The Fernvale Murals were conceived as a community project to help re-establish pride and confidence in the town after the trauma of the 2011 floods.
There are three murals located around the Fernvale Memorial Park along the Brisbane Valley Highway. The design of the murals is not intended to show the town exactly as it was, but rather to illustrate the life of the growing community.
The buildings seen in the murals are taken from photographs of the actual building which stood in Fernvale in the early days, some of which can still be seen in the town today.
Looking for a quiet spot to drop a line or take the canoe or kayak out for a spin? Fish where the locals fish and visit Savages Crossing.
Located along Banks Creek Road, it is just a short five-minute drive from the township of Fernvale. The crossing is a beautiful spot where you can get back to nature and unwind in this tranquil creek setting. Catch a fish or go for a paddle in your kayak or canoe, you won't be disappointed.
Folk Art- Lowood's community cooperative selling locally made crafts, home baked goods and home grown plants and product.
Volunteer members have been serving the Somerset community for over 40 years with dedication and passion.
Visitors and bus groups are most welcome to explore the unique handmade offerings. Volunteers operate the centre.
Originally a produce store, this small historic building became the Open Door Gallery in 2008.
The gallery is operated by the Lowood Lions Inc, with volunteers opening the doors three days a week to visitors.
The gallery hosts exhibitions of local Somerset artists, along with a range of workshops throughout the year.
With 20 hectares of natural bushland to discover, Jensen’s Swamp is perfect for spotting some of our favourite furry and feathery friends.
As a protected habitat for native flora and fauna, Jensen’s Swamp is home to over 67 species of birds, brushtail possums, squirrel and sugar gliders, bandicoots and echidnas.
The Ipswich community is fortunate to offer Bernie Mahon from Watercress Creek Olives and Limes to the wider community. Larger than life, Bernie is as local as it comes, with his family owning the farmland for generations. The working farm offers visitors a multitude of experiences together with an assortment of fresh local produce and farm-made delicacies.
Whilst previously, the farm produce was available only via Bernie’s continual monthly market stalls, the farm now offers a farm-gate shop where visitors can browse shelves lined with infused oils, vinegars, tapenades, and jams – all made on-site next to the olive grove and lime orchard. Specialties include a ‘bruschetta spread’ and whole figs preserved in a rich balsamic syrup. The figs are grown on-site and go into a sweet, luscious jam.
The farm is also proud to offer picnic-goers a destination to be remembered amongst the country surrounds and shaded groves. The selection of picnic platters, Devonshire tea, and group bookings are available for your perusal via the website and are available for pre-purchase ordering.
The farm also offers group tours.
Annual open days, festivals, music events and group/birthdays are other regular events offered and hosted by the farm. For more details, please see the website or Facebook page for current and upcoming events.
Bernie and staff welcome you to enjoy their piece of serenity.
As the name suggests, this hobby farm offers a unique outing for families. You'll be able to get up close and personal and pat and feed their friendly animals - alpacas, sheep, lambs, goats, geese or perhaps get some pictures of the wandering chooks for your Instagram feed.
Also come n see the D's (Dino's) with fish and birds. Included in the entry price
Farmer Dave and Penny have added coffee to the mix too – parents can order a latte and sip it on a hay bale and take in the rural setting. Fantastic coffee and yummy eats for morning tea.
This is a popular outing just 45 minutes from Brisbane.
Penny and Dave like to keep numbers manageable so that every visitor has a ewe-nique experience -so bookings are essential.
Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to see what's new on the farm and check their current opening hours.
Head to the country town of Marburg and discover a unique set of browse-worthy offerings.
Among them is The Black Museum, housing a cleverly sourced and curated collection of curios, art and antiquities – all of which are for sale.
It’s obvious the minute you walk in, that there’s an expert’s eye involved. Owner Athol Birnie grew up surrounded by remnants of bygone eras, and eventually helping in the business his father Les has run for many years now, Scotland Yard Antiques, just a bit further along Marburg’s main street.
The vast ever-changing collection includes pieces priced from a few dollars right through to stunning hard-to-find art valued into the several thousand.
Open 9:00am - 4:00pm on the weekends and by appointment during the week.
