Knock off work early on a Friday, pack a bag and head to the heritage city for a weekend of fun, contemporary tastes and historical delights.
Day 1 Friday night
4.00 pm: Start your weekend with tapas and cocktails at The Rusty Nail Bar. Try their drink of the week and small bites including pork belly, arancini and more.
6.00 pm: Stop in for dinner at Bakehouse Steakhouse, next door to your accommodation for the night. You’ll love the chic vibe at this award-winning restaurant, set inside a historic building that was originally a bakery. You can finish your cocktail crawl here too.
Day 2 Saturday
7.00 am: Wake up at Oaks Ipswich Aspire Suites, overlooking the gorgeous facade of St Mary’s Catholic Church. Take a dip in the rooftop pool before heading out for breakfast.
Other accommodation options in the CBD include the fantastic Quest Ipswich and Cumquat House B&B, for a full list see our accommodation page.
8.00 am: Stroll up the street to leafy cafe Rafter and Rose to enjoy flower adorned house-made waffles served with ice cream, berries and edible flowers or their famous eggs Benedict with house-made hollandaise. Stock up on almond croissants, sour cream scones and other goodies for later as these sell fast.
9.00 am: Work off breakfast exploring Top of Town’s heritage buildings, street art and boutiques. Don’t miss antiques at The Vintage Advantage, hand-made gifts at Embers and Twine and must-have accessories at Obsession Shoes Boutique. Walk down to Tulmur Place if you’re visiting when the monthly Handmade Expo is on (second Saturday of each month).
11.00 am: Challenge yourself at Seraphim Escape Rooms. Voted as having one of the scariest escape rooms in the region, see if you can escape the Executioners Toolshed.
1.30 pm: It’s time to taste some of the craft beers that Pumpyard Bar and Brewery create at 88 Limestone Street. Order an epic share board when you start to feel peckish.
3.00 pm: Walk over to the Ipswich Art Gallery to browse the collection and touring exhibitions on offer. On your way explore the Street Art Trail to see huge colourful murals around the city.
6.00 pm: Arouse the senses with authentic dishes at Indian Mehfil. The restaurant is housed in a heritage building next door to the gallery.
7.00 pm: Take a ghost tour with Ghost Tours Australia and learn the haunted history of the heritage city. Your guide will lead you in and around some of the haunted buildings in the Ipswich CBD and reveal the ghosts that still reside inside.
8.00 pm: Stop for a drink at the quirky Banshees Bar and Art Space. You can also catch live music here most Friday and Saturday nights.
Day 3 Sunday
5.00 am: See the sunrise as you float gently in the sky with Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights. Take in the patchwork of country views of Ipswich and the nearby regions.
8.00 am: Tuck into breakfast at the popular Fourthchild Cafe, included in your balloon package. Epic breakfast boards are our pick here.
10.00 am: Take a stroll over to St Mary’s Church to explore the facade. If you’re visiting in Jacaranda season, wander through the stunning blooms in the park adjacent.
11.30 pm: Treat yourself to some wild ice cream flavours at UB’s Milk Bar. The retro-inspired gourmet ice cream shop is known for their maple bacon and pecan ice cream, lavender and honeycomb and Dutch spice.
1.00 pm: Take a moment to relax in some leafy surrounds with a visit to Queens Park and the cute animals at the Ipswich Nature Centre. If you’re hungry grab lunch on the veranda of the Queens Park Cafe.
