Autum is the perfect time to connect with the great outdoors. And in 2025 you can try something new, with Ipswich offering an abundance of unique and exciting nature-based experiences.
It’s all part of the Experience Nature program by Ipswich City Council, which highlights the amazing opportunities in the city’s Enviroplan conservation areas.
You can find the full program and booking details here.
There’s something for everyone – here’s five different ways you can Experience Nature this autumn!
1. Challenge yourself to a special mission
The family-friendly Agents of Discovery app has now expanded to Ipswich, with new missions for you to explore in natural areas.
Download the free app to your smartphone to find game-based missions near you.
Ipswich’s Queens Park hosts a mission where you can discover more about the natural icons in this popular park.
Each month in autumn there’s also a new Search for Enviroplan Gems mission to explore in a different conservation estate. Complete the mission to go in the running for a great prize!
2. School holidays rock with outdoor fun
Ipswich’s Active and Healthy program has you covered with Easter school holiday nature-based activities.
The focus is the popular White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Estate, including kids’ yoga, nature journey sticks, spotlighting and beginners’ mountain biking and trail riding. Book in for afternoon bushwalks and photography sessions here.
There’s also special experiences such as learning to fish at Joseph Brady Park and birdwatching at Kholo Botanic Gardens.
These limited experiences can be a great way to discover a new nature hobby the kids will love!
3. Taking time to appreciate nature
If a slower pace is more your thing, there will be plenty of opportunities in autumn for new ways to smell the gum leaves.
Peaceful experiences abound at Haig Street Quarry Conservation Reserve, where you can relax your mind with a guided mindfulness walk or join artist Deb Mostert for a morning of observing and sketching with nature notebooks.
There will also be Habitat & History walks where your guide will share stories and insights to the rich life of local Enviroplan reserves.
4. See nature in a new light
Guided bushwalks this autumn come with a twist – hiking by moonlight! Watch the moon rise and see stunning evening views from the top of lookouts. It’s a rare opportunity to explore Enviroplan conservation areas after the sun goes down. Book here.
Discover the wonders of the universe when the Brisbane Astronomical Stargazing provides their telescopes for an evening of observations within the vast Flinders – Goolman Conservation Estate.
5. Expand your knowledge
If nature is already your passion, during autumn there will be exclusive opportunities to learn from incredible experts in a range of fields.
Join Gamilaroi astrophysicist Karlie Noon as she shares the rich traditions of Aboriginal astronomy in a Learn for Life session presented by Ipswich Libraries.
There will also be the one-off opportunity to experience Stirling Road Reserve, Rosewood. Guided tours with bird and plant experts will delve into the natural wonders of this high-value conservation area normally closed to the public.
These events and activities are free and low cost – but registrations are essential as numbers are limited!
See the full program and booking details at Ipswich.qld.gov.au/experiencenature
