Newsletters | Hawkesbury Gazette

Strike us purple, it's jacaranda time in Ipswich and the city is bursting with colour as the trees go into bloom. Native to South America, jacaranda mimosifolia have made their home in Ipswich and from October-November each year, parks, footpaths schools and backyards are a riot of purple. Great places to see jacaranda flowers include Timothy Molony Park, opposite St Mary's Church, a lovely 1870s landmark that is one of the city's most photographed buildings. This time of year the park is fringed with jacarandas that eventually form a purple carpet on the grass below. A nice way to enjoy them is with a coffee and a petalled treat from Rafter and Rose nearby. Evan Margison Park and Brisbane Terrace in Goodna have displays from jacarandas dating from the 1930s. Planted by work gangs during the Depression, about 20 of the original trees remain. Another option is lovely Queens Park. Take a wander around and settle with a picnic blanket under the shade of one of the trees. Grab a coffee or lunch at the Queens Park Cafe while you're there. Woodlands of Marburg is another study in purple. The heritage estate is home to Tommy Smith Cafe, which opens on weekends, and the Sugarmill Restaurant, which is open Friday and Saturday nights. You can also book to stay the night and soak up the surrounds a little longer. One of the most spectacular ways to see the blooms is from the basket of a Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flight. It operates a flight every morning with only four to 10 passengers. Its one-hour adventure is the most popular. Another way to celebrate jacaranda season is with delicious purple desserts and drinks. At UB's Milkbar, grab a scoop of Ungermann Brothers' signature lavender and honeycomb ice cream, or get them to whip you up one of their milkshake creations. The lavender one is a sweet, fragrant heaven. At 4 Hearts Brewing sites the Pumpyard Bar and Brewery and Dovetails Restaurant check out The Queen Cocktail. It features gin, blue curacao, raspberry and Sprite.