The name continues the theme set by Scotland Yard Antiques – the famed London police headquarters where there is a Black Museum housing crime memorabilia. Athol’s Sister Emily also runs with the theme in her garden shop and coffee stop next door, Special Branch Collective.
In the country town of Marburg, just off the Warrego Highway halfway between Brisbane and Toowoomba, you'll find one of the most interesting and browse-worthy antique shops in all of Queensland.
Owner Les Birnie has been in the antique trade since 1961 and has run Scotland Yard Antiques for almost three decades.
He likes to specialise in rustic country Australian furniture but at your first step inside this shop, what strikes you is the incredible variety on display. Every era and genre seems to be covered, from large gilt-framed paintings and mirrors to elaborate chandeliers, carved furniture, rustic workbenches and vintage signage.
Scotland Yard spills out to a rear yard full of salvage pieces that also attracts many a fossicker.
Les's son, Athol, has followed in his father's footsteps with his own shop, The Black Museum, just a couple of doors along while daughter Emily has Special Branch Collective, a plant and coffee stop, next door.
This trio of unique businesses, sitting across from the popular weekend lunch destination, The Marburg Pub, have helped put the town on the map in recent years.
Scotland Yard Antiques is open daily.
In the charming and historic country township of Marburg, you will find Special Branch Collective nestled along the main street offering plants, garden décor, homewares – and coffee. Inside you'll find antique goods, local art and homewares, whilst outside you can enjoy coffee and snacks amongst the colourful potted plants and with views to the historic Marburg Hotel across the road.
Peruse the antiques in the neighbouring Scotland Yard Antiques and The Black Museum and see what treasures from yesteryear you can uncover. Coffee from local brewer, Dancing Bean, is on the menu along with yummy treats like melting moments and brownies
Special Branch Collective in Marburg is conveniently located halfway between Brisbane and Toowoomba, only 50 minutes from each.
A hidden gem in the historic town of Marburg, halfway between Brisbane and Toowoomba, and just 10mins outsid of Ipswich, you will find Soul Nook!
A curated selection of boutique fashions and locally sourced and handmade giftwares in an old church, serving locally roasted coffee and delicious baked sweets - whilst out on the beautiful grounds, they offer fully catered Luxury Bell Tent, Chill'd or Pod Picnics, bespoke elopements and luxe large-scale events in a stunning Star Shade Marquee.
Soul Nook offers the perfect spot to treat yourself or book a picnic for your next special celebration, birthday or romantic escape or as an effortless and elegant wedding venue.
You can also try your hand at getting creative by booking into one of their weekly Artisan Workshops.
Why not make it a day trip and visit their lovely neighbours around the corner! The Special Branch Collective offers coffee, plants and beautiful pots and The Black Museum/ Scotland Yard Antiques are worth a stop in! Finish off your day with a nice cold treat at the Marburg Pub.
The Llama Farm offers an authentic, boutique, rural tourism experience on Brisbane’s doorstep in the beautiful heritage city of Ipswich and is home to Queensland’s largest llama herd. Located between the rolling foothills of picturesque Pine Mountain and the tranquil waters of the mid-Brisbane River, The Llama Farm treats guests to organised tours that are interactive and educational.
Their morning Faces of the Farm tour is all-ages friendly and showcases the many different animals that call The Llama Farm home. Guests interact with llamas, alpacas, camels, miniature ponies, donkeys, rabbits, guinea pigs, emus, goats, dogs, a variety of poultry, Many photo opportunities are available to capture the excitement of this hands-on farm experience like no other.
The sunset Guided Llama Walk is offered in the afternoon and is perfect for older children and adults wishing to explore the farm with a llama in hand. The host takes guests on a guided walk through this gorgeous property to learn about these amazing animals and spend time with them. Every guest leaves with some great photos to capture their experience and a greater understanding and appreciation for these new world camelids. It’s perfect for couples wishing to share a unique experience together in the country.
Bookings are made online through the website with no allowance for general admission entry.
Just 25 minutes from Ipswich in the historic country town of Marburg, the Marburg Harness Racing Association is one of only three remaining harness racing tracks in Queensland — and proudly keeps the tradition alive.
Established in 1982 as a trialing venue, Marburg has grown into a lively racing destination hosting regular race meetings throughout the year. On race days, drivers guide powerful standardbred horses around the compact country track in fast-paced, tactical contests that are thrilling to watch from the rail.
