ATTRACTIONS SPRINGFIELD SA

To cool off during a long hot Ipswich summer, you can't go past Orion Lagoon at Springfield, just a 30-minute drive from Brisbane Central Business District. Situated within Orion Springfield Central and the newest stage of the huge Robelle Domain parklands, Orion Lagoon has a vast expanse of shallow pools and water features. The interconnected pools cater for all age groups, from the toddler-friendly 0.3 metres up to 1.5 metres for more proficient swimmers. Some are gently graded from the edge to give a beach-like effect, with one section offering aquativity features such as squirting spouts and stepping-stones. Lifeguards are on duty from 8am to 4pm from 1 April to 31 August and 5am to 9pm from 1 September to 31 March. Children under 13 must be actively supervised by persons 18 years or older at all times. Shade is provided by colourful sails and some trees over the grassed areas, while there's also a covered barbecue pavilion with picnic tables. Bring your own picnic or take advantage of the Lagoon Café and other nearby eating places. There are onsite lockers, and flotation devices, swimwear and pool accessories are for sale. ...

The Robelle Domain parklands, in Springfield Central, are a jewel in the crown of the city of Ipswich. Just half an hour from Brisbane's Central Business District, the parklands offer visitors a rainforest walk, waterfalls, water play areas, bike tracks, the country's first Icon on Galaxy interactive play equipment in an all-abilities playground, and more. The largest park precinct built in Queensland since Brisbane's Roma Street Parklands, Robelle Domain has an 11 kilometer pathway network for family fun during the day and at night when the 9-metre high light tower installations give off a spectacular light and sound show. Large shaded sections offer a pleasant relief from summer sun, as does the zero-depth water play area complete with a huge tipping bucket and water jets. Across a footbridge is Orion Lagoon - an amazing oasis of interconnected pools of varying depth. A 5,000 capacity amphitheatre ensures plenty of people can come along to enjoy the public events held at Robelle Domain, including live jazz afternoons and markets. So, bring your own picnic or barbecue treats to cook, or take advantage of the delicious offerings from Breakfast at Stephanies, next to the lagoon, which is fully licensed and open 7 days. ...

Locals in nearby Brisbane know that Greater Springfield in Ipswich has much to offer, and visitors would do well to check out its numerous drawcards. Tee off on the ‘must play’ Greg Norman-designed golf course at Brookwater Golf and Country Club; have a picnic, rainforest walk and a dip in the Orion Lagoon at the huge parklands of Robelle Domain; or head to the various shopping precincts. The Greater Springfield area includes the Ipswich suburbs of Springfield Central, Springfield Lakes, Brookwater, Augustine Heights, Spring Mountain and Springfield. Greater Springfield is the only fully master-planned city in Australia other than Canberra. As well as having a growing reputation for exciting business, retail and leisure developments, it’s attracting many new residents each year. It is home to prestigious private schools, the University of Southern Queensland, and has precincts centred around health, wellness and information technology. You can stay centrally in the Quest Springfield Central or Springfield Lakes Hotel to explore the rapidly growing area over more than a day, and it’s just a 20-minute drive to Ipswich Central and about half an hour to the Brisbane Central Business District....