VENTURE into the great outdoors!
January to November delivers a season of outdoor events from cycling, mountain biking and trail running, as well as family friendly outdoor events throughout the Ipswich region.
With over 6000ha of open parks and conservation areas, it’s no wonder Ipswich is the home of so many outdoor recreation and endurance events.
2025 VENTURE EVENTS CALENDAR
FIND A PARKRUN NEAR YOU
With a mission to inspire health and happiness, Parkrun offers free 5km community events every Saturday in almost 500 locations around Australia.
Run by teams of local volunteers, these welcoming and inclusive mornings are open to all registered walkers, joggers and runners, in any location, any weekend of the year. With all events ending in a social gathering at a local coffee spot, you’ll be spoilt for choice every Saturday!
For more Parkrun locations near you, visit the Parkrun website.
VENTURE A LITTLE FURTHER
If you’re ready to venture out into the great outdoors, then check out this list of places where you can go bush walking. The list includes the highest peak in the Brisbane region, Flinders Peak which stands at 679m tall – higher than the glasshouse mountains.
When it comes to Mountain Biking (MTB) Ipswich has plenty of options also – including the greatest length of MTB single track in Queensland and the longest continuous descent in QLD – 500 above at Hidden Vale Adventure Park. See all the places where you can mountain bike here.
There’s even a MTB trials park designed by former world champion trials rider Janine Jungfels at Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve – though this isn’t something beginners should attempt.
Need more reasons to bring your bike to Ipswich? Then check out these recommendations from a MTB racer, or explore the best places for advanced riders to visit.
Craving a longer cycling option or need some family friendly pathways? Then check out the best bike trails, loops and parks here. If horses are more your thing, saddle up your trusty steed and try one of the local conservation estates.
For those who prefer two legs, get back to basics with a good old fashioned hike. It’s never been easier to access local trail guides then by downloading the Naeus Explore App. Use the app to find points of interest from local experts, find new tracks, identify native species on the spot and keep track of the weather as you go. It’s the trail hikers guide to the galaxy!
For something different, join the local orienteering club every other weekend for a spot of adventure, or if you prefer your outdoor sports to include water, then you’ll want to know where you can drop in the kayak or canoe and the best places to swim. With so many options there is no excuse not to VENTURE out of your comfort zone this weekend.
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Sunday 26 January 2025
138 Haigslea Amberley Rd, Walloon
Spend your Sunday morning getting your heart pumping on this 5.2km XC course.
As one of the final races in the Wild West Series, the Walloon track has had some upgrades with new, fun features to explore in a family friendly atmosphere.
From beginners, juniors and e-bikes, all the way up to A-Grade elite athletes – there’s something for everybody – it just depends how fast you want to go!
Click here for more information!
On The Edge Trail Running Series – Round 2
Sunday 25 May 2025
Hidden Vale Adventure Park, 617 Grandchester Mount Mort Rd, Grandchester
On the Edge Trail Running Series offers three challenging and highly rewarding events, with Round 2 hosted at the beautiful Hidden Vale Adventure Park in Grandchester. Whether you’re an elite runner or a first timer, the welcoming and family-oriented atmosphere is open to everyone. Choose between the 25km, 11.5km or 4.2km fully marked and marshalled courses and explore some of the most magnificent trail running terrain in Australia. So, what are you waiting for? Gather up your come-and-try attitude and experience trail running at its finest – because #bitumenisboring!
Click here for more information!
Outlaw Downhill – Round 4
Sunday 22 June 2025
Hidden Vale Adventure Park, 617 Grandchester Mount Mort Rd, Grandchester
Embrace the thrill, good times and high-fives with the whole family at Hidden Vale Adventure Park this June, in Round 4 of the new Downhill mountain biking series from On the Edge Events. Whether you’re shredding trails like a seasoned mountain warrior or gearing up for your maiden descent, this rad event delivers a top-tier, pulse-pounding adventure for riders of all levels. With access to professional race timing and a fully marked course on some of Australia’s premier mountain biking trails, this is an adventure not to be missed.
Click here for more information!
Renegade Gravity Enduro MTB Series - Round 4
Sunday 13 July 2025
Hidden Vale Adventure Park, 617 Grandchester Mount Mort Rd, Grandchester
Are you ready for a supercharged mountain biking experience? Then check out the Renegade Gravity Enduro Series for an adrenaline charged, multi-stage race with leisurely uphills and exhilarating timed downhill sections. Round 4 of the series will be held at the beautiful Hidden Vale Adventure Park, one of the best locations for endurance MTB, with sprawling mountainous views, abundant wildlife and an easy drive from Brisbane and the Gold Coast. For experts and novices alike, this family friendly event will provide a fun, rewarding and exhilarating experience for everyone!
Click here for more information!
The Heritage Karalee-Ipswich 100
Sunday 30 March 2025
The University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich Campus
The annual Heritage Karalee-Ipswich 100 bike ride is one of South East Queensland’s favourite charity bike rides.
Well known for its beautiful scenery and friendly atmosphere, the event offers a chance for seasoned riders and first timers alike to test their skills and fitness across three different routes, while supporting a worthy cause.
