Surroundings, Brisbane

Ipswich (pop. 73,300) is the gateway to the fertile Darling Downs and it is now virtually an outer suburb of Brisbane. It was founded in 1827 as a convict settlement, and limekilns here supplied lime for the building of Brisbane. Known until 1842 as Limestone Hills, it was then renamed after the English town of Ipswich.Ipswich has preserved many houses and public buildings of the colonial period, notably Claremount House, a Georgian mansion in Milford Street (1858); the Courthouse in East Street (1859), designed by Charles Tiffin, later the architect of Old Government House, the customs house and Parliament House in Brisbane; the railroad station in Bell Street (1892); and St Paul's Church (corner of Nicholas and Brisbane Streets), built in 1858, when it was considered one of the finest churches in Queensland. The School of Arts (1861) was dignified by the addition of a classical-style façade in 1864 and became the Town Hall.

The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the oldest wildlife park in Australia. Visitors can see many types of native Australian animals, including, of course, koalas, and feed kangaroos.

An attractive excursion from Brisbane is to Bunya Park Wildlife Sanctuary. In the park is a research station on the life and behavior of koalas.

The Australian Woolshed gives a picture of sheep-farming life in the interior of Queensland, with demonstrations of sheep shearing and wool spinning.

25,000haBrisbane Forest Park offers the possibility of excursions into the D'Aguilar Range. Within this great expanse of wild bush country and eucalyptus forests are Maiala National Park and Manorina National Park (campsite, picnic spots, nature trail).Maiala National Park, also known as D'Aguilar Range National Park, with excellent visitor facilities, is a favorite day trip from Brisbane. From the wooded hills there are magnificent views of the coastal plain.

At the Brisbane Tramway Museum visitors can ride tramcars. The museum features a variety of displays.

Three of the most interesting National Parks in Queensland extend in an arc (the Scenic Rim) 100km south and southwest around Brisbane: Springbrook National Park, Tamborine National Park and Lamington National Park.

Logan City (pop. 132,000) is a rapidly growing town which now forms part of the Brisbane conurbation. Declared a shire in 1978, it became a city in 1981. Its situation between the state capital and the City of Gold Coast holiday region has made it a sought-after residential town.The town is named after Captain Patrick Logan, one of the founders and much feared commandant of the Moreton Bay penal settlement, who organized the exploration of the region and discovered the Logan River.

Alma Park Zoo rests on 20ac of palm gardens. The zoo features numerous animals both domestic and exotic within these gardens. Some of the animals can even be fed by visitors at specified times.Visitors can touch and even hold Koala's, Snakes and Crocodiles, and hand feed the Kangaroo's and the Deer.

The Queensland Energy Museum offers visitors a chance to learn about the history of energy and gas supply in Queensland. A number of objects are on display for visitors to view.

The Flying Fighters is a collection of historic aircraft housed at Archerfield Airport. The aircraft on display are all in operational condition. Flying Fighters even offers rides in some of the aircraft.

Fort Lytton National Park is a fortress featuring restored guns and a museum. The museum has displays about the Queensland military. From 1881 until the 1930s, Fort Lytton was Brisbane's front line of defence.

Miegunyah is a 19th c Victorian house which now houses the Queensland Women's Historical Association. Queensland Women's Historical Association displays consist of items from the pioneer heritage of the state.

Wolston House is an historic house which also recreates the lifestyle of the time. The house itself is of stone and brick and is in a style which is rare for the area.

The Telstra Museum traces the history of modern communications. Exhibits include old Morse code machines as well as a working manual exchange.