Kholo Gardens is one of the best kept secrets in Ipswich. Established in 1988 on a historically significant site, it is today one of the most welcoming and beautiful parks in Ipswich. Featuring almost 40 hectares of stunning grounds, walking tracks and boardwalks meander along creek lines, through sub-tropical rainforest and even down to the banks of the Brisbane River.
Giant Kauri and Hoop Pine trees planted by early settlers tower over the gardens, while a nearby soothing waterfall cascades into the still coolness of the lily pond. Some rarely seen species of local flora and fauna can be found at Kholo. It is a haven for plant-lovers and bird watchers alike. Those with a love of Nature will enjoy the chance of seeing a Grease Nut Tree (Hernandia bivalvis), or the possibility of spotting a Tusked Frog, Great Crested Grebe, or maybe even a large Powerful Owl.
Remnant vine thicket merges into rehabilitated dry rainforest, a palm grove, Eucalypt forest and expansive open areas to provide an assortment of habitats for our local fauna. There is also a charming waterlily pond, complete with its own resident family of ducks....
A picturesque retreat into nature seven kilometres from the Ipswich Central Business District is the peaceful Kholo Gardens at Pine Mountain. It's an unexpected delight to explore with its lush gardens, crystal clear lily pond, bush walks and open spaces. Giant Kauri trees and Hoop Pines planted by early settlers, rare birds and plants, and the nearby Brisbane River all make this a special place to spend some time. It's also a sacred site for the indigenous Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul People.
At this subtropical haven, you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the 400 metre walk through Tree Fern Lane under a natural rainforest canopy. The more energetic can try the steeper 800 metre Coal Creek Walk - aptly named seeing as the earliest recordings of coal in the area were made here in 1825.
Formerly the site of a water pumping station, Kholo Gardens has an historic well onsite as well as a charming little old church, relocated here in 1990 from Redbank. With that and a stunningly restored Queenslander nearby, you can see why this is a popular venue for weddings and other functions. There are also barbecues, picnic tables and public toilets.
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Hillview Drive Reserve features 37.2 hectares of undulating bushland just 4.7 kilometres north of the Ipswich Central Business District.
The reserve boasts a variety of forest vegetation and abundant wildlife.
Part of a recreational trail network spread across four nature estates in the region, the professionally built dual-direction, low-impact shared-use recreational trail is ideal for walking, hiking, birdwatching and mountain biking.
Hillview is well-appointed with interpretive signage and a shelter and picnic table make for the perfect tranquil lunch surrounded by natural beauty.
The hillside leads down to a creek line flowing into the Brisbane River through Kholo Botanic Gardens, where public toilets and drinking water are available.
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Kholo Gardens is one of the best kept secrets in Ipswich. Established in 1988 on a historically significant site, it is today one of the most welcoming and beautiful parks in Ipswich. Featuring almost 40 hectares of stunning grounds, walking tracks and boardwalks meander along creek lines, through sub-tropical rainforest and even down to the banks of the Brisbane River.
Giant Kauri and Hoop Pine trees planted by early settlers tower over the gardens, while a nearby soothing waterfall cascades into the still coolness of the lily pond. Some rarely seen species of local flora and fauna can be found at Kholo. It is a haven for plant-lovers and bird watchers alike. Those with a love of Nature will enjoy the chance of seeing a Grease Nut Tree (Hernandia bivalvis), or the possibility of spotting a Tusked Frog, Great Crested Grebe, or maybe even a large Powerful Owl.
Remnant vine thicket merges into rehabilitated dry rainforest, a palm grove, Eucalypt forest and expansive open areas to provide an assortment of habitats for local fauna. There is also a charming waterlily pond, complete with its own resident family of ducks....