When meetings fall on Sundays or public holidays, the atmosphere shifts into full community celebration mode. Family-friendly race days feature kids' activities including waterslides, face painting, markets, mini trots and the chance to meet and pat a pony after the races.
Off the track, visitors can enjoy classic country race-day fare, relaxed hospitality and the opportunity to back a winner.
Run by a passionate committee of volunteers, Marburg offers an authentic, grassroots racing experience where community spirit and sporting heritage go hand in hand.
A wonderfully secluded stretch of bushland, a walk through the peaceful pathways, earthen steps and wooden boardwalks of Walter Zimmerman Park in Pine Mountain is a treat for the city-weary soul.
Some of the walking tracks criss-cross a small seasonal creek through a fragrant eucalypt forest and the abundance of native bird and animal life includes Queensland blue gums and magnificent pale-headed rosellas.
Enjoy the picnic and barbecue facilities for a relaxed outdoor lunch while the kids keep happily busy on the playground equipment.
The cherry on top of this little slice of natural beauty is easy access from the park to the Wanora section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, which winds through farmland, forests and country towns and, at 161 kilometres, is proudly the longest disused rail line in Australia.
If you’re an avid watcher of our feathered friends, you’ll delight in ‘discovering’ this quiet, rural bird watching hot spot.
Get to the corner of Kamp Road and Raysource Road in rustic Walloon - about 14 kilometres from the Ipswich Central Business District – and bird-watch where the locals in the know go!
Park at the junction of Raysource Road and Haigslea Cemetery Road and walk west on Raysource Road (flat graded road that changes to bush track) and south on Kamp Road.
You’ll spot a range of bush birds along the way – from Grey-crowned babblers, Speckled warblers, Wrens, Owlet-nightjars, Brush and Fantail cuckoos, Fuscous honeyeaters and more.
When on the western walk along Raysource Road, which changes from a flat, graded road to bush track, look out for Nankeen night herons and other waterbirds at the nearby dam.
Please be cautious of passing traffic when parking and walking on these roads and note that the surrounding properties are privately-owned with no access permitted – which also means there are no public toilets nearby.
Leading adventurous souls through ancient mountain trails to discover the most breathtaking secret waterfalls and tranquil nature spots in Brisbane.
Truly believing the most breathtaking paths are the ones rarely taken. Dedicated to sharing the secluded wonders of Brisbane's hinterland, from cascading falls to ancient forest canopies. Every journey, leading you to connect with the raw beauty of nature, ensuring your adventure is as safe as it is awe-inspiring.
*ICC Notice: Access to the river at Kholo Gardens are temporarily closed for public safety.*
A picturesque retreat into nature 7km from Ipswich Central 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 400m walk through Tree Fern Lane under a natural rainforest canopy. The more energetic can try the steeper 800m 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 a historic well onsite as well as a charming relocated old church. With that and a stunningly restored Queenslander nearby, you can see why this is a popular venue for weddings and functions. There are also barbecues, picnic tables and public toilets.
It's recommended visitors check the Ipswich City Council website for the latest information on closures or controlled burns in Conservation Estates and Parks before visiting.
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.
**It is recommend visitors check the Ipswich City Council website for the latest information on closures or controlled burns in Conservation Estates before visiting. See the website to check before heading out.
The Thylogale Track in D'Aguilar National Park offers a peaceful eight kilometre return walk through a rich tapestry of forest, stretching between Jollys Lookout and Boombana.
This Grade three trail invites you into a landscape that gently shifts as you go—from cool, lush rainforest filled with towering strangler figs, hoop pines and palms, to open eucalypt forest where tall blue gums, stringybarks and tallowwoods rise overhead.
Along the way, the forest comes alive with sound and movement. Listen for the unmistakable call of wompoo fruit-doves and the soft chatter of satin bowerbirds, and if you move quietly, you might spot a red-necked pademelon slipping through the undergrowth.
Beginning at Jollys Lookout, take a moment to soak in sweeping views out towards the coastline before descending into the cool shade of the track. Allow around three hours to enjoy the return walk at a relaxed pace, with peaceful picnic spots waiting at either end.
It's the kind of walk where the air feels a little fresher, the trees a little taller, and time slows down just enough to let you take it all in.
