PARKS AND GARDENS WILLOWBANK

The word is out - the V8 Race Experience at Queensland Raceways near Ipswich is the ultimate adrenalin charged thrill. The choice is yours - Holden or Ford - then you're securely strapped in alongside a professional coach who'll prep you on braking, cornering and handling the track. It's all the thrills of being a pro racing car driver but with safety as its number one priority. Once you're kitted out in the right gear, you'll stay in touch with your coach the whole time via two-way communication built into your helmet, then it's all systems go as you tear around the track. The vehicle is custom designed so that anyone can drive it, and there's an option to go automatic if you're not confident handling a clutch. And if getting behind the wheel is just a bit too much excitement, you can opt to be a passenger with a professional driver. So, for the ultimate gift (especially for Father's Day), a treat for yourself, or something for both women and men to tick off your bucket list, the V8 Race Experience is something special to remember forever. ...

The Rocky Knoll Lookout trail forms part of the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate managed by Ipswich City Council, and is accessed from the Hardings Paddock Picnic Area of Carmichael's Road in Purga, just South of Ipswich. Visitors to the Estate can take in the natural wonders of the area through a range of recreational activities including hiking, mountain bike riding and horse riding. The conservation estate is over 1900 hectares in area supporting extensive forests and rugged volcanic peaks and slopes including Flinders Peak, and Mounts Blain, Catherine and Goolman. The Estate is an important wildlife refuge supporting 136 bird, 25 mammal, 13 reptile and 8 amphibian species as well as 531 different flora species. The Rocky Knoll Lookout trail is a moderate level hike through eucalypt woodlands to Rocky Knoll Lookout. Glimpses of the scenic rim and the surrounding Ipswich area are provided along the way....

Just 20 minutes from the Ipswich Central Business District and 45 minutes from the Brisbane Central Business District, the Hardings Paddock campground is perfect for a weekend getaway for the whole family. Surrounded by natural bushland, there are just eight camping sites - suitable also for motorhomes and caravans - available to add to the feeling of seclusion. While there's no power available, there are some essential creature comforts including toilets, camp-shower cubicles - bring your own shower bag and water - kitchen, barbecues, tables and a holding yard for horses (with access to water). You will need to bring your own drinking water and with all the activities on offer across the 2,200 hectares of the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate you're going to need to keep up your fluids. Recreational opportunities include bird-watching, hiking, mountain bike riding and horseriding - bring your own bikes and horses too! The camping area at Hardings Paddock is locked at all times. Once your booking is confirmed you will receive a camping permit/confirmation with the combination code to access the campground. The combination code is changed regularly. Check out the website for campground rules, trail updates and to download the trail guide. ...

The Australasian Super-bike Championship is a motorcycle race of the highest calibre with breakneck speeds and breath-taking moments that will everyone on the edge of their seats. These events are where some of the big names in the motorbike scene come to face off as they tear around Queensland Raceway in a fight to be the very best. A great day for the whole family so be sure not to miss out!...

Motor racing enthusiasts should check out the renowned Ipswich Motorsport Precinct, including the signature facilities of Queensland Raceway (circuit track) and Willowbank Raceway (drag racing). If the smell of gasoline gets your motor running, just get out on the Cunningham Highway and head to Willowbank, 15 minutes from Ipswich. Queensland Raceway hosts the V8 Race Experience where you get behind the wheel of a race-prepared V8 – Ford or Holden – and feel the buzz of driving with a pro at your side guiding you. Or if you prefer you can take your own street machine, hot rod or import for a spin in Powercruise. For drag racing, Willowbank Raceway hosts the Winternationals – the largest drag racing event outside the USA, which has all the top pro categories including fire-breathing Top Fuel Dragsters. Test ‘n’ Tunes lets you race the clock or your mates with your own car or bike in a safe, controlled environment. ...

The Goolman Lookout via Rocky Knoll Lookout trail forms part of the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate managed by Ipswich City Council, and is accessed from the Hardings Paddock Picnic Area off Carmichael's Road in Purga, just South of Ipswich. Visitors to the Estate can take in the natural wonders of the area through a range of recreational activities including hiking, mountain bike riding and horse riding. The conservation estate is over 1900 hectares in area supporting extensive forests and rugged volcanic peaks and slopes including Flinders Peak, and Mounts Blain, Catherine and Goolman. The Estate is an important wildlife refuge supporting 136 bird, 25 mammal, 13 reptile and eight amphibian species as well as 531 different flora species. The Goolman Lookout via Rocky Knoll Lookout trail combines the spectacular views of Mt Goolman and Ivory's Rock, Scenic Rim and Brisbane from the Goolman Lookout with a skirting hike through eucalypt woodlands to Rocky Knoll Lookout....

