Take a virtual tour of Ipswich thanks to Google Street View

Nearly two years ago now Ipswich was at the forefront of something special.

We embarked on a mission to be the most comprehensively mapped city in the Southern Hemisphere. 

When the call went out, I answered and here we are today with 57 individual locations, (most of which were physically mapped on foot) now totally accessible to the public online.

So if you’re stuck inside, self-isolating, quarantined or a just a hermit to begin with – this is an awesome way to experience the outside while you’re inside.

Thanks to nearly 3 million steps you can experience great hiking, locations and attractions from the comfort of your home.

Here’s my top spots to check out on Google Street View from the Ipswich Trekker Project.

Hidden Vale

If you haven’t been to Hidden Vale, now’s your chance.

There’s 12,000 acres of estate, chock full of mountain biking tracks, a two-hatted restaurant and that world renowned Spicer’s accommodation.

There hasn’t really been a definition of try before you buy like this before.

Drop in, scout about and do whatever. You won’t be bumping into any people there at the moment, so in many ways it’s more or less the same as actually being out and about. 

There’s a couple of sneaky Easter Eggs for Hidden Vale, bonus points for finding the Wedge Tailed Eagle that scared the life out of me when I was trekking this, back in 2018.

Drop in here for a lookout from the rear of the park stretching North.

Or here to survey the retreat.  

Flinders Peak

Flinders Peak is a special one, because it’s entirely likely that many of us haven’t had the time, or maybe even the physical ability get out here begin with.

So even outside of a global pandemic, you might find our humble google maps endeavour rather to be helpful.

There’s 3 kilometres of winding trails, rocky scrambles and panoramic views. But just like the real thing, don’t go a clicking like a mad person, disorientating yourself and getting lost in the bush.

For an incredible mountain pit stop, see here.

And to look back at that same spot from another mountain, see here.

White Rock

If you haven’t been to White Rock previously, well this pandemic ain’t no excuse.

More than 2500 hectares of conservation estate is no walk in the park, on this occasion it’s somewhat of a marathon from home.

There’s so much of White Rock to cover that I’ll just leave you with my favourite (not so well known) spot to hike and you can click around from there.

River Systems

Well… go figure, you can actually cruise around the Bremer and Brisbane River systems from home as well.

Yes, this project ended up taking us quite a bit of time and yes we covered some pretty amazing locations along the way.

So if you’re a bit shy of walking even on a digital level, then how’s about you dip a toe in at Colleges Crossing.

You can also start her off here, here and maybe even here.

Ipswich Nature Centre

Well not to be outdone by anything so far, this crowd favourite isn’t something you have to miss out on just because of some pesky little virus.

Stop by some marsupial mates for a quick catch up and mosey on through with enough time to fly by Nerima Gardens on the way out.

Find yourself right in the middle with plenty to see in every direction.

Nerima Gardens

Because why not? There’s flowers, birds, fish, waterfalls and an assortment of meticulously cultivated flora to indulge in.

It’s one of the easiest ones to navigate and there’s something hidden around every corner.  So go on, get exploring.

A notable reference point is the Tea House. 

Woodlands of Marburg

On pure wow factor alone, Woodlands is somewhere you want to have ticked off the list.

Now in the absence of a stop by the Tommy Smith Café, you will have to make your own brew but I promise, it’s worth the virtual visit.

A plantation style mansion dating back to 1889, assortments of other 19th century constructions and rolling hillside country views.

What are you waiting for? Click right over here and start the tour.

Orion Lagoon and Robelle Domain

Yes we have our own mini South Bank.  Just remember to keep that two metre distance between each other’s clicks.

Pretty simple stuff here, whack your feet in a bucket of water, grab a Cornetto out of the freezer and voilah! You’re basically poolside.

See Orion Lagoon and Robelle Domain.

This brings us to an end of our list for today.

If you enjoyed our excursion around Ipswich let us know and we’ll bring you back with a part 2.