Discover more of Ipswich with the Naeus Explore app
You might be surprised to learn that the Ipswich region has an abundance of walking trails, just waiting to be explored. Many are family friendly, and some are suitable for wheelchairs and prams.
And now, thanks to a new app called Naeus Explore, finding these local walking trails has never been easier. No longer do you need to spend time researching locations, distance and directions. The Naeus app makes it easier to discover Ipswich’s natural areas with GPS guided maps of walking tracks that include distance and grading information.
Weather updates, native plant identification, and more!
In addition to a map of Ipswich’s natural beauty – the Naeus Explore app also features a weather update and native plant identification function (simply snap a photo of a native plant, and the app will reveal the details!), as well as geo-fencing to highlight points of interest.
With geo-fencing, when you approach a point of interest in your location, such as a lookout or tree with historical significance, the app will prompt you with more information.
The app is also interactive, so you can alert the local council of any problems you may encounter (such as a tree that has fallen over). You can also add points of interest as you find them, such as an impressive termite mound or koala sighting.
For families wanting to try this new interactive experience, here’s the top five walking trails around Ipswich that we recommend you explore soon, with your app in hand. Don’t forget to download the Naeus app before you go, available for free on both Google Play and the Apple Store.
White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Estate
This beautiful expanse of bush land contains more than 600 plant species and 150 fauna species, and features 12 walking tracks of varying difficulty. The tracks range in distance from 200 metres for the (wheelchair accessible) Bluff Lookout Circuit, through to 19 km for the Yaddamun Trail. To access the park, take Redbank Plains Road from the Cunningham Highway, and then turn south onto School Road. Drive until you reach the Paperbark Flats Picnic Area. There’s also some mid-range walks including the Boronia Trail (1.4km return) and the Frilled Neck Lizard Circuit (2.5km return). These walks are accessible from Springfield Lakes via Wild Iris Terrace and Speckled Circuit.
Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve
Right in the heart of the city, the Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve is a popular spot for birdwatchers and day-trippers. There’s BBQs, toilets, picnic tables and plenty of parking, as well as five short walking tracks. The 200 metre Waterfall Track is wheelchair accessible, with Bluey’s 800m Circuit and the Water Tower 800m Circuit being the longest walks on offer. The main entry and parking areas are located opposite the corner of Deebing and Clay Streets, just a three minute drive from Ipswich CBD.
Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate
You may not be far from Brisbane, but you will feel like you are a million miles away in the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate, which features a range of trails and spectacular views over the Scenic Rim region. The 10 trails range in distance from the 560 metre (wheelchair accessible) Chalk Circuit, through to the 6 km Flinders Peak Hiking Track. Keep an eye out for the peregrine falcon, wedge tailed eagle or brush-tailed rock wallaby. To get there, turn off the Cunningham Highway onto the Ipswich Boonah Road and travel along until you reach Carmichael’s Road. At the end of this road you will reach Harding’s Paddock.
Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve
This unique reserve has five walking trails which lead you through a walking museum, taking you back in time to the days of 19th century coal mining. Informative signs along the tracks provide an insight into Blackstone’s mining history. The four tracks range in length from the 1km Blackleg Gully Circuit, to the 1.5km Lewis Thomas Historical Trail. To get there from Ipswich, take Blackstone Road and then turn right onto Mary Street at the top of the hill, next to Brynhfryd Park.
Haig Street Quarry Conservation Reserve
This conservation reserve has it all: spectacular views over the Scenic Rim area, a quarry pond with waterbirds, and a lookout that allows you to see planes taking off and landing at the nearby RAAF Amberley Base. In Spring, you will be treated to a beautiful display of wildflowers. The two tracks are suitable for families: the 800 metre Bearded Dragon Circuit and the 1 km Willy Wagtail Circuit. To reach the reserve, travel northwest along Burnett Road towards Brassall, until it becomes Hunter Street. Then turn left onto Haig Street and drive into the main parking area.
For more information, or for more family-friendly walking trails within the Ipswich region, download the Naeus Explore app and get exploring with the kids today!
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