Ipswich Road Trip, Walloon/Springfield Markets

We headed out early down the Warrego Highway first stopping for Breakfast at Barkley & Pips in Bundamba, which is our favourite Dog Friendly Café when in the area. Complete with its very own well-sized, open air playpen out front, we can relax knowing our pup (Shari) is safely secured and happily amused with a fun ball pit, and some great pull toys. But when the food arrives she prefers to stay close at our heels. There are plenty of doggy day beds and water bowls between the tables for them to chill out on. 

We love the Full English breakfast served with sausage, bacon, eggs your way, English baked beans, grilled tomato, mushrooms and toast. You’ll find a fantastic array of healthy, home-baked doggo treats, Pumpkin Puppuccino with Liver Sprinkles, Doggy Cheesecake, Pupper Pawridge, and Doughnuts. Barkley & Pips is more than just a cafe; it’s a one-stop-shop when it comes to kitting out your dog to be the best on the block.  There’s a wide range of outfits including dog collars, stylish bow ties, colourful pet bandanas, jackets and coats for when the temperature drops, right through to party hats so your pup can celebrate any event in total doggy fashion.

After breakfast we hit the Highway again turning off at the town of Walloon. The Walloon Markets are held on the first Sunday of every month, with a new address located at the Walloon State School. We browsed at the jewellery, homewares, clothing, and second hand books with a fresh coffee in hand. 

Kim was eyeing off Imbibis, an artisan distillery in Haigslea on the outskirts of Ipswich that crafts heavenly gin and brandy in small bespoke batches. What makes Imbibis unique is that the spirits themselves are produced using grapes and wine, with flavours inspired by the South East Queensland landscape.

From Walloon we past Tony’s work site, RAAF Base Amberley onto the Markets at Springfield.  Less than 35 minutes on the Centenary Highway, or 40 minutes by train from the Brisbane CBD, this incredible and innovative community is at the epicentre of one of Australia’s fastest growing regions. As the country’s largest master-planned urban environment, Greater Springfield has become a nation-building blueprint for what a 21st century city should be. We headed to the Robelle Domain parklands, in Springfield Central, which are a jewel in the crown of the city of Ipswich. The parklands offer visitors a rainforest walk, waterfalls, water play areas, bike tracks, the country’s first Icon on Galaxy interactive play equipment in an all-abilities playground, and more. The markets have over 100 stalls, showcasing specialty multicultural foods, craft, giftware, products & services from the local community.

The atmosphere has live music, wandering entertainment & performers, the backdrop being the most beautiful parkland in South East Queensland, with 24 hectares of walkways, cycle tracks, featuring a water play land and staging.

Wintertime is here, and there’s no better season to load up the car and hit the road for a good old-fashioned road trip with your family. Of course, we’re talking about your dog. The US might get the wrap for the most road-trippable nation, but Australia is right on the yanks’ tail when it comes to epic rides behind the wheel. Factor in scenery, rural expanse and one-of-a-kind places and you could even say we take the cake when it comes to sheer road trip adventure.

Tony and Kim Outdoor Adventures acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where we live and work. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and Elders from other communities we may visit and walk beside. (Tony) as a Bidjari Descendant, recognise their connection to Country and their role in caring for and maintaining Country over thousands of years. May their strength and wisdom be with us today.

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