Ipswich’s country pubs are worth a little road trip out of town and they’re not too far away if you’re living in Brisbane, on the Goldie or in Toowoomba.
These are day trippin’ destinations stacked with charm, history and good old-fashioned hospitality.
Expect less neon and more quirk factor, along with publicans and staff who are up for a chat even when the pace is on.
Here are six classic pubs to discover around the Ipswich region.
Marburg Pub, Marburg
This loved social hub in the heart of the town of Marburg is a classic Queensland timber hotel, originally built as a single storey venue in 1881 – yes, back when locals would arrive on horseback or even with a horse-drawn cart. A second story was added near the end of the century.
In more recent decades, since the 1940s in fact, the pub has been run by the Bowden family and still is to this day. The Marburg Pub’s front veranda overlooks the main street in town and sits opposite Scotland Yard Antiques, and other quaint shops, making this a popular weekend drive destination. Pull up a chair on the rear deck or in the leafy area garden for a fantastic burger and a cold one!
The Rising Sun, Rosewood
Will someone put this architectural beauty in an art-house movie already? It’s a building that wouldn’t look out of place in an American flick with plenty of Cadillacs, cowboy boots and slide guitar. Oh and it’s got a pretty cool name too – The Rising Sun Hotel.
If you love the appeal of faded glory be quick because this historic landmark has already undergone some recent work indoors, including the addition of a suitably elaborate pressed metal ceiling in the main bar area.
A new menu of crowd-pleaser meals and a beer garden full of rustic tables completes the package.
The Rosewood Hotel
The Rosewood Hotel still retains its country charm, even though it has undergone a modern renovation. It is over 100 years old, the first licence was issued in 1870, and like most establishments around the area there was a fire that resulted in significant damage in 1912. It was rebuilt and now lovingly restored into a gorgeous place for breakfast on weekends, lunch, dinner and a drink.
Walloon Hotel, Walloon
Formerly known as the Walloon Saloon, the Walloon Hotel was built more than a century ago but rebuilt after fire – although that chimney is the original one! The hotel has a laidback restaurant and a newly renovated beer garden. Watch out for week day lunch specials.
The Sundowner, Haigslea
Pull up a pew on the Hacienda-style veranda of the Sundowner, a classic pub on the Warrego Highway halfway between Brisbane and Toowoomba. As you gaze out to the rolling hills you might even spy a classic bike or car or two pull up out the front as it is a favourite of car club runs. If you’re making a day of it, and with a dedicated driver on board, the aforementioned Marburg Pub is just a five-minute drive from here.
Grandchester Hotel
The Grandchester Hotel was rebuilt in the 1950s after a fire. It features a wrap-around verandah and picnic decks for outdoor dining. The dog-friendly pub is a family-run venture dedicated to serving warm welcomes and space to relax.
