Hardings Paddock Picnic Area is within the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate, south of Ipswich. It is one of two picnic areas in the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate, the other being Flinders Plum Picnic Area 
. Both have access to walks, including a walk between the two picnic areas, with Hardings Paddock having more walks to choose from.
The day use area has picnic tables and BBQs. A dam sits between the two main picnic areas in the paddock, and drop toilets near one of the picnic areas. One of the walks takes you through the bush tucker area, next to the paddock picnic areas.
The bush tucker trail contains various Australian trees and plants with information plaques describing how they are used for food and other uses. There is nothing to be eaten though, unless you are specifically knowledgeable on bush tucker, as many of the foods can be poisonous unless first prepared correctly.
Hardings Paddock offers camping, with 8 sites available to book through the Discover Ipswich Council website 
. Bookings include the combination required to enter the camping area. Each campsite has space for a camper trailer or caravan, and a spot to park your vehicle, though some seem to have more room than others. You also get your own picnic table.
A covered communal kitchen area has BBQs and sinks, and a number of picnic tables together. This area is set away from the campsites, but not far. There are drop toilets and shower cubicles. Note, it is just the shower cubicle, you need to bring your own water and showers. There is a single camp fireplace for shared use amongst all campsites, you must bring your own firewood, as the collection in the conservation area is not permitted. These facilities are dedicated to the camping area, separate from the day use area.
Horses are well catered to come camping with you too. There are stables with access to water where you can keep them during the night, and a spot where you can leave your horse float. Of the seven walking trails, 3 can be used for horse riding, and another 2 can be ridden for part of the track.
There are seven walks accessible from Hardings Paddock Picnic Area, ranging from easy to moderate.
Chalk Circuit
The easiest walk rated as class 2 Easy, and around 700m depending on how you walk it. It goes around the picnic area and includes the bush tucker gardens.
Rocky Knoll Lookout
Rated as class 4 Moderate, 2.4km return, takes you through eucalypt woodlands to the lookout. Views of the Scenic Rim and surrounding Ipswich areas.
Gamlen Circuit
Rated as class 3 Moderate, 3km circuit, with moderate slopes.
Goolman Lookout
Rated as class 4 Moderate, 5.6km return, through to the Goolman Lookout, with views of Mt Goolman and Ivory’s Rock. Scenic Rim and Brisbane can be seen, and on clear days views extend to the ocean. This trail accommodates horse riding. The trail has some steeper slopes. Combine with the Goolman Lookout via Rocky Knoll for a 6.5km circuit walk.
Goolman Lookout via Rocky Knoll
Rated as class 4 Moderate, 7.4km return, through to the Goolman Lookout, with views of Mt Goolman and Ivory’s Rock. Scenic Rim and Brisbane can be seen, and on clear days views extend to the ocean. The walk follows around the base of the Rocky Knoll. Combine with the Goolman Lookout via Rocky Knoll for a 6.5km circuit walk.
Horse Trail Circuit
Basically the same as following the Goolman Lookout and Goolman Lookout via Rocky Knoll walks together, except it starts and ends at a horse hitch area near the entrance gate, going around the picnic area.
Flinders Goolman Trail
Rated as class 4 Moderate, 19km one way walk starting from Hardings Paddock Picnic Area, running the length of the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate, passing through Flinders Plum Picnic Area . Horse riding is permitted on this trail, but only down as far as Flinders Plum Picnic Area.