Discover Ipswich, Queensland, Australia

75 Things to do in Ipswich

There have never been more reasons to visit the adventure playground on Brisbane’s doorstep – from world class mountain biking and hiking trails to adrenaline-charged thrills, markets, boutique shopping, fine dining and a lively coffee scene.

12 boutique shops open this weekend

Check out this list of boutique shopping destinations that are open on the weekends. From plants and pots to boho dresses and accessories, spiritual gifts and handmade items!

Top places to cool down in Ipswich

Cool off when the mercury rises with some of the best water parks around including the expansive Orion Lagoon and little kid friendly zero depth water parks like Bob Gamble.

Great walks in Ipswich

Here's our guide to some of the best hiking and walking in the Ipswich Region. From the tallest mountain in the Brisbane region to sites with WWII connections and some with great bird watching!

Craving a weekend foodie escape?

For a weekend filled with nature, adventure, gourmet food, craft beers, luxurious accommodation and a rich dose of history then look no further than Ipswich. All you need to do is grab your friends!

Let the kids be adventurous these holidays!

School is out for the year and now is the perfect time to be adventurous and enjoy everything the summer holidays has to offer. Here are a few of the top activities that need to be on your summer holiday checklist.

Experiences

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Ipswich Nature Centre

With over 42 species and around 200 animals in care - dingoes, bilbies, wallabies, water dragons and a whole petting zoo - the Ipswich Nature Centre , located in beautiful Queens Park is an unmissable experience.

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Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate

Located 20 minutes drive from the Ipswich City, the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate covers over 2,200 hectares. The conservation estate supports [...]

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Brookwater Golf and Country Club

Weave your way through two nine-hole loops and immerse yourself in the gorgeous natural surrounds of the Brookwater Golf Course. [...]

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Rafter and Rose

Rafter and Rose, in the character-filled Top of Town precinct of Ipswich, is a delightful indoor café plus open shady [...]

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Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve

From culture-rich mining heritage to adrenalin-fuelled downhill mountain biking, Castle Hill is a unique place and offers an experience unlike [...]

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Pterodactyl Helicopters

Choose from their range of Adventure Tours, such as the V8 Supercar Drive, Tank Rides, Heli Golf and more – [...]

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White Rock - Spring Mountain Conservation Estate

Over 2,500 hectares of regionally significant bushland featuring extensive forested ridges, escarpments and valleys that are home to an amazing array of plant and wildlife species.

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Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights

Enjoy glorious views whilst floating majestically over the heritage city of Ipswich, the Scenic Rim and Somerset countryside.

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Spicers Hidden Vale

Spicers Hidden Vale is a hidden gem, an escape just 30 minutes’ drive from Ipswich and one hour from the [...]

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The Llama Farm

The Llama Farm is one of a growing number of farm visit experiences you can enjoy in the Ipswich region [...]

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V8 Race Experience

Are you up for the Challenge? Experience the thrill of a lifetime driving a Holden or Ford V8 Race Car [...]

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Hardings Paddock Campground

Just 20 minutes from the Ipswich Central Business District and 45 minutes from the Brisbane Central Business District, the Hardings Paddock campground is perfect for a weekend getaway for the whole family.

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Willowbank MX

Willowbank MX is Queensland’s newest premium motocross facility. They offer a recreational ride park for riders of all ages and [...]

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Haigslea EWE Nique Hobby Farm

As the name suggests, this hobby farm offers a unique outing for families. You’ll be able to get up close [...]

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Hidden Vale Adventure Park (HVAP)

Hidden Vale Adventure Park (HVAP) at Grandchester brings a unique outdoor experience to the region, with a multi-use 100 plus [...]

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Woodlands of Marburg

The elegant splendour of Woodlands of Marburg, positioned centrally between Brisbane and Toowoomba, makes it a must-visit destination for its [...]

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Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway

The romance of the era when steam was king awaits you in Ipswich courtesy of the Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway.

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Homage

Situated in a historic barn on 12,000 acres of Australian Bushland, Homage is the epitome of fine dining combined with [...]

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Prince Alfred Hotel

Ipswich’s Prince Alfred Hotel, which locals have fondly been referring to as ‘The PA’ for many a decade now, continues [...]

