Adventure

Be it jumping out of a plane at 8,000 feet, exploring for a treasure in one of our local art galleries or antique shops, taking in the stunning scenery on horseback or starting the day with a gentle flight over the Lockyer Valley's patch work quilt....you will find it all in the Valley of Variety.

Ballooning
Early risers will soon discover that from high above, the Lockyer Valley is a wonderful patchwork of colours. Drifting through the crisp morning air will be both exhilarating and relaxing with Balloons Above.

Balloons Above
25 Harm Drive, Glenore Grove
Phone: 1300 648 050
Email: balloons.above@uq.net.au
Web: www.balloonsabove.com.au

Located in neighbouring Ipswich, Floating Images invites you to experience the magic and adventure of ballooning over heritage Ipswich and the beautiful Scenic Rim.

Floating Images
Phone: 07 3294 8770
Email: info@floatingimages.com.au
Web: www.floatingimages.com.au
To book, click here

Skydiving
Are you an adrenaline junkie? Take to the skies and push yourself to the limit with a skydiving jump and experience speeds of up to 350km per hour as you descend. 'Ripcord Skydivers' new Ground Rush Low Altitude Extreme allows you to choose your height - 8,000 to 14,000ft. With 33 years of experience you know you're in good hands.

Ripcord Sky Divers
Off the Warrego Highway, Glenore Grove
Phone: (07) 5466 5521
Email: ripcord@ripcord-skydivers.com.au
Web: www.ripcord-skydivers.com.au

Equestrian
The Gatton Indoor Equestrian Centre plays host to a number of monthly events, catering for all equine disciplines and attracting clubs from across South-East Queensland. The covered arena is fully lit for night competitions and has even hosted some great music concerts. Various race meetings are run by the Lockyer Race Club through the year.

Gatton Indoor Equestrian Centre
Gatton Showgrounds
Woodlands Road, Gatton
Phone: 0428 621 744

Horse Riding
Come and enjoy the beautiful trails and enjoy the country hospitality at Fordsdale Horseback Adventures. Currently all the horses for trail rides have been bred and trained on the Fordsdale property. We cater for experienced horse riders to beginners.

Fordsdale Horseback Adventures
171 Wagners Road, Fordsdale
Phone: (07) 5462 7526 or 0427 584 363
Email: gundiwidgee@hotmail.com
Web: www.fordsdalefarmstay.com

Bicentennial National Trail
Not only does the BNT pass directly through the Valley, it had its origins here. The idea originated at the Gatton Agricultural College in 1972, during the first Australian All Breeds Horseman's Congress, organised  the late bush legend RM Williams. Originally a horse riding trail linking old stock routes and historic coach roads, the trail is now part of Australia's living history. You can travel the trail by horse, mountain bike, pack goat or pack donkey. For more information visit www.nationaltrail.com.au 

Bushwalking
The Valley is distinguished by its large areas of unspoilt natural bushland, home to many species of mammals, reptiles and birdlife. Enjoy a half-hour stroll or an extended journey with a challenge on every bend, at any time of the year, a great way to see the hidden treasures of the Lockyer. Purchase a copy of 'Bush Walks' at the Visitor Information Centre for trail details including maps.

Bird watching
The Lockyer Valley is home to possibly the richest non-coastal bird population in Australia, with 318 species recorded in the region since 1973. There are several major habitats in the Lockyer, including the rainforests of Ravensbourne National Park on the northern slopes and the many natural and manmade lakes spread throughout the region. The 11 creeks feeding the region provide a network of water-side vegetation and swamps which, together with major lakes such as Lake Atkinson, Clarendon, Dyer and Apex, represent a vital staging post for passing migrant birds. They are also home to a host of resident birds and other wildlife. Most Australian wildfowl are found throughout the Valley along with a good representation of other waterbirds and waders. Every Australian raptor has been observed and there are plenty of secluded waterholes and softwood scrub pockets that can be depended on to reveal local birdlife.