Regarded as one of the best rainforest bushwalks north of Brisbane, Maiala is set in the beautiful surrounds of Mount Glorious, in the southern part of Moreton Bay region. Perfect for beginners, families, or those just want to take a stroll among nature, Maiala is teeming with beautiful flora and fauna as well as educational plaques dotted along the track. Enjoy picnic areas with toilet facilities.
If you feel like exploring the nature hinterland, Maiala is the Western Window Track – 1.2 kilometres return
Rainforest Circuit – 2 kilometres return
Cypress Grove – 2.5 kilometres return
Greenes Falls – 4.3 kilometres return
Westside Track – 6.4 kilometres return
Aquila Loop – 24k kilometres return
Henry Lawson Bicentennial Park, located opposite the state school in the township of Walloon, is just 15 minutes drive from Ipswich. The park, home to the Babies of Walloon memorial, is one of the key points of interest on the Cobb & Co Tourist Drive.
The striking memorial to the lost Babies of Walloon commemorates the tragic drowning at a local waterhole of two school children, sisters Bridget and Mary Broderick. The tragedy became the subject of a poem by Henry Lawson “The Babies of Walloon”, and the text of this haunting poem is carved in railway sleepers placed around the memorial.
The park isn’t just about poetry however, with other facilities including playground equipment, BMX track, skate park, sheltered barbecue areas and public toilets all being part of the fabulous amenities.
Phoenix Sculpture Garden offers a quiet, contemplative experience surrounded by more than one hundred and fifty marble, onyx and bronze sculptures created by the late Australian artist Graham Radcliffe (1934-2022). Visitors move through a curated landscape designed to settle the mind and uplift the spirit. Paths lead through trees, openings and clearings where each sculpture invites reflection and a sense of connection.
The atmosphere is calm. Time slows. Many visitors describe a feeling of remembering what truly matters. The combination of nature, form and stillness creates an experience that is both grounding and elevating.
Phoenix Sculpture Garden is unique in Australia. Every sculpture was conceived and carved by hand over more than three decades. Rare stones from around the world were chosen for their colour, translucency and energy. The garden itself was shaped to support peace, beauty and quiet inner alignment. The entire site is dedicated to the idea of peace in the heart and peace in the world.
Visitors encounter a place that cannot be replicated digitally or by machine. The collection is one of the last of its kind, representing a lifetime of work created before the era of automated carving. Phoenix Sculpture Garden offers an experience of art, landscape and presence that stays with people long after they leave.
Trevallan Lifestyle Centre is a leafy wonderland offering rare plants, seeds, and gardening items alongside a diverse range of homewares and gift items. Wander through the beautiful, established garden for a peaceful escape, perfect for both plant enthusiasts and those seeking tranquillity.
The garden centre boasts a vast selection of indoor and outdoor plants, including vegetable and flower seedlings, fruit trees, natives, and exotics. The shop is brimming with unique garden features, ornaments, aromatherapy products, homewares, handmade candles, jewellery, artwork, furniture, and lamps.
New to Trevallan is a delightful coffee shop. Step into the inviting space where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee blends with the scent of blooming flowers. It’s an unpretentious spot, ideal for meeting friends or business acquaintances, or simply enjoying a serene stroll through the gardens. Locally baked gluten-free and vegan cakes and biscuits, with gluten-free chocolate and chai, are proudly served.
At Trevallan Lifestyle Centre, minds are nurtured as well as gardens. The popular event line-up features highly informative gardening workshops, as well as craft, spiritual, and personal growth sessions designed to inspire both locals and travellers. Come and experience the magic of Trevallan, where nature, creativity, and community thrive together.
One of Brisbane's most famous picnic spots, Jollys Lookout in D'Aguilar National Park, is known for its stunning panoramic views over Enoggera Forest Reserve out toward the city, further up to the Glasshouse Mountains and Moreton Bay.
Set among the backdrop of the lush, dense rainforest and eucalypt forest of Mount Nebo, Jollys Lookout is a sweeping opening featuring barbecues, sheltered and exposed picnic tables, and a well-maintained toilet block that has a baby change room.
The lookout is wheelchair accessible and offers a wonderful way to enjoy a lazy afternoon picnic with family, friends or a loved one.
