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

Save the date! Great festivals coming to Ipswich in 2025

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

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

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

Taking a Rosewood day trip

Head west from Brisbane, through the quaint township of Rosewood towards Grandchester – taking in the countryside that’s bounced back from summer bushfires thanks to recent rain.

Weekender
Lifestyle and Travel Program

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

What's On: Feel the spark with an incredible lineup of events happening in Ipswich this July

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

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

Top tips to keep the kids entertained...

From close up animal encounters to riding the rails on a historic steam train, Ipswich is home to many activities and day trips which are sure to please the whole family.

Ashleigh Howarth
Freelance writer

Save the date! Great festivals coming to Ipswich in 2025

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

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

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

Taking a Rosewood day trip

Head west from Brisbane, through the quaint township of Rosewood towards Grandchester – taking in the countryside that’s bounced back from summer bushfires thanks to recent rain.

Weekender
Lifestyle and Travel Program

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

What's On: Feel the spark with an incredible lineup of events happening in Ipswich this July

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

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

Top tips to keep the kids entertained...

From close up animal encounters to riding the rails on a historic steam train, Ipswich is home to many activities and day trips which are sure to please the whole family.

Ashleigh Howarth
Freelance writer

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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 [...]

Henry Lawson Bicentennial Park

Henry Lawson Bicentennial Park, located opposite the state school in the township of Walloon, is just 15 minutes drive from [...]

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. [...]

Didgeridoo Festivals

Didgeridoo Festivals near Ipswich is a didgeridoo community that brings people together through unique activities. It’s located at Bellbird Park, [...]

Places to stay

Hardings Paddock Campground

Hardings Paddock campground is perfect for a weekend getaway for the whole family. Surrounded by natural bushland, there are just eight camping sites available to add to the feeling of seclusion.

Ipswich Caravan Village

Ipswich Caravan Village provides a clean, affordable, and family-friendly caravan park experience located just 4 kilometres from the heart of [...]

Spicers Hidden Vale

With its sprawling 12,000 acres of native bushland, elegant guest rooms and enticing modern restaurants, Hidden Vale is where sophisticated [...]

Cumquat House

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

Rosewood Showgrounds Camping Facility

PLEASE NOTE: All Campers MUST contact the Camp Ground Manager on arrival for site allocation and prior to setup. Please call Rosewood Lions Club on 0481 382 049 for all arrivals. Please note that all bookings are booked into a zone. You are not allocated a site no. even if a site no. is stated on your booking.

Hardings Paddock Campground

Hardings Paddock campground is perfect for a weekend getaway for the whole family. Surrounded by natural bushland, there are just eight camping sites available to add to the feeling of seclusion.

Ipswich Caravan Village

Ipswich Caravan Village provides a clean, affordable, and family-friendly caravan park experience located just 4 kilometres from the heart of [...]

Spicers Hidden Vale

With its sprawling 12,000 acres of native bushland, elegant guest rooms and enticing modern restaurants, Hidden Vale is where sophisticated [...]

Cumquat House

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

Rosewood Showgrounds Camping Facility

PLEASE NOTE: All Campers MUST contact the Camp Ground Manager on arrival for site allocation and prior to setup. Please call Rosewood Lions Club on 0481 382 049 for all arrivals. Please note that all bookings are booked into a zone. You are not allocated a site no. even if a site no. is stated on your booking.

Hardings Paddock Campground

Hardings Paddock campground is perfect for a weekend getaway for the whole family. Surrounded by natural bushland, there are just eight camping sites available to add to the feeling of seclusion.

Eat & drink

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 Ipswich

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 [...]

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 Ipswich

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 [...]

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 Ipswich

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

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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