City Council Eventbrite
Enjoy a fun and educational guided tour with Professor Hugh Possingham (conservation biologist and passionate bird watcher) while getting a front-row seat to the natural beauty of the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate and learn more about the wildlife that are local to Ipswich.
Experience Nature – Family Day
Saturday 10 June, 10am-2pm
Free (registrations essential) through Ipswich City Council Eventbrite
Join us for this special event at Hardings Paddock, with the stunning Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate as its backdrop. Hear from expert guest speakers as they share valuable insight to important environmental topics facing Ipswich and beyond and connect with Ipswich’s local environmental groups and learn more about their important projects.
Use the free