If you'd like to give the kids a park experience to remember while you're in Ipswich, the award-winning Lobley Park will make you very popular with the younger members of the family. The park has an aviation theme, earning its nickname of 'the aeroplane park', so budding pilots' or flight attendants' spirits will be in the clouds. The nearby RAAF base at Amberley gets a nod with the walk-in equipment resembling an RAAF cargo plane with mock cockpit, plus there's an air-traffic control tower with x-ray machine and radar screen. Blue pathways painted with clouds connect different play areas and make Lobley Park a great place to bring a scooter or bike. There's also an interactive flower garden and 'parachute' swings among other attractions. Lobley Park has disabled access and covered electric barbecue areas and toilets, and as it's lit up at night, it's tempting to stay for an evening sausage sizzle and continue exploring Ipswich the next day. No wonder it's become popular for birthday get-togethers and is a winner of a Parks and Leisure Australia State Award for Regional Playspace and Parks. ...

Willowbank MX is Queensland's newest premium motocross facility. They offer a recreational ride park for riders of all ages and skill levels. Willowbank MX has seven different tracks and is open seven days a week. Located in Ipswich, it is easily accessible and offers well maintained tracks and a rigorous grooming program. ...

In the lovely country town of Rosewood, about 20 minutes’ country drive from the city of Ipswich, you’ll find an eclectic mix of businesses including Kaysuelle Fashions. Here, owner Michelle Robertson stocks a variety of trendy labels in the latest styles for all occasions, from casual to semi-formal and evening wear. The boutique has a rustic ambience with beautiful displays of clothing, accessories, shoes and jewellery, and was recently expanded to include a sale room where Michelle keeps discounted lines from throughout the year (great to know if you are travelling abroad and looking for out-of-season items). A spacious dressing room has also been added with still more items on display. The business began in 2007 and moved to a couple of locations before landing here at 36 John St, Rosewood where Michelle intends to keep it. She says it is a joy to have a business in Rosewood, having lived in the area all her life, and she never tires of seeing customers leave her boutique with a smile on their face. ...

Springloaded Trampoline offers kids and kids at heart an ideal way to bounce off all your excess energy just a hop, skip and a jump from the Ipswich Central Business District at West Ipswich. The popular trampoline park offers visitors of any age and skill level several varieties of trampolining fun, with its specially trained court attendants making sure everyone has a good time, with safety just as high a priority as the fun factor. Only the best gymnastic-grade materials are used at Springloaded Trampoline, so feel free to bounce away to your heart's content on the Performance Tramps, Platforms (with walk-up walls), the free Bounce Open Play Area, and the Foam Pits. And speaking of hearts, trampolining is great low-impact exercise that's beneficial for your heart, with the added benefit of burning off kilojoules. Who knew losing weight could feel this exhilarating? Springloaded Trampoline is a popular venue for self-catered birthday parties and they also offer gymnastic classes, so instead of having the kids bounce off the walls at home, bring them along. And if you're not jumping yourself, you don't pay. Bookings are essential. ...

Anyone interested in aviation or military history will love a visit to the RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre, near Ipswich. Housed in hangars at RAAF base Amberley, Australia’s largest operating airbase. You can walk around and get up close to the F-111, known for it iconic "dump and burn". There is also a WWII Boston Bomber, Vietnam-era Canberra bomber, Caribou airlifter, Sioux and Iroquois helicopters, and WWII Jeeps on display. There are also Sabre and Mirage fighter jets. The museum focuses on the RAAF’s important role in South-East Queensland in both war and peace times, with exhibits, armaments, aircraft modules, engines and more. Reservists and volunteers act as friendly guides so you can feel free to ask them anything. There’s a gift shop selling model planes, DVDs, books and clothing, plus a sausage sizzle and coffee van during Open Days. The Centre is open every third Sunday of the month, except December. For School and Community groups, by prior arrangement, the centre is open Tuesday and Thursday between 9am and 3pm. Entry is free, however visitors must complete an entry form to access the base. Donations are welcome. ...