While many of us travel for festivals and events, I’m a big fan of staying a few days longer to explore the region. Ipswich is the perfect place to do this, with many unique experiences on offer.

So next time you head to Ipswich for one of its fantastic events, don’t rush off. Discover more with this three-night camping itinerary.

Day One

Arrive at Ivorys Rock and set up camp

Located around 20 kilometres from the Ipswich CBD, Ivorys Rock is a top spot to camp in the Ipswich region. Set on over 1,700 acres of stunning Australian bushland with rolling hills, nature trails and native wildlife, Ivorys Rock is camping reimagined.

With both powered and unpowered sites that are significantly larger than average, you can even book your own private bathroom here.

Spend the afternoon smashing glasses and throwing axes

Now that you’ve set up camp, head on over to Rage Cage Smash Rooms and Rampage Axe Throwing, you’ll find them in the same building on Oxford Street around six kilometres from Ipswich Central.

Axe throwing is a fast-growing sport that involves throwing axes at a wooden target. With competition leagues in Ipswich, Brisbane and other major cities, it’s a fun way to let off some steam, make new friends, or spend time with family and friends. Think of it like darts for Vikings.

Cheaper than therapy and way more fun, rage cages provide a safe environment in which you can release tension, frustration and anger by smashing things. Or maybe you just get a kick out of breaking glass. Hey, we don’t judge and neither does Matthew Pendragon, the owner.

In fact, when you book in, he’ll give you a crate of breakable things and all the tools you need to work through your emotions. By tools, I mean a few baseball bats, safety gear, and an enclosed room. If you really want to let loose, you can level up with a television, microwave and even a bowling ball.

Finish off the day with dinner at Bakehouse Steakhouse

Located at the former Haley’s Bakery in a heritage building built in 1875, Bakehouse Steakhouse is one of Ipswich’s premier dining experiences.

The venue does a fantastic job of retaining its heritage bones while being of modern character and when I say the food is to die for, I’m not kidding. The steak here is cooked to perfection. Walk-ins are accepted but it’s safer to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Day Two

Get up at the crack and jump in a hot air balloon

Well, obviously you can’t just jump in unannounced and will need to pre-book, but this experience is definitely worth getting up early for. Every flight with Floating Images Hot Air Balloons is taken by owner and Chief Pilot, Graeme Day, who has over 30+ years of ballooning experience.

From the air, you’ll enjoy a bird’s eye view of the heritage city of Ipswich, the Great Dividing Range mountains, Brisbane city skyline and the Scenic Rim. The flight goes for one hour and your package includes breakfast at a restaurant after the flight.

The remainder of the day

If you’re feeling flat from your early start, grab a coffee at the Queens Park Cafe before you embark on a country drive to Marburg.

This small, yet utterly charming town is found around 20 kilometres from the Ipswich CBD. Park in the main street and browse both The Black Museum and Scotland Yard Antiques, two unique antique stores found side by side and each owned by father and son. Is that your tummy rumbling? Good news. You can head straight across the road to the Marburg Hotel for classic pub grub.

Spend the evening relaxing at your campsite at Ivory’s Rock, where you can enjoy the wildlife and stars.

Day Three

Attend your event!

Here for a festival or event? Today’s the day. We spent the day at the CMC Rocks QLD Festival, but also held throughout the year in Ipswich is the Galvanised Festival of Heritage, the TAB Ipswich Cup, the Festival of Horsepower, the Cycle and Trail Run Epic, and SPARK Ipswich to name just a few.

Day Four

Have breakfast at Summer Land Camels before you leave

Summer Land Camels is Australia’s largest camel dairy farm and you’ll find it around 17 kilometres west of Ivory’s Rock Campground. Yes, camel milk is a thing and has actually become quite popular. Why? Because camel’s milk can be tolerated by the majority of people who have sensitivities to cow’s milk. You can learn all about it on one of their farm tours. 

Health benefits aside, Summer Land Camels is also home to one of the loveliest breakfast cafes in the region. I recommend either the avocado smash with camel milk feta on artisan sourdough or the sunrise waffles with camel milk gelato. In case you’re wondering, both are amazing and taste no different, better even, than the ‘non-camel’ variety. 

Now that you’ve fueled up for the drive home, check out of Ivory’s Rock Campground (if you haven’t already) and we’ll see you next time!