📍11 Best Ipswich Lookouts & Viewpoints In The City & Countryside. (2024.)
WANT TO DISCOVER THE BEST IPSWICH LOOKOUTS & VIEWPOINTS.
As a city and region that is half urban development and half countryside, Ipswich is a place with plenty of variety for both locals and tourists visiting the inland destination, with the former having many beautiful heritage buildings, industry museums and resort-style lagoon amongst its top attractions, with the latter having mountains, rivers and plains, perfect for scenic drives, hiking and biking adventures and and refreshing wild swims as part of its lineup and many more beautiful parks scattered between both areas.
As for lookouts in Ipswich, there are several of those too. From easily accessible vantage points overlooking the CBD, to picturesque pitstops on walking tracks, and scenic spots on the side of the road showcasing the topography, here are the best places to enjoy the landscape from a local whose lived here for a long time.
👉 My top 3 picks for the best lookouts in Ipswich:
- Flinders Peak.
- Ipswich Boonah Road.
- Lions Lookout in Queens Park.
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6 Best Lookouts In Ipswich.
1. Lions Lookout.
Queens Park is one of the best places to visit in Ipswich. Not only is it deeply imbued with the city’s heritage, having been here since before it was gazetted as one. But what more, is that it’s historical significance goes deeper than that as it is also the Queensland’s first park! And it has the grandeur for it too as this beautiful sprawling parkland is full of picturesque open spaces and gorgeous old trees that have been there for many decades. Between all that are picnic tables, BBQs playgrounds, the Japanese Nerima Gardens, a kiosk and much more perfect for picnics and playdates or to just enjoy a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere rather than the hectic nature of the city.
Plus, it’s also where the city’s Visitor Information Centre is, and just next to it is the fantastic Lions Lookout. This gorgeous spot underneath a rustic rotunda is the perfect place to see downtown Ipswich as it looks almost directly down Limestone Street which leads directly into the business district. There’s also views of the urban areas north, and because it faces a general westerly direction, it’s a great place to watch the setting sun! And there’s no better way to finish the day exploring this beautiful destination than that.
- Type Of Lookout: Easily accessible formal rotunda lookout.
- View: Limestone Street towards the CBD, and the city north of it.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunset.
- Best For: Urban photography.
Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate.
Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate consists of two separate nature reserves linked by trail. Located east of the Ipswich-Boonah Road, just south of the city. Hardings Paddock is the closest of the two at 15km away while Flinders Plum is further at 25km. What people love about these places for somewhere so close to urban areas, it feels so far away and with tracks ranging from short and family friendly 220m long walkways to challenging 19km day hike/bike rides, it’s a great place to spend time exploring the natural environment, breathing in fresh air and getting exercise. Here are the best ones with views.
Flinders Plum.
Flinders Plum is the smaller of the two with a small grassy area, one BBQ and one sheltered table, but what it lacks in picnic area size, it more than makes up with its hiking trails as it is home to Ipswich’s most challenging and visually rewarding hikes.
2. Flinders Peak.
6km Return, Grade 5.
The creme da la crop of walking trails in Ipswich is the 6km track to Flinders Peak and back. This physically demanding but rewarding hike starts steep and just keeps gradually increases the further along it goes which makes it an excellent heart-pumping workout endeavor.
After continuously ascending the rocky terrain, the summit rewards intrepid hikers with magnificent views of the mountains’ rugged crags and cliffs and the surrounding landscapes, making it the best natural lookout the heritage city has to offer and well worth the energy expended.
Note: For experienced, well equipped hikers only.
- Type Of Lookout: Hiking trail.
- View: Countryside, mountains, craggy peaks.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Late afternoon. – Access to Flinders Plum is gated between dusk and dawn so make sure you check the times when visiting and have enough time to get back to the car before them or you may get locked in.
- Best For: Challenging half day hikes, landscape photography.
