Attending an event during Festival of Horsepower?
We have the low down on how to make your weekend stay as authentic as possible to experience the full breadth of Ipswich whilst you visit.
Eat like a local…
Car Racing and smoked meats just go hand in hand, am I right? Legendary restaurant, Phatboyz Smokehouse, is quickly becoming a recognised name across Australia with their five metre smoker affectionately named Frank the Tank. Lucky for you Phatboyz is only a 10 minute drive from the iconic motorsport precinct here in Ipswich, we highly recommend you phone ahead to book a reservation. Down the road Walloon Hotel and their newly opened beer garden is always a vibe too if you are looking for somewhere afterwards to back it up with a brew.
June in Ipswich can get quite chilly so if a warm and hardy curry is more what you are feeling you will be spoilt for choice with three delicious Indian Restaurants here in the city; Indian Mehfil, Essence of Indya and Memories of India. Try each one for their own recipe spin on authentic cultural favourites.
For delicious eats in Ipswich Central try Bakehouse Steakhouse, Stony Creek Brewing, The Cottage Restaurant, Hotel Commonwealth, General Public, Jets, CSI, Brothers and Prince Alfred Hotel.
There’s plenty of memorable breakfast hotspots too with top favourites being Queens Park Cafe, St Shoebill and Rafter & Rose.
For more dining options see our eat and drink page.
Where to stay…
Options to suit all budgets and lifestyles are available here in the great City of Ipswich. If camping is your thing, Hardings Paddock Campground only 10 minutes from the motorsport precinct, will have you feeling like you have driven hours away to seclusion and bush charm. This is a very affordable option with the beauty of surrounding bush tucker trails, nature walks and exquisite bird life on your doorstep.
If you are thinking you may need a little more comfort after your big days out then Oaks Ipswich Aspire Suits, Country Motel Ipswich or Quest Ipswich have got you covered with their comfortable, modern and clean apartments all only a 20 minute drive from Willowbank.
There’s also whole houses you can hire with Urban Getaway and luxurious accommodation at Spicers Hidden Vale.
For more accommodation options please see our accommodation page.
Where to play…
Although Festival of Horsepower events are jammed to the brim, it would be a shame to come and stay in Ipswich and not experience other parts of the City too.
You need at least a week here to see all the incredible attractions and offerings we have, but if you must settle just for a weekend then why not try your hand at Rampage Axe Throwing!
Keep that thrill going at Seraphim Escape Rooms and on a morning hot air balloon flight with Floating Images.
Ipswich is also home to award-winning gin distillery Imbibis Craft Distillery, and beer breweries Ballistic Springfield and Stony Creek Brewing – each with exceptional products on offer.
If you’re travelling with kids book in to see the llamas at The Llama Farm, or the goats and sheep at Ewe Nique Hobby Farm. Summer Land Camels is also a short distance from the Willowbank motorsport precinct and there’s a free nature centre at Queens Park.
Take a zen moment with a lux picnic at The Soul Nook Collective. hike to the top of Flinders Peak or check out the trails in the White-Rock Spring Mountain Conservation Estate.
We know you are going to need to come back for a week-long visit because there is still so much to explore! Pop in and visit the locals at Ipswich Visitor Information Centre to create a must-do itinerary for your next stay!