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Ghost Tours

Ghost Tours prides itself on upholding the motto ‘Heritage and Hauntings’. They combine the unique experience of visiting Brisbane and [...]

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Watercress Creek Olives and Limes

Ipswich has a new farm-gate shop luring visitors and especially food lovers. Lorraine and Bernie Mahon at Watercress Creek Olives [...]

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Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve

A wonderful way to cool down and enjoy the great outdoors in Ipswich is at Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve. The [...]

Things to do

10 of the Best Parks in Ipswich for Kids

Ipswich has heaps of parks for kids to play in across the region. Check out the 10 best parks and water parks in Ipswich.

Melissa Delaware
Blogger

How to get in touch with your inner artist

Whether you want to use pencil, clay, paint or charcoal, or try out print making, floristry, silversmithing, etching or jewellery making, there's plenty of classes on offer.

Denise Cullen
Photojournalist

Ipswich's yummiest takeaway options

Ipswich's top restaurants are now offering takeaway!

Discover Ipswich
Staff Writer

What’s on this January

Looking for something to do in January, check out this list of what's on.

Ashleigh Howarth
Freelance writer

Saddle up for these horse-riding adventures around Ipswich

It’s time to saddle-up, grab the reins and discover Ipswich and surrounds at a galloping pace.

Rochelle Vaisanen
Blogger

Craving a weekend foodie escape with a side of adventure?

Pick your flavour, adventure and more to mix and match your perfect foodie escape in the Heritage City!

Discover Ipswich
Staff Writer

The best high teas in Ipswich

With its gracious Queenslander homes, elaborate churches and elegant commercial facades, Ipswich is the perfect setting in which to hark back to slower, gentler times by indulging in high tea...

Denise Cullen
Photojournalist

6 Amazing animal experiences to check out this weekend

Charming hobby farms, camel rides and llama walking, there's lots of ways to connect with your inner farmer in Ipswich.

Discover Ipswich
Staff Writer

Fishing in Ipswich

There's some nice places to go fishing in Ipswich, here's a guide on some great spots from a local!

Nick Steele

$1.5 million theme-park inspired playground open

Move over theme parks because a free state of the art playground is about to give kids all the thrills they need right here in Ipswich.

Discover Ipswich
Staff Writer

Eat & drink

Homage

Situated in a historic barn on 12,000 acres of Australian Bushland, Homage is the epitome of fine dining combined with [...]

Prince Alfred Hotel

Ipswich’s Prince Alfred Hotel, which locals have fondly been referring to as ‘The PA’ for many a decade now, continues [...]

Pumpyard Bar and Brewery

Pumpyard Bar and Brewery has won an enviable reputation as the place to go for top quality, locally brewed beer and plenty of atmosphere.

Oikos Cafe Ipswich

Fresh, nutritious food and specialty coffee in charming surrounds are the promise of Oikos, one of Ipswich’s newest cafes. The [...]

Heisenberg Haus

If you’ve worked up a huge appetite while in Ipswich, you’ll have it more than satisfied at Heisenberg Haus, a [...]

Fourthchild Cafe Restaurant and Lounge Bar

One of the first hip cafes to open in Ipswich’s heritage Top of Town precinct, Fourthchild has long established itself [...]

Chai House Cafe

Chai House Café at Silkstone not only brings Campos Coffee and a cabinet full of café favourites to the heritage [...]

Places to stay

Hardings Paddock Campground

Just 20 minutes from the Ipswich Central Business District and 45 minutes from the Brisbane Central Business District, the Hardings Paddock campground is perfect for a weekend getaway for the whole family.

Spicers Hidden Vale

Spicers Hidden Vale is a hidden gem, an escape just 30 minutes’ drive from Ipswich and one hour from the [...]

Woodlands of Marburg

The elegant splendour of Woodlands of Marburg, positioned centrally between Brisbane and Toowoomba, makes it a must-visit destination for its [...]

Rosewood Showgrounds Camping Facility

The Rosewood Showgrounds Camping Facility is located in the picturesque township of Rosewood, 20 minutes west of Ipswich and one [...]