3. Mt Blaine Summit Circuit.
4.3km Loop, Grade 5.
For a shorter, but no less strenuous trail, the hike to Mt Blaine Saddle is all uphill, which is great if you’re looking to carve out your butt cheeks and carves. Unfortunately, there’s not many trees covering the footpath either, so much of it is exposed, which makes the walk pretty unbearable the hotter months, especially if it’s also midday and cloudless, so just a forewarning that summer is not the ideal time to attempt it and that applying SPF50+ sunscreen and taking plenty of water is a must.
But when you get to the top, there’s a bench awaiting with clear views of Flinders Peak rocky cliff face making every ass-cheek carving step worth it.
- Type Of Lookout: Main feature of the hiking trail with a bench.
- View: Flinders Peak and Mt Blaine.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Late afternoon.
- Best For: Short challenging hikes, mountain photography.
Hardings Paddock.
Hardings Paddock has a significantly larger day-use area. It has plenty of grassy areas, numerous BBQs and sheltered picnic tables and you can even camp there after a long day hiking.
4. Goolman’s Lookout.
Another great challenging walk leading to a picturesque viewpoint is Harding’s Paddock’s Goolman’s Lookout. Hikers can either go directly from the day-use are up a steep track up the southern part of the Horse Trail or follow the Gamlen Circuit in an anticlockwise direction, joining the northern section of the Horse Trail to Rocky Knoll, then follow the ridgeline to the lookout for a longer but slightly less physically difficult circuit, which is always my preference.
From the top, enjoy beautiful hazy views looking south towards the culturally
significant Mt Goolman and west across the beautiful haze plains of Ipswich’s vast countryside.
- Type Of Lookout: Main feature of the hiking trail with a bench.
- View: Mt Goolman
- Optimal Time To Visit: Late afternoon. – Access to Harding Paddock is gated between dusk and dawn so make sure you check the times when visiting and have enough time to get back to the car before them or you may get locked in.
- Best For: short challenging hikes, landscape photography.
👉 For the official walking track map, click here.
5. Tom Craik Lookout.
Haig St Quarry Bushland Reserve.
One of the most easily accessible lookouts in Ipswich is the Tom Craik Lookout, located in Brassall’s Haig St Quarry Bushland Reserve. Just turn right after entering the gate, where it’s just a short drive to the end of the road and a short walk to the picturesque lookout which has lovely views of the distant mountains.
What’s also great about this spot is it is right next to a sheltered picnic table and free gas BBQ, so you can visit it while your food is cooking. The reserve is also home to some gentle walking trails, making it a great place to walk off the calories you just ate, or if you start from the Quarry Pond, somewhere to rest and enjoy the scenery mid-stroll. Additionally, there’s a playground down the bottom too, making it a great place for families with young kids to take them for a day out.
- Type Of Lookout: Easy-access formal fenced lookout.
- View: Distant mountains.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Late afternoon, sunset. – The reserve closes at night, but you can park outside and walk the short distance to the lookout.
- Best For: Visiting with the family, landscape photography.
- Open: 6.00am to 6.00pm.
Other Scenic Viewpoints.
6. David Trumpy Bridge.
One of the most picturesque viewpoints in Ipswich is lies right in the heart of the city. The David Trumpy Bridge is the main vehicular crossing for the Bremer River, connecting the north and the south. It’s a stretch of road visitors will no doubt cross several times during their visit to this beautiful heritage destination.
While you can see it while driving across, I recommend parking at the Riverlink Shopping Centre on the northern banks and walking along the western side to appreciate the beautiful river scenery, which is particularly magical at sunrise and sunset. And on clear days, you can also see Ipswich’s most iconic historical building St Mary’s Cathedral about the River Heart Parklands walkway and the old train bridge’s left pylon.
- Type Of Viewpoint: Sidewalk on a road bridge.
- View: Bremer River.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise or Sunset.
- Best For: Landscape photography.
