NATURE ATTRACTIONS THE BLUFF

The tiny hamlet of Grandchester is located 20 minutes from Ipswich and 45 minutes from Brisbane. The pride of Grandchester is the Grandchester Railway Station, built in 1865 and the terminus for the first railway line built in Queensland. Before the construction of the railway line, Grandchester was little more than a whistle-stop for travellers, and was known as Bigge's Camp. Queensland's Governor at the time, felt that a place at the centre of such a significant historical event deserved a more dignified name, and so renamed the site Grandchester. Visitors can experience the days of the steam engine at Grandchester's Model Steam Railway (open the first Sunday of each month from 10am to 2pm) by riding scale models of steam (and diesel) locomotives. Not far from the railway station, the historic buildings of an old homestead have been restored and converted into Spicers Hidden Vale, a luxury rural retreat. The nearby villages of Walloon and Rosewood are of equal historical significance with heritage buildings lining the streets and charming aspects making them well worth a look....

Just 25 minutes from Ipswich in the country town of Marburg is one of only three surviving harness racing courses in Queensland. The Marburg Pacing Association was formed back in 1982 as a place for people to run trials and has grown into a racing venue that now hosts 18 TAB meetings a year. When those meetings fall on a Sunday or a public holiday the Pacing Association puts on a big family fun day offering kids activities like waterslides, face painting, markets, mini-trots and the opportunity to pat a pony after a race. And hundreds often come out to witness the spectacle that is harness racing. Not only is there top racing action on the track, and the opportunity to bet on a winner, but off-track there’s delicious burgers and $4 stubbies for sale. Gates usually open at 11am with racing kicking off around lunch time. Come a long to a race day and see the drivers taking the horses around the track, pick a winner and enjoy country hospitality at its best. The Marburg Pacing Association is led by a committee of pacing enthusiasts that all volunteer their time for the love of the sport. ...

In the lovely country town of Rosewood, about 20 minutes’ country drive from the city of Ipswich, you’ll find an eclectic mix of businesses including Kaysuelle Fashions. Here, owner Michelle Robertson stocks a variety of trendy labels in the latest styles for all occasions, from casual to semi-formal and evening wear. The boutique has a rustic ambience with beautiful displays of clothing, accessories, shoes and jewellery, and was recently expanded to include a sale room where Michelle keeps discounted lines from throughout the year (great to know if you are travelling abroad and looking for out-of-season items). A spacious dressing room has also been added with still more items on display. The business began in 2007 and moved to a couple of locations before landing here at 36 John St, Rosewood where Michelle intends to keep it. She says it is a joy to have a business in Rosewood, having lived in the area all her life, and she never tires of seeing customers leave her boutique with a smile on their face. ...

Hidden Vale Adventure Park (HVAP) at Grandchester brings a unique outdoor experience to the region, with a multi-use 100 plus kilometre trail network for mountain bike riders, runners and walkers, winding through the expansive 12000 acre Nature Refuge property. Operating out of the luxurious getaway, Spicers Hidden Vale, it's the perfect way to explore the great outdoors in this stunning location just 30 minutes' drive from Ipswich. The sprawling property and trail network opens at 7am and closes at 3pm weekdays and 4pm weekends. Users sign in and out at theirTrailhead office located near Spicers Hidden Vale where you collect a map, and then you have a world-class trail network at your disposal to explore, with great bush scenery, kangaroos for company, and even passing by an abandoned light plane. You also have access to Spicers' top-quality food and beverage options. The Adventure Park is going through a three-stage expansion to be completed 2020, and it hosts events on the property through Epic Events Management. You can participate in timed rides and races and even set up camp during the events, making it perfect for a family-friendly getaway....