Purga Nature Reserve

Description:

For a unique nature walk just 15 minutes from Ipswich, Purga Nature Reserve is a peaceful getaway. It has the largest remnant of Swamp Tea Tree protected in Australia, and there are short, self-guided walks amid the ghostly, ashen trees that are truly spectacular. The reserve has two Class 2 tracks for easy level walking, including the 350-metre wheelchair-accessible Tea Tree Boardwalk Circuit, raised high enough to keep your feet dry even if the wetlands have had rain. The longer Melaleuca Circuit is still a fairly short stroll on flat land, and with the native herbs, wildflowers and ground covers in place, it’s an inviting habitat for birds. Keep your eyes peeled for Eastern Grey kangaroos, koalas and echidnas which occasionally make an appearance. Purga Nature Reserve’s popular frog pond, depending on the time of year and rainfall, is host to the Green Treefrog, Eastern Sedgefrog and Striped Marshfrog, and you can also see willy wagtails, skinks and rarely, red-bellied black snakes. With picnic tables, compost toilets and drinking water available, plus award-winning winery, Ironbard Ridge Vineyard, nearby this area near Ipswich offers a great day out.