7. River Heart Parklands.
Speaking of the River Heart Parklands, this is another stunning place to enjoy the Ipswich’s scenic landscapes. Following the Bremer River from the old railway & Bradfield Pedestrian Bridge linking the CBD to Riverlink, under the aforementioned David Trumpy Bridge to the beautiful Bob Gamble Park, this 1.2.km half concrete, half boardwalk trail is a gorgeous scenic track. Plus, with signage about the city’s heritage along the way, including how it was the forerunner to be Queensland’s capital, it’s the perfect trail for familiarising oneself with Ipswich heritage while appreciating its natural beauty.
Note: Part of the walk is currently closed.
- Type Of Viewpoint: Riverside footpath and boardwalk
- View: Bremer River.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise or Sunset.
- Best For: Landscape photography.
8. Kholo Gardens.
On the outskirts of the city, the Kholo Gardens also has some lovely river views, this time of The Brisbane River. A few steps from the carpark will allow you to observe the tranquil waterway from behind a fence, but I recommend going for a walk along the trails to the water’s edge for a closer look which adds to the feeling that you’re miles away from the city.
Along with its kid-friendly trails, Kholo Gardens also has a beautiful pond, tables and BBQs making it a great place to visit for a family outing. Furthermore, the rustic chapel and Queenslander style building make it a popular venue for weddings and other celebratory events.
- Type Of Lookout: Feature of the park.
- View: Brisbane River & Countryside.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Morning or late afternoon. Kholo Gardens closes at night, so ensure enough time to get back out.
- Best For: Landscape photography.
9. Ipswich-Boonah Road.
Another incredibly scenic spot in Ipswich is along the Ipswich-Boonah Road, directly south of the CBD. This gorgeous stretch of bitumen is a gorgeous drive through the countryside, but it’s between the Ipswich suburb of Yamanto and the Scenic Rim locality of Peaks Crossing that is one of the most beautiful sections as it runs alongside the breathtaking rugged peaks of the Flinders Peak group, which includes the namesake Flinders Peak, the tallest mountain in the lineup and Ivory’s Rock, which is distinct from the rest thanks to the bare cliff face.
- Type Of Lookout: Roadside.
- View: Teviot Range, including Flinders Peak.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise, sunset and moonrise.
- Best For: Scenic drives, landscape photography.
10. Richardson Park.
Another picturesque spot in Ipswich is at Richardson Park in Goodna. This stunning easily accessible lookout has views overlooking the Brisbane River. And with picnic tables, BBQs, a playground and gym equipment, it’s a great place to enjoy time outdoors.
- Type Of Lookout: Fenced park lookout.
- View: Brisbane River.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunset.
- Best For: Landscape photography.
11. Opposite Tallegalla Cemetery.
If you’re heading out Rosewood way, one place not to miss is Tallegalla Cemetery, but not for the dead people. While the graveyard has lovely views itself, its across the road that as one of my favourite places to visit on repeat as it has breathtaking views of Ipswich’s rolling countryside and the rugged mountains of the Scenic Rim. And as it far out of the way and off the tourist trail, it’s one of the heritage city’s best regional gems.
- Type Of Lookout: Roadside lookout.
- View: Countryside and distance mountains.
- Optimal Time To Visit: Sunrise.
- Best For: Scenic drives, landscape photography.
Ipswich Lookouts Map.
Accommodation: Where To Stay In Ipswich.
- Budget: Hardings Paddock Campground.
- Mid-Range:
- Luxury:
- ➡️ Oaks Ipswich Aspire Suites.
- ➡️ Woodlands Of Marburg.
Conclusion: Best Lookouts In Ipswich.
While it doesn’t seem like a place that would have many scenic viewpoints, with the help of this list, you’ll be able to find that there are some beautiful lookouts in Ipswich that will help you appreciate this beautiful heritage city and its surrounding landscapes.
If you plan to visit Ipswich, consider looking at these other posts.
