Sometimes, the perfect destination for a romantic weekend away can be right in your own backyard. If you’re looking for a spot to unwind, relax, and spend quality time with the one you love, you can’t go wrong with Ipswich.
With quaint, heritage charm, pastel sunsets over the rolling hills of the surrounding countryside, and plenty of unique experiences, there’s more than enough in Ipswich to plan your perfect weekend away—whether you want to do everything or nothing!
Here’s a few of the most romantic things to do in Ipswich.
Soar over the skies with Floating Images
Start your weekend out with something spectacular—wake up before sunrise to experience the Ipswich region via hot air balloon. If there’s a more romantic way to travel, we’re not sure what it is.
Take your relationship to new heights, literally, as you fly over the farms, waterways, and golden morning skies of the Ipswich region. When you fly with Floating Images, you’re in the capable hands of Chief Pilot Graeme. He and his wife Ruth run the business together, with a passion for sharing their love of ballooning with guests. Graeme has seen quite a few in-air proposals and engagements over the years, as many couples love the tranquility and romance of a hot-air balloon flight.
For the ultimate in romance, you can even book your own private flight, just the two of you together.
After your landing, enjoy a scrumptious brunch and a glass of bubbles with Graeme and your co-passengers over breakfast, a perfect way to cheer the start of a lovely weekend.
Search for antiques and art together
After you’ve had your fill of coffee and eggs, Ipswich has a wealth of antiques and art to be discovered. Just a short stroll from Top of Town, Ipswich’s historic precinct, you can find the Ipswich Antique Centre, rich in vintage furniture, jewellery, and collectibles.
Or, if appreciating fine art is more your style, head over to the Ipswich Art Gallery, one of the most visited regional galleries in Australia. With a permanent collection of modern and contemporary art, and rotating special exhibits, there’s always something thought-provoking to inspire creativity or conversation.
Stroll through the gallery and admire works by world-class artists such as Ben Quilty, Margaret Olley, Max Dupain, and Ken Thaiday Snr.
You can also do the street art trail together in the fresh air.
Check into Spicers Hidden Vale for dinner with a view
After a day of excitement, it’s time to unwind and relax as you drive through the picturesque countryside up through Grandchester to Spicers Hidden Vale.
Check into your luxury cabin and indulge with a glass of champagne as you settle in before dinner. As the pinks and oranges of sunset fill the sky, watch wallabies and kangaroos grazing on the grounds, a quintessentially Aussie experience.
Dinner at Spicers is something to remember as you head over to Homage, the property’s Chef Hatted restaurant. Led by Head Chef Ash Martin, Homage is a true paddock to plate restaurant, with produce grown on-site or sourced locally. The menu changes regularly and is always a delight—however, make sure to book in advance to ensure you don’t miss out.
If you have time in the afternoon, you can also sign up for the complimentary Market Garden Tour, giving guests the chance to learn about the property’s approach to sustainable farming, along with the history of Hidden Vale.
Stroll through Japanese gardens for some serenity
After a refreshing sleep-in and breakfast on the veranda, head back to the Ipswich CBD for a leisurely stroll through one of the city’s most unique attractions—Nerima Gardens. This serene Japanese garden, located in Queens Park, was designed with Ipswich’s sister city in Japan, Nerima.
Soothing running water, Japanese features, and purposeful design make it a relaxing and beautiful place for a stroll. To learn more about Japanese culture, you can also attend a Japanese Tea Ceremony, held within the gardens.
Unwind with a drink at Pumpyard
As morning turns into afternoon, head over to the Pumpyard Bar and Brewery for a bite to eat and a cold drink. The on-site brewery, 4Hearts Brewing, produces a constantly-changing lineup of refreshing local beers, which pair perfectly with a burger or a pizza. Pull up a chair outside, tuck in for the afternoon, and watch the world go by.
With so much fun to be had together in Ipswich, you might wish you were staying for longer.
If time away is just what your relationship needs, head to Ipswich for a refreshing break from the daily grind. Just 30 minutes from Brisbane, but you feel like you’re in a whole other world.
