The City of Ipswich has abundant natural and recreational spaces suited to all kinds of recreational, fitness and health activities. With a solid network of recreational and bicycle pathways, walking and cycling are great ways to get active in Ipswich!

Walking

  • Suitable for all fitness levels (including beginners)
  • Free and convenient way to be active
  • No special skills or equipment needed
  • Get fit while getting from A to B
  • Enjoy with friends, family or solo

10,000 Steps

Every step counts towards leading an active and healthy lifestyle! 10,000 steps is the recommended daily step goal for adults, and participating in 30 minutes of moderate physical activity like brisk walking can help you achieve this goal. Register with 10,000 Steps and start making every step count by:

Pedometer

Get a pedometer on loan from Ipswich Central Library. For more information contact the library on (07) 3810 6815 or info@library.qld.gov.au

Log your steps

Start your step log by registering on the 10,000 Steps website or collect a step log from the library when you borrow a pedometer.

10,000 Steps challenges and prizes

  • 10,000 Steps I-Challenge - take a virtual adventure anywhere in the world by participating in these monthly challenges and be in the running to win prizes such as heart rate monitors and Asics shoes.
  • 10,000 Steps Workplace Challenge - the challenge aims to provide an opportunity for businesses to participate in a work-specific physical activity challenge to help workplaces take positive steps towards better health.

Walking tips and tricks:

  • Walk instead of using the car
  • Park further away from your destination and walk the rest of the way
  • Walk to and from your train station or bus stop, and get on and off at a stop that is further away
  • Take the stairs instead of the lift
  • Walk rather than rest on escalators and travelators
  • Aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity everyday by walking with pets, family and friends in a walking group

Ipswich Heart Foundation Walking Groups

Bundamba Walking Group

Monday to Friday
Time: 6.00 am – 6.30 am
Walk Assembly Point: Zebra Crossing, Bremer Tafe
Walk Distance: 3 km
Walk Coordinator: Carmel

Raceview Walking Group

Wednesday & Saturday
Time: 6.00 am – 7.00 am
Walk Assembly Point:  Dengs Diner, Raceview Shopping Centre, Raceview
Walk Distance: 3 – 4 km
Walk Coordinator: Jenny

Bushwalking

Bushwalking is a great way to get active while getting back to nature! Ipswich offers a number of conservation parks and reserves with walking trails to cater for all levels of ability. Pick up a Trails of Ipswich guide from Ipswich City Council's Concierge and Support team, 1 Nicholas Street, or download a copy here using this link - Bushwalking Guide.


Cycling

  • Good for your health
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Cheap way to travel
  • Fun way to enjoy the great outdoors
  • Great way to spend time with friends and family

Cycling Groups / Events

Get together with friends and family and join in a local, social and free cycling groups and events:

Getting started

  • Choose a route which is flat and smooth - a shared off-road path like the Brassall Bikeway is a great way to start!
  • Ride slowly for the first 10 minutes, gradually increasing your speed as you warm up, and finish by warming down and stretching.
  • Aim to participate in 30 minutes of moderate physical activity (such as cycling) on most days of the week.
  • Stay motivated by keeping it fun - ride with friends, family or a local cycling group and try one of the many cycle friendly routes in Ipswich.

Tips for a safe and enjoyable ride

When cycling on shared paths:

  • Watch out -  give way to pedestrians
  • Stay safe - ride at a safe speed
  • Use your bell - alert other path users and pass on the right
  • Keep left - ride on the left side except when overtaking.

When cycling on roads:

Be aware 
  • Know what other traffic is doing
  • Be prepared to manoeuvre for safety
  • Watch for cars entering from driveways
Be seen
  • Use lights at night
  • Have reflectors on your bike
  • Wear light-coloured clothing
Be predictable
  • Use hand signals and bell
  • Avoid weaving in and out of traffic and around parked cars
Ride safe
  • Wear a helmet (both on and off the road)
  • Never ride more than two abreast unless overtaking and only do so when safe
  • Ride at a safe speed
  • Watch out for car doors opening
  • Be careful at intersections
  • Ride in marked bicycle lanes where available
  • Follow the road rules

Walk Ipswich Guide and recreational bike rides

Get together with friends and family and explore a walk friendly route/recreational bike ride near you:

Walkability/bikeability checklist

How walkable/bikeable is your neighbourhood?

A safe and supportive environment for walking and cycling is essential. Neighbourhoods need to be walkable and bikeable for all members of the community and for all ages and abilities. Local residents know and understand their neighbourhoods better than anyone else and can identify aspects that may help or hinder walking and cycling in their areas. By completing and submitting the below checklists, individuals and groups can provide feedback to Council to assist Council in improving the quality of the walking and cycling environment. To help council to improve your walking/cycling environment complete and submit the below checklists:

Walking and cycling contacts

Ipswich Hospital Foundation
P:  1300 736 428
E: info@ihfoundation.org.au
W: http://www.ihfoundation.org.au/

Heart Foundation Walking
P:  1300 36 27 87
E: walking@heartfoundation.org.au
W: www.heartfoundation.org.au/walking

Ipswich Bicycle Users Group
P:  07) 3428 5020
E: delphined123@optusnet.com.au
W: http://www.ipswichbug.org/

Bicycle Queensland
P:  07) 3844 1144
E: bqinfo@bq.org.au
W: http://www.bq.org.au/

Department of Transport and Main Roads (Cycling Area)
P:  07) 3167 4402
E: cycles@tmr.qld.gov.au
W: http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Travel-and-transport/Cycling.aspx

Ipswich Bushwalkers Inc
P: 07) 3282 5534
E: ipswich_bushwalkers@yahoo.com.au
W: http://www.ipswichbushwalkers.bwq.org.au/

More Information

Add your organisation's details to the portals below:

Should you wish to join the recreational activities email list, provide feedback or suggestion or enquire about adding your organisation's activities into the program, please contact council on (07) 3810 6666 or sportrecreation@ipswich.qld.gov.au