With Ipswich being just a short drive from Brisbane, the Gold Coast and surrounds, there is no reason why you can’t pack your pooch in the car for your day trip or longer stay in the region. Ipswich has so much to offer when exploring with your dog and plenty of dog-friendly places to stay and eat. So why would you bring your four-legged friend along for the ride?
Here are some of the best places to eat, stay and play with your dog in and around Ipswich.
Dog-friendly places to play
From wide-open spaces along the river, nature walks and dedicated off-leash areas, Ipswich is home to some of the best dog-friendly places to spend time with your best friend. Or simply take a stroll around town with your dog on the leash to enjoy the city centre.
Queens Park
Dog-friendly Ipswich is not complete without a walk around Queens Park. Pop your dog on a lead and take a wander past the old outdoor chapel before having a picnic at the massive BBQ and playground area. Then, take an afternoon nap or enjoy the shade of a blend of Bunya Pines and Fig trees which are more than 100 years old. If you are just stopping by, there is a pup friendly cafe located on the top side of Queens Park, with gorgeous views out across the region. Do note however, dogs are not allowed in the Ipswich Nature Centre or Nerima Gardens, but there are plenty of other parts of Queens Park to enjoy on a doggy day out.
Springfield Markets
On the first Sunday of each month is the Springfield Markets at Robelle Domain. Located in stage one of the parkland, adjacent to the Orion Lagoon, in 25 hectares of gorgeous parklands, with water play, walkways and bikeways, these markets make for a great day out. Entry is free and dogs are welcome, as long as they are on a lead.
Pup-Up off-leash area
Located at the top of the mall in the city centre of Ipswich, the Pup-Up off-leash area is a secure grassed area where your dog can run around freely. You might even find some other dogs using the space at the same time so your doggo can make some doggy friends. This is a temporary placement so do keep that in mind if you turn up and it has gone. Don’t worry though, as Ipswich city has plenty of pet-friendly businesses throughout the city centre with dedicated ‘puppy parking’ locations.
Dog-friendly places to stay
For a short stay based in Ipswich that is pet-friendly, you can’t go past Tallavalley B&B. The property is located near Marburg overlooking rolling hills and farming land with horses, cows and goats on the property. The restored cottage has three bedrooms, with a king, queen and two singles. You can bring your dog to stay outside in the fenced yard with gardens, and a vegetable patch you can pick produce from.
There are also Airbnb properties like Ruth’s Cottage and Our Sweet Retreat on Cooper street in the heart of the CBD that allow pets.
Dog-friendly places to eat
Barkley & Pips
Located at Bundamba, Barkley & Pips is a must-stop for dog owners. Complete with its very own well-sized, open-air playpen out front, you can relax knowing your hound can run around in a secure area. It is like a playground for dogs, decked out with a fun ball pit, great pull toys and even real grass toilets thanks to the convenience of PawtoPotty’s ingenious indoor animal toilets. There are plenty of doggy day beds and water bowls scattered between the tables so owners can enjoy an all-day breakfast menu or lunch with their dog by their side. Before you leave, why not grab something for your best friend from the shop. Items range from gorgeous outfits including the cutest dog collars on the market, stylish bow ties, colourful pet bandanas, jackets and coats to doggy treats to eat.
Café Kalina
Café Kalina is located in the residential estate Kalina Springfield, boasting stunning country views into a local nature corridor. This family-friendly café is also dog-friendly so everyone can feel right at home. There is a large flat green area in front of the café which encourages children and dogs to play and run around. Grab a bite to eat from the menu for breakfast or lunch and your dog can also choose from puppycinos and yummy doggy treats. After tucking into some tasty food and drinks, there is a dedicated off-leash park at Orion Springfield shopping centre nearby and the Springfield Markets on the first Friday of the month at Robelle Domain are also a dog-friendly zone.
Ellen & Rod
Ellen & Rod is a cute cottage cafe in the heart of Ipswich serving top-notch coffee, breakfast, lunch and sweets. Dogs are welcome here, so much that there is even a doggie wall of fame for all the dogs that came before. Here you can enjoy a hearty breakfast or wholesome lunch in a relaxing space where customers can soak up the sunshine on the footpath or sit inside the tiny café. Ellen & Rod prides itself on using fresh, local produce including Scenic Rim milk.
Other cafes that will welcome your fury friend include The Pumpyard Bar and Brewery, The Retro Diner, Breakfast at Stephanies, Raw Energy, Oikos, Fourthchild, St Shoebill and Rafter and Rose.
For more dog friendly places to visit read Plan the paw-fect dog friendly stay.
