Ipswich is home to a lot of great experiences and attractions. We’ve got a motorsport precinct which hosts the largest drag racing event outside of North America and the biggest international country music event in the country, as well as a top hot air ballooning business, award-winning cafes and restaurants and world-class parks and conservation estates, great to walk off those tasty goodies.
But did you know that there are quite a few products made right here in Ipswich?
Chilli Willies Pepper Sauces
A family-owned business established in 1999, Chilli Willies designs delightful sauces from their mildest “friendly” style sauce right through to a “set your tail on fire” specialty. Spice up your kitchen with their variety of flavours such as Habanero Spontaneous Combustion, Mango ‘n’ Ginger Hot Bot, Blurter Hurter and Caribbean Pine ‘N’ Coconut.
You’ve got to love the names of some of these sauces too which are an indication of spice level. Chilli Willies are based at Pine Mountain and ship their products Australia wide.
McMahon’s Soft Drinks
These iconic soft drinks were started by Frank McMahon in 1934 in a small building in Martin Street in Ipswich which is now home to an indoor swim school – McMahon’s Swim Factory.
Production of the soft drinks evolved over time and by 1977 the soft drink business was at it’s prime, moving to the Wulkuraka industrial estate. The McMahon’s business became the second biggest operation for soft drinks in Queensland, as well as early pioneers for the recycling of their returnable bottles.
In recent years, Ipswich Hospice Care have been selling cartons of the limited-edition McMahon’s soft drinks which have been produced under exclusive licence by Cooks Soft Drinks in Pittsworth. Taste a piece of Ipswich history by purchasing a bottle at the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre where the Sarsaparilla and N-E-Thing flavours are currently for sale.
Watercress Creek Olives and Limes
If you’re a fan of olives and limes, look no further than Watercress Creek Olives and Limes at Pine Mountain. The property started as a dairy farm in 1862, and became an olive and lime farm in 1998 by fourth generation farmers who grow three different varieties of olives with over 1,000 olive trees and over 800 Tahitian Lime trees.
Watercress Creek Olives and Limes produce a variety of olive products, lime cordial, chutneys and jams and host an annual Olive Festival. You can find their products online or at The Handmade Expo Ipswich on the second Saturday of each month.
Coffee Roasters Co.
Looking for a local coffee roaster? We have you covered with Coffee Roasters Co., also known as Dancing Bean Specialty Roasters. Coffee Roasters Co offers coffee blends, single origin coffee, coffee infused with whiskey or rum as well as compostable coffee capsules.
Wholesale orders and individual bags of coffee can be purchased direct from their website. Visit their roastery and espresso bar at the Top of Town precinct at 164 Brisbane Street and ask for their award-winning Ipswich blend which won Silver in the Golden Bean Awards. They also have breakfast and lunch on offer too.
4 Hearts Brewing
The first brewery to open in Ipswich in over 100 years, 4 Hearts Brewing Co is located at Pumpyard Bar and Brewery. This historic heritage building was known as the Pumpyard in the late 1800s as it was Ipswich’s first source of water.
In 1901, the site became the Technical College and is now home to the brewery and one of Ipswich’s best dining destinations for lunch, dinner or drinks. The Pumpyard has been selected as one of the Top 50 beer venues in Australia by Beer and Brewer magazine and brews their craft beer onsite. You can also enjoy acoustic live music here and you can also purchase their beer at multiple locations in South-East Queensland and across Australia.
Ballistic Beer Springfield
Whether you love lager or an IPA, Ballistic Beer is the place to go. With an 800-litre brewery set up and 20 taps serving a wide range of craft beer, this venue has seating for large groups and serves up a delicious menu of food choices paired perfectly with a cold beer.
Ballistic beer has three other venues in Queensland and has won almost 100 gold, silver and bronze medals at national and international competitions. Their products are currently available in over 2800 outlets, including selected bottle shops. Ballistic Beer Springfield is a family-friendly and pet-friendly venue, with live music each weekend.
Imbibis Craft Distillery
Another award-winning distillery is the multi-international award-winning gin, brandy and rum distillery known as Imbibis Craft Distillery. Their unique flavours use premium Australian ingredients and are run in small batches, inspired by the flora and flavours of Queensland.
Their distillery door is open on Fridays and by appointment – bring your own cheese platter and enjoy a tasting paddle. Orders for their bespoke gin, brandy and rum can also be placed online via their website.
And of course, there are many other small business owners making and creating beautiful items and products for sale at markets and online. Sister Bake Co. make a variety of fudge right here in Ipswich and even have a shop front in North Ipswich. We also have The Jam Tart and Ipswich Bush Honey based in North Ipswich and L&K Collective based in Rosewood, just to name a few. You can find a range of these products at the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre also.
Find more locally produced goods at Sunrise Discovery Market, The Handmade Expo Ipswich, Ripley Markets, Springfield Markets and Orion Markets.
