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.
Discover on your own
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.
- Find trail guides and more information on the Conservation Estates page.
- Make sure you’re doing the right thing, read Know Before You Go (PDF, 106.7 KB).
Go on a guided tour
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.
Organise a school excursion
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.
Experience Nature campaign
Explore Ipswich's Enviroplan conservation estates and reserves and be inspired to experience nature in new ways.
2023 Experience Nature 40 ways in 40 days events
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.