Motel Monaco

Motel Monaco is always a popular choice if it’s comfortable, budget accommodation you want in Ipswich. It’s just a three-minute [...]

Springfield Lakes Hotel

Springfield Lakes Hotel offers stylish, comfortable and very handy accommodation just 20 minutes drive from Ipswich Central Business District and [...]

Ivory's Rock

With wallabies hopping about and koalas to spot, Ivory’s Rock offers modern and convenient campgrounds surrounded by picturesque native bushland. [...]

Attractions

White Rock - Spring Mountain Conservation Estate

Over 2,500 hectares of regionally significant bushland featuring extensive forested ridges, escarpments and valleys that are home to an amazing array of plant and wildlife species.

Orion Lagoon

To cool off during a long hot Ipswich summer, you can’t go past Orion Lagoon at Springfield, just a 30-minute [...]

Ipswich Nature Centre

With over 42 species and around 200 animals in care - dingoes, bilbies, wallabies, water dragons and a whole petting zoo - the Ipswich Nature Centre , located in beautiful Queens Park is an unmissable experience.

Haigslea EWE Nique Hobby Farm

As the name suggests, this hobby farm offers a unique outing for families. You’ll be able to get up close [...]

The Llama Farm

The Llama Farm is one of a growing number of farm visit experiences you can enjoy in the Ipswich region [...]

Robelle Domain

The Robelle Domain parklands, in Springfield Central, are a jewel in the crown of the city of Ipswich. Just half [...]

The Soul Nook Collective

A hidden gem in the historic town of Marburg, The Soul Nook Collective creates luxury picnics within the beautiful Old [...]

What's on

27 Dec - 26 Jan

Day out with Thomas

The world’s most loved blue steam engine Thomas the Tank Engine is steaming into The Workshops Rail Museum this summer [...]

08 Aug - 12 Mar 22

Ripley Markets

Second Saturday of every month! 3pm to 8pm. There is nothing they love more than browsing the local market [...]

05 Jul - 06 Mar 22

Springfield Markets

Celebrate Sunday with Springfield Markets. Come for a morning treat, splash in the new lagoon, browse their local talented artists [...]

08 Jul - 18 Jul

SPARK Ipswich

SPARK Ipswich, the reimagined Ipswich Festival, is an 11-day city-wide event celebrating the people, places, arts and culture of Ipswich. [...]

19 Sep - 12 Sep

99 Bikes Cycle and Trail Run Epic

The award-winning 99 Bikes Cycle Epic is a great mountain biking tradition that began in 2002 with a bunch of [...]

19 Jun

Ipswich Cup 2021

The Ipswich Cup is Ipswich’s social event of the year and it is back after missing out on holding the [...]

27 Feb

Trip the Switch Music Festival

Live music is back! Australian music fans are ready to rock again… and ‘Trip the Switch’ is ready to deliver! [...]

Tours

Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights

Enjoy glorious views whilst floating majestically over the heritage city of Ipswich, the Scenic Rim and Somerset countryside.

Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway

The romance of the era when steam was king awaits you in Ipswich courtesy of the Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway.

Ghost Tours

Ghost Tours prides itself on upholding the motto ‘Heritage and Hauntings’. They combine the unique experience of visiting Brisbane and [...]

Sip 'n' Dip Ipswich

Unleash your creative side and enjoy a glass of something nice while you’re at it, in a fun class with [...]

Pterodactyl Helicopters

Choose from their range of Adventure Tours, such as the V8 Supercar Drive, Tank Rides, Heli Golf and more – [...]

Animal Encounters @ Ipswich Nature Centre

The next school holiday sessions are open for bookings. Learn wonderful new facts about the animals and meet new furry and feathered friends on this special VIP walking tour. You may have walked through the centre a hundred times , but have you ever seen it like this? Join our friendly guides who will give you amazing insights into the Ipswich Nature Centre and its cute residents.

Japanese Tea Ceremony @ Nerima Gardens

Located within heritage listed Queens Park, the Nerima Gardens is an unique attraction that celebrates two cultures; Japanese and Australian flora and design elements combine harmoniously to create a place of intrigue, beauty and tranquility that is highlighted on this exciting tour.

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