Do you love fast cars, how about horses? Then Ipswich’s Festival of Horsepower is for you. Why not come along and enjoy the best of the event while exploring all the region has to offer?
First choose which weekend to come…
If you love racing then you’ve got to come for the Gulf Western Oil Winternationals 5-8 June. Cruise the Night will be on 14 June followed by the All GM Day on 15 June at Queensland Raceway. If you’re a horse fan then the weekend of 21-22 June is when you’ll want to visit as the TAB Ipswich Cup and Western Star Family Race Day is on, there’s also a Horses to Horsepower Family Fun Day at Cooneana Heritage Centre on the weekend before (June 15).
Head out on 28-29 June for 2 Days of Thunder.
Find somewhere to stay
You can book hotels in the Ipswich CBD or Springfield. To attend the Winternationals or other events at Willowbank motorsport precinct the closest place to stay is Willowbank Motel. If you’re headed to Ipswich Cup, then stay at Country Motel Ipswich, Quest Ipswich or Oaks. If you’re in Marburg for the Western Star Feature Race Day then you’ll either drive from accommodation in Ipswich or you could stay at Tallavalley B&B or Pocket Retreats. For a lux option book to stay at Spicers Hidden Vale, just 21 minutes drive south-west of Marburg.
You could also stay at Cumquat House B&B or Urban Getaway in the heart of Ipswich.
For more options see our accommodation page.
But first, breakfast…
If you’re staying in Ipswich, wake up to breakfast at the beautiful plant-adorned Rafter and Rose. In fact there’s a range of options in the historic Top of Town precinct including St Shoebill, Fourthchild Cafe and more.
If you’re heading out to Marburg, make your way to the Warrego Highway, but stop off at Elderflower Cafe, a cute place for brunch that is constantly crafting up delicious menu items.
Post-event dinner
After a full day of cheering on the drivers or horses, you might want a bite to eat. In Ipswich near your accommodation you’ll find plenty of options. If you’re at the Country Hotel Ipswich head across the road and up to the corner for Brother’s Leagues Club. Staying at Oaks? Then, book a table at Bakehouse Steakhouse for divine food and crafted cocktails. If you’re at Quest Ipswich Essence of Indya is close by, but you could always head into Ipswich Central for Stony Creek Brewing, UB’s Milk Bar, Heisenberg Haus, Monte Lane, The Rusty Nail or The Cottage Restaurant.
We recommend Racehorse Hotel if you’re still keen to party after the Ipswich Cup, or Prince Alfred Hotel, not too far away.
If you’re staying near Marburg, try Marburg Hotel, Rosewood Hotel or Rising Sun Hotel. Walloon Hotel and Phat Boyz Smokehouse and Kitchen is a short drive away from Willowbank, so worth a visit if you’re out that way.
For more places to eat see our Eat and Drink Page.
Rev heads will love these…
If you’re in town for the festival, then it’s probably safe to assume you love all things horsepower related…
So don’t forget to book in to try a V8 Race race experience, there’s one being held on 22 June. There’s also a Superbike Ride Experience on 20 June and Speed Demons Showdown on 21 June!
What to do the next morning
So you’ve attended all the events, now what? Well you can either pack up and head home, or book in for a Floating Images Hot Air Balloon flight, visit the Ipswich Nature Centre or Queensland Museum Rail Workshops, hike the tallest (publicly accessible) peak in the Brisbane Region – Flinders Peak, or shop up a storm in Top of Town.
Go a bit further and explore Summer Land Camels, have a picnic at The Soul Nook Collective and stock up on fresh produce at Watercress Creek Olives and Limes.
You could also get the adrenaline pumping with a session at Rage Cage or Rampage Axe Throwing, Seraphim Escape Rooms, Hardcore Blasters or Valhalla Paintball.
