Amazing Ipswich experiences for any budget, whether you want a once in a lifetime adventure or a relaxing afternoon with a few friends…
1. Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights
Arguably the best way to see the Ipswich, Scenic Rim and Somerset country side is sky-high in a Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights basket. This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime adventures that you can do right here in Ipswich! The adventure ends with a delish breakfast at one of Ipswich’s best breakfast spots.
2. V8 Race Experience laps
If you’re heading to CMC Rocks QLD you’ll be acquainted with Ipswich’s motorsport precinct, as the festival is held right there at Willowbank Raceway, home of the Winternationals – the largest drag racing event outside of North America.
And right next door to Willowbank is Queensland Raceway, which hosts regular motor racing events including the V8 Race Experience.
What began as a battle between Ford and Holden has now expanded to include the Mustang and Camaro, so pick your car of choice and flog it around the racetrack with expert instruction!
3. Walk through the Ipswich Nature Centre
The Ipswich Nature Centre in Queens Park is a free zoo (gold coin donations are encouraged) featuring native Australian animals. There’s a wombat, bilbies, quolls, dingoes, kangaroos and an emu as well as a walk-through bird aviary and a barnyard section for farm animals.
And it’s right near the Queens Park Cafe for breakfast or lunch.
4. Hike the tallest peak in the Brisbane region
Standing at an impressive 679m, Flinders Peak isn’t for the feint-hearted. It’s higher than the glasshouse mountains and recommended for advanced hikers, so if you’re feeling up for the challenge set out just before dawn to catch the sunrise on your way up.
5. Boho lux styled picnic for two
Couples or friends can book a luxury styled picnic in a hanging pod at The Soul Nook Collective. Situated in the grounds of an old church the setting has a relaxed vibe and will add appeal to anyone’s insta feed.
While you’re in town you could stop by the Marburg pub for a beer and visit the antiques and homewares shops opposite.
6. A stay at Spicers Hidden Vale
The award-winning Spicers Hidden Vale boasts private cabins with outdoor baths and 12000 acres of space for you to relax in. There’s also a hatted restaurant on site, Homage, that offers paddock to plate dining.
7. Visit Queensland’s largest herd of llamas
The Llama Farm boasts Queensland’s largest herd of Llamas, but it also is a home to donkeys, camels, rabbits, goats and more.
Get up close and feed the llamas on a morning farm tour or book in for an afternoon llama walk.
If llamas aren’t your thing you can visit the Ewe Nique Hobby Farm just down the road a bit, for a relaxing experience in the morning feeding the sheep, goats, chickens and alpacas on the farm. They’ve also got a coffee shop and serve sweet home-baked treats, great for morning tea.
8. A round of golf at a Greg Norman designed golf course
Weave your way through two Greg Norman designed nine-hole loops situated in the gorgeous natural surrounds of the Brookwater Golf Course. Featuring undulating greens, natural water features, and long, narrow fairways, the course’s strategic design makes it the perfect environment for golfers of any skill to enjoy a day of premium golf. The award-winning public access golf course also has a clubhouse with bar and restaurant for lunch or dinner after your round.
9. Beer or gin tasting at a local distillery
Ipswich has two craft beer distilleries, the largest craft beer bar in the southern hemisphere and a local gin distillery!
If you love beer then try out the award-winning brews on tap at Ipswich’s Pumpyard Bar and Brewery. There’s also an in-house restaurant serving up delicious burgers, pizzas and small bites as well as main meals.
Ballistic Beer has also set up a distillery in town, over in the suburb of Springfield you’ll find Ballistic Springfield with a bar and restaurant offering up their beers and sours on tap.
Our newest brew house is Imbibis Craft Distillery, creating artisan gin and brandy which you can sample at their tasting room in Bundamba.
And if you’re after a large range of beers, head to the Tap’d Bar (the largest craft beer bar in Australia) at the Prince Alfred Hotel, they have 72 craft beers and ciders on tap for you to work your way through – you might need a few days and a designated driver though.
10. Visit the birthplace of rail in Queensland
The Workshops Rail Museum is an acclaimed, award-winning Museum and should be on every Ipswich visitor’s to-do list. Steeped in history – it was once the workplace of over 3000 railway workers and visitors enter via the historic Timekeepers’ Building – it merges the romance of yesteryear with the exciting technological breakthroughs of the present. The very first train to run in Queensland steamed from here to Bigges Camp, now Grandchester, over 145 years ago.
If you love train rides on selected weekends you can book to ride on a heritage train car hauled by either a diesel or steam train driven by the volunteers that run the Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway!
