History & Heritage – Discover Ipswich

History & Heritage

Ipswich is a heritage city and one that was founded on steam and coal back in the day so you don't have to look too far to see the romance of steam rail lingering here. Historic Grandchester station, The Workshops Rail Museum and Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway ensure it is here to stay. Also visit the Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre and the heritage collection upstairs in the Ipswich Art Gallery and be sure to explore the National Trust event, Great Houses of Ipswich, in your diary.

Things to do

What's on: ideas to add to your calendar this March

Read on to find out What's On this month in Ipswich...

Ashleigh Howarth
Freelance writer

Quirky and romantic Ipswich date ideas

Whether it's your first date or your 50th there's plenty of ways to spice it up with these date ideas...

Discover Ipswich
Staff Writer

Five of Ipswich's most haunted revealed

One of the most haunted places in Ipswich is St Mary's church, where a soul is believed to haunt the building. That's just one of the spine tingling stories, from the city's past. Find out about Ipswich's Most Haunted.

Discover Ipswich
Staff Writer

The legend of Blackstone Castle

Ipswich was once home to Brynhyfryd Castle at Blackstone, but what remains at the site is a must for any local history buff!

Bec Lewis
Artist

Save the date! Great festivals coming to Ipswich in 2025

Here's the festivals to start planning for in 2025...

Discover Ipswich
Staff Writer

10 Extraordinary Photo Spots in Ipswich

If you’ve never explored the city, you’re in for a treat. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of photo spots in Ipswich to take some Instagram-worthy snaps!

Discover Ipswich
Staff Writer

Great Houses of Ipswich 2019: Stories behind the houses

Wander the halls of a great Georgian residence, contemplate the fanciful features of a Gothic Revival cottage and take in the vertigo views and luscious gardens of an early Federation beauty. Three especially curated classic Ipswich icons open for Great Houses of Ipswich 11 May – the day before Mother’s Day.

Simone Hubbard
Heritage home blogger

Things to do in Ipswich - a destination on the rise!

We were impressed by Ipswich and are excited to share it as a fantastic place to visit for those in the nearby areas of Brisbane, Gold Coast, Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast

ytravelblog
Travel Blogger

Celebrate mum with these Mother's Day events and offers

This Mother's Day treat mum with special events and offers...

Discover Ipswich
Staff Writer

Grand old homes of the heritage city….

Ever wondered why Ipswich calls itself the Heritage City? With over 7000 heritage-listed properties including grand old homes built from the late 1800s there's history and heritage around every turn.

Wendy Hughes
Writer and social media smith

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Popular experiences

Queensland Museum Rail Workshops

The acclaimed, award-winning Museum should be on every Ipswich visitor's to-do list.

Kholo Gardens

A picturesque retreat into nature seven kilometres from the Ipswich Central Business District is the peaceful Kholo Gardens at Pine Mountain. It's an unexpected delight to explore with its lush gardens, crystal clear lily pond, bush walks and open spaces.

RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre

Anyone interested in aviation or military history will love a visit to the RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre, near Ipswich.

Top of Town

If you love discovering something a little different and eclectic when you’re shopping, Ipswich’s Top of Town fits the bill. [...]

Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve

From mining heritage to downhill mountain biking, Castle Hill offers an experience unlike anything else in the region. With over 15 International Mountain Biking Association rated trails ranging from easy to very difficult, Castle Hill is suitable for riders of all abilities and is an iconic riding destination in Ipswich.

Cooneana Heritage Centre

If you're into local history and traditional craftsmanship then put a visit to Ipswich's historic Cooneana Homestead on your itinerary.

Incinerator Theatre

If you’re a theatre lover, and appreciate architecture or both, the Incinerator Theatre is a must-do when you’re in Ipswich. [...]

Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve

It’s not often you get an unspoiled natural wonderland in the heart of a city, but Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve [...]

Ipswich Art Gallery

A visit to Ipswich isn't complete without checking out its award-winning Ipswich Art Gallery.

Cunninghams Knoll

Cunninghams Knoll, opposite Queens Park on the main entrance to Ipswich, pays homage to the region’s early European explorers as [...]

Places to stay

Cumquat House

Cumquat House features free WiFi and private parking on site. The rooms include a flat-screen television, reverse-cycle air conditioning and [...]

Woodlands of Marburg

The elegant splendour of Woodlands of Marburg, positioned centrally between Brisbane and Toowoomba, makes it a must-visit destination for its [...]

Eat & drink

Homage

With a deep history firmly planted in the rich productive soils of the Scenic Rim, and a dining philosophy that [...]

Indian Mehfil Ipswich

Indian Mehfil Restaurant is situated in the heart of Ipswich city in an old style heritage building, where you will [...]

Stony Creek Brewing

Pumpyard Bar and Brewery has won an enviable reputation as the place to go for top quality, locally brewed beer and plenty of atmosphere.

Hotel Commonwealth

Established over a century ago, and beautifully restored to its former glory, Hotel Commonwealth is deeply rooted in Ipswich’s rich [...]

What's On in Ipswich

Get all the information on events happening in and around Ipswich. Discover festivals, shows, music, entertainment, exhibitions, markets, sport, tours, workshops and more.

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