The ride is a project of the Brisbane West Lions Club in association with the Ipswich Hospital Foundation. All proceeds from the ride are donated to charity. So jump on your bike and take a ride for a great cause.
Click here for more information!
South East Queensland Schools Comp
Friday 6 June 2025
Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve, 7 Mary Street, Blackstone
Get ready for an epic day of mountain biking with the Rocky Trail Academy comp at Castle Hill MTB Park! Hosted by Rocky Trail Entertainment, this event is designed for high school-age riders to challenge themselves across three epic timed stages on some of the best trails in the region. Whether they’re looking to challenge themselves or just have fun with friends, the Rocky Trail Academy event is all about fostering growth and camaraderie.
The event format includes three stages, designed to test a variety of skills, including endurance, speed, and technical ability. Everyone gets five possible runs on each track, with the fastest time per stage counting toward your final result. With no set track order and untimed liaisons, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors at your own pace. Riders will also earn points for their school, with bonus points awarded for top finishers on each track.
Race categories are based on school year groups – students race against their peers and experience the thrill of friendly competition. Each track is designed to be rideable by anyone from beginners to experienced, ensuring there’s something for every skill level.
The experienced team will be there to ensure everything runs smoothly, from registration to course marshalling and first aid services!
For full event details, including trail maps, parking, and Event and Track Guides, visit the Rocky Trail Academy website here.
Fox Superflow
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June 2025
Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve, 7 Mary Street, Blackstone
Fox Superflow® returns to Castle Hill’s Blackstone Reserve in Ipswich with Australia’s most popular gravity enduro race!
This is not your average enduro: it’s your chance to ride the way you want! Say goodbye to tight schedules and hello to enduro racing with a laid-back vibe.
The format includes three stages with each one averaging 2-3 minutes. With no set track order and untimed liaisons, you’re free to enjoy the day at your own pace. You get up to five runs on each of the three tracks, with your fastest run on each stage combined for your final result.
The event is open to all ages, with categories based on age groups, so you can race against your peers. Whether you’re a young rider or a seasoned veteran, “race the way you ride” and make new friends along the way! The race village will be buzzing with activity, featuring live timing, mountain bike equipment exhibits, music, and plenty of food and drink options to keep you fuelled for the day.
Be part of the Fox Superflow® 2025—an unmissable opportunity to own the trails your way.
For full event details, including trail maps, parking, and amenities, visit the Fox Superflow® website here.
Ipswich Hospital Foundation's Park2Park
Sunday 28 July 2024
Limestone Park, Ipswich
The Ipswich Hospital Foundation’s Park2Park fun run is back with their 20th anniversary event!
Participate as a team, family, individual, school or even as your organisation’s mascot, in a range of courses for all ages and abilities, there is something for everybody.
Whether you walk, run or skip your way through a course, the best part is you’ll have the opportunity to fundraise for your local community.
So lace up your sneakers and sign up for IHF Park2Park this July!
Click here for more information!
99 Bikes Cycle and Trail Run Epic
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September 2024
Hidden Vale Adventure Park, Grandchester
An award-winning mountain bike and trail running challenge, the Epic has multiple categories suitable for all ages and abilities.
From the 4.2km Mini Epic, to the 22km Allclear Chaser and right up to the 100km Epic itself, the tracks are sure to get your heart racing with plenty of exciting twists and turns.
Experience an epic adventure for yourself and discover all this hidden gem has to offer.
Click here for more information!
Escape Raid
Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 August 2025
Logan’s Camp Recreation Area, Lake Wivenhoe
Three events over one weekend – that’s right, you can kayak, trek and mountain bike to your hearts content as part of Queensland’s premier Adventure Racing series.
Do one or do them all, the Escape Raid is a family friendly event designed to be achievable by novices, whilst still challenging the most hardened adventure athletes.
Made up of three individual events, this weekend is as much about campfires as it is competition, with teams competing to collect as many points as possible through beautiful, unmarked wilderness.
Click here for more information!
BVRT Festival of Cycling
Saturday 2 August 2025
Get ready for the BVRT Festival of Cycling on 2 August 2025. Enjoy being part of this exciting cycling festival held along the beautiful Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. This must-do event caters to all abilities with four exciting routes:
161 km from Wulkuraka to Yarraman
75 km from Toogoolawah
50 km from Moore
20 km family ride from Blackbutt
Whether you’re an experienced rider or a leisure cyclist, this fully supported event offers a fantastic day out. Don’t miss out on the fun, camaraderie, and stunning scenery.
For event updates be sure to follow BVRT Festival of Cycling on Facebook here.
Spartan Trifecta Weekend
Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May 2025
Ivory’s Rock, 310 Mt Flinders Road, Peak Crossing
Spartan Race returns to Ivory’s Rock in 2025!
Trawl through meandering creeks, beautiful bushland, and rocky terrain, as you make your way to the base of Ivory’s Rock. Are you ready to conquer the course and prove yourself in the ultimate physical challenge?
There’s something for every Spartan from the 5k Sprint, to the 50k Ultra, with races for all fitness levels. Don’t forget the epic Kids’ race – where young Spartans run, jump, climb and crawl their way through our purpose-built course.
Grab your tickets today.