Five places to go hiking in Ipswich this weekend
JUST because the weather is getting colder doesn't mean exercise should take a back seat.
The Ipswich region is home to plenty of walking, horse riding and mountain bike riding trails to suit all fitness levels.
The forecast predicts Ipswich is set for sunny skies and temperatures in the early 20s this weekend, so get out there and enjoy.
Here are our top five picks for walking trails to try this weekend:
1. Denmark Hill
Where: The main entry is located opposite the corner of Deebing and Clay Sts, Ipswich
When: Open 6am-6pm
Level: Easy - Moderate
Length of tracks: 200m-800m
Trails:
- Waterfall track, 200m one way
- Triassic Circuit, 200m return
- Quarry Circuit, 400m return
- Water Tower Circuit, 800m return
- Blue's Circuit, 800m return
How long will it take? 5-20 minute walk
2. Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate, Hardings Paddock
Where: Carmichael's Rd, Purga
When: Open 6am-6pm
Level: Easy - Difficult
Length of tracks: 560m-19km
Trails:
- Chalk Circuit, 560m
- To Rocky Knoll lookout, 2.4km return
- Galmen Circuit, 3km return
- To Goolman lookout, 5.6km return
- To Goolman lookout via Rocky Knoll, 7.4km return
- Horse Trail Circuit, 9km return
- Flinders Goolman Trail, 19km one way
How long will it take? 5 minute walk- 6 hour hike
3. Haig Street Quarry Bushland Reserve
Where: 59 High St, Brassall
When: Open 6am-6pm
Level: Moderate
Length of tracks: 800m-1km
Trails:
- Willy Wagtail Circuit, 1km one way
- Bearded Dragon Circuit, 800m one way
How long will it take? 20-25 minute walk
4. White Rock - Spring Mountain Conservation Estate
Where: Paperbark Flats Picnic Area, School Rd, Redbank Plains
When: Open 6am-6pm
Level: Easy-Moderate
Length of tracks: 800m-19km return
Trails:
- Bluff Circuit, 200m one way
- Little White Rock Lookout Circuit, 200m one way
- Six Mile Creek Boardwalk, 300m one way
- Little White Rock Track, 600m one way
- Six Mile Creek Track, 1.4km return
- White Rock Multi-user Trail, 6.5km return
- Yaddamun Trail, 19km return
How long will it take? 5 minute walk - 10 hour hike
5. Purga Nature Reserve
Where: 840 Middle Rd, Purga
When: Open 6am-6pm
Level: Moderate
Length of tracks: 800m-1km
Trails:
- Willy Wagtail Circuit, 1km one way
- Bearded Dragon Circuit, 800m one way
How long will it take? 20-25 minute walk
Whichever trail you chose be sure to take precautions before heading off.
Hiking safety tips:
- Wear suitable shoes and lose clothing
- Carry enough food and water
- Use sunscreen, even in winter
- Carry a detailed map and first aid kit
- Let someone know where you are going
- Take a mobile phone
- Check the weather forecast
