Google Trekker is mapping Ipswich’s insides

Ipswich tourism operators have signed up to give an inside view of the heritage city from anywhere in the world.

More than 70 local businesses and organisations have taken the opportunity to sign up to have the Ipswich Google Street View Trekker showcase inside their locations allowing Google Maps and Google My Business users to see inside venues and buildings.

Economic and Industry Development Chair Cr Nicole Jonic said that Ipswich City Council is one of only 200 organisations globally to be invited to participate in a special program that supports local businesses.

“This is a unique opportunity for local businesses to take visitors into their venues virtually,” Cr Jonic said.

“Our city has been chosen to lead the way giving tourism operators and other businesses an innovative way to connect with consumers who will be able to get a feel for what it is like inside.

“If you have not signed up already, don’t miss the opportunity to get your business on one of the world’s biggest maps, Google Maps Street View.”

Local shopping centres and markets have already signed up to Ipswich Trekker 2.0 along with smaller businesses like Obsession Shoes Boutique and The Girls’ Coffee Bar.

The Llama Farm is one of the 26 businesses already uploaded to Google Maps.

Owner Shane Hancock said he was excited to be a part of something that showcases Ipswich with almost 2000 views already of the llama’s on his farm.

“It was all new territory and I am always happy to embracing new technology,” Mr Hancock said.

“We are a family business so for us it’s building awareness of the product that we offer in a new way.”

So far, 256 different images have been uploaded already gaining more than 39,000 views.

There is still a chance for more businesses to sign up for this opportunity to show off what Ipswich has to offer.

Sign up here.

Josh Kerr with Ipswich Civic Centre catering coordinator Rohan Dowdy

Cr Jonic said in recent years tourism has been growing in Ipswich, with more than two million people visiting the city last year.

Ipswich Trekker allows the city to be more accessible and visible on Google.

In 2018, Josh “The Bear” Kerr walked three million steps, capturing 57 locations to showcase some of the most amazing places in Ipswich, including the climb up Flinders Peak, the historic mansion at Woodlands of Marburg, luxury resort Spicers Hidden Vale, 88 Limestone Street, Ipswich Nature Centre, Ivory’s Rock Conventions and Events, and Robelle Domain at Springfield Central.

His epic journey led to Ipswich becoming one of the most comprehensively mapped cities in the Southern Hemisphere, and saw views on Google Street and visitation to the region grow exponentially.

This time around he will be capturing internal locations with a much smaller, sleeker, lighter camera, weighing under 182g, which can create an immersive 360-degree panoramic view of internal spaces.

Register your interest with council’s Destination Development team by completing the form here and take the opportunity to join more than 160 businesses that make up the Ipswich Tourism Operators Network.

Josh Kerr and Cottage Restaurant owner Mark Naoum

Check out some of the locations already up on Google Street View

Hiddenvale Adventure Park (130kms of trails, the largest MTB trail in Queensland)

Flinders Peak (tallest peak in the SEQ region)

Woodlands of Marburg (heritage property)

Orion lagoon (gets more than 500,000 visitors a year)

Spicers Hiddenvale (luxury resort)

Just Sports n Fitness – Leichhardt Pool

Just Sports n Fitness – Redbank Gym

Just Sports n Fitness – Rosewood Pool

Library – Ipswich General Library

Library – Karalee Library Pod

Library – Redbank Plains Library

Library – Redbank Plaza Library

Library – Rosewood Library

Library – Springfield Central Library

Orion Markets

Orion Springfield Central

Trottie Becke

Ulli’s New Age Rockz

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>>> Trekker to capture more of the heritage city