Things to do
48 Hours in Ipswich
Whether it be a weekend getaway or a stopover en-route to somewhere else, spend 48 hours in Ipswich and you will uncover what a gem this city and surrounding region is. Just a 30 minute drive from Brisbane, the heritage region is full of surprises. From beautiful countryside and outdoor adventures to tasty culinary treats and historic delights. Ipswich has something for everyone.
If you have just two days to spend in Ipswich, it’s important to make the most of your time. With so much to see and do, you need to carefully plan to ensure you can fit it all in. Here are a selection of things to do and see to fill a weekend.
Get back to nature
Discover the hidden gems located outside the city centre and get out into nature. Covering some 2,200 hectares, the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate is just 20 minutes’ drive from Ipswich City. The extensive forests and rugged volcanic peaks and slopes including Flinders Peak, Mt Blaine, Mt Catherine and Mt Goolman that make up the area offer a range of recreational activities. Spend the day bird-watching and hiking the region, with plenty of spots to enjoy a picnic lunch along the way.
Discover the history of the sacred indigenous site for Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul People at Kholo Gardens. This nature retreat is just seven kilometres from the Ipswich Central Business District and an unexpected delight to explore. Giant Kauri trees and Hoop Pines planted by early settlers are scattered throughout the lush gardens, a perfect peaceful getaway to go bush walking and spend some time getting back to nature.
Wine and dine
Within Ipswich and the region know as part of the Scenic Rim Wine Country, there are an abundance of places to release your inner foodie. Situated in rural Purga, just 15 minutes’ drive from Ipswich is Ironbark Ridge Vineyard. Perched on top a ridge with sweeping 360-degree views out to Pine Mountain, the Amberley RAAF Airbase and Mt. Flinders, this place serves up more than just amazing food and wine with its stunning views.
For something closer to town, enjoy some real food at Nourish Real Food Café. Located in the popular Ipswich Top of Town area, this is a place you can eat until your heart is content and not feel guilty, as it is run by a qualified naturopath. Nourish’s delicious options include gluten-free, dairy-free and paleo to cater for food intolerances.
Start your day with a healthy breakfast here of a Choc Nutty Acai Bowl, with acai pulp, cacao, almond butter, almond milk, sliced banana, activated buckinis and shredded coconut. Just the thing to fuel you to go exploring Ipswich for the day.
Shop for a bargain
Such a historic town is a treasure trove of antiques and other collectibles and memorabilia. To take a piece of this home with you, pay a visit to the Ipswich Antique Centre in the Ipswich Central Business District. Found in the Heritage-listed Uniting Church Central Memorial Hall, the building itself is a historic delight. Built in 1895 and designed by renowned architect, George Brockwell Gill, the atmospheric retail centre is a treasure trove for antique lovers.
Nothing beats a good farmers market, and Ipswich does not disappoint with their offering. Held every Saturday, the Peak Organics at Ivory’s Rock markets offer a great array locally produced organic produce. The scenery for these markets is unrivalled, located at Ivory’s Rock Convention Centre, with a mountain backdrop.
With just 48 hours to spend, you really can see and do a lot. You can rest on Monday – let the city delight you with the best that it has to offer before then.