Whether you’re planning a buck’s party, a birthday celebration, the ultimate Father’s Day or just want a fun weekend away with the guys, look no further than Ipswich.
Featuring an award-winning golf course, three race tracks (horse and cars), more than 100kms of epic mountain bike riding trails, live music venues, an arcade, hobby shop, cold beers and hearty steaks, Ipswich has everything you and your mates need for your next mancation.
Here are 13 ideas to help with your planning…
Play a round at an award-winning golf course
Pack your golf clubs and head to the Brookwater Golf and Country Club – an award-winning course masterfully designed by Australian golfing legend Greg Norman. This 18-hole, Par 72 tournament designed course is quite challenging, with the Par 5 13th hole the longest drive on the course at 550m. There’s also an onsite driving range where you can practice your swing, and a restaurant where you can grab a cold beverage afterwards.
The Brookwater Golf and Country Club is located at 1 Tournament Dr, Brookwater.
Satisfy your need for speed
There are always plenty of thrills, spills, engines revving and tyres screeching to entertain racing enthusiasts at Queensland Raceway. Some events like roll racing, sprints and moto ride days allow you to test your own vehicle out on the track, whereas other big racing meets like the Supercars, Drift Matsuri and 2 Days of Thunder will have you cheering on the drivers from the grandstands.
You can also test out your wheels at the drag racing track at Willowbank Raceway, which welcomes newcomers and seasoned professionals, and hosts some of the biggest drag racing competitions in Australia.
Queensland Raceway is located at 133 Champions Way, Willowbank.
Willowbank Raceway is located at 38 Champions Way, Willowbank.
Live out your racing fantasy with a V8 Race Experience
You and the guys can live out your fast and furious fantasies when you jump behind the wheel of a genuine V8 racecar and take it for a cruise around the famous Queensland Raceway circuit during your very own V8 Race Experience. Rev heads can choose between cruising in a Holden or Ford V8 race car, a new Chevrolet Camaro or a Ford Mustang.
Queensland Raceway is located at 133 Champions Way, Willowbank.
Have a punt on the ponies
Test your luck and see if you can back a winner at the Ipswich Turf Club. Racing events are held on multiple days each month, so you and the lads can enjoy a punt and maybe even come away with some cash.
The Ipswich Turf Club is located at 219 Brisbane Rd, Bundamba.
Hit the trails at Hidden Vale Adventure Park
If you spent hours riding your bike as a kid, you will love Hidden Vale Adventure Park. The park consists of more than 110km of epic mountain bike bush trails just waiting to be explored, with lots of slopes, hills and jumps to get your heart racing. If you didn’t think to bring your own bike on this trip, Hidden Vale Adventure Park have a huge range of e-bikes and XC bikes you can hire for the day.
Hidden Vale Adventure Park is located at 617 Grandchester Mount Mort Rd, Grandchester.
Hunt down your friends at Hardcore Blasters
If you have ever wanted a reason to hunt down your friends and unleash some friendly fire, be sure to visit Hardcore Blasters – Queensland’s first dedicated Indoor Gel Ball Field. This action-packed game is just like paintball, but instead of using paint-filled capsules, you use gel blasters which send out tiny water-grown gel balls. In the game you must eliminate your competition and avoid being hit yourself to be crowned the winner.
Hardcore Blasters is located at 42 The Terrace, North Ipswich.
Engage in some friendly competition at iPlay
With more than 50 arcade games and an eight-lane bowling alley, you and your mates can battle it out to see who is the best player for a few hours at iPlay Ipswich. Here you will find lots of retro car racing, motorbike racing and street fighting computer games, as well as the classic games like NBA basketball hoops, pinball and air hockey.
iPlay is located inside the Riverlink Shopping Centre, on the corner of Downs Street and The Terrace, North Ipswich.
Sharpen your blacksmithing skills
Whether you did metalwork in high school, or are just looking to get on the tools, the team from Savage Custom Knives regularly host workshops and classes where you can learn more about the ancient craft of blacksmithing. Workshops include knife making classes, beginner blacksmith blade classes, make your own hatchet, a sharpening master class and more.
Savage Custom Knives is located in West Ipswich. Their address is provided after booking a class.
Find a new hobby at Australia’s longest running hobby shop
Featuring everything from old-school model trains to planes, ships, cars, tanks, authentic V8 collectables, mini monster trucks, Meccano construction kits, rockets, board games, remote-controlled helicopters and camera operated drones, CJ Vogler and Son is the best spot for boys to pick up some new toys. This family-owned business first opened in 1877 and has something for everyone and every passion.
CJ Vogler and Son is located at 138 Brisbane St, Ipswich.
Rock on at Banshees Bar and Artspace
If you’re in the mood to listen to some music, head to one of the best live entertainment venues in the city – Banshees Bar and Artspace. This friendly bar is a popular destination for local and touring performers, and also hosts open mic and karaoke nights.
Banshees Bar and Art Space is located at 131 Brisbane St, Ipswich.
Sip on handcrafted beer
Stony Creek Brewery at the old Pumpyard is the perfect place for you to enjoy an amazing selection of brewed and sourced craft beer, side by side with an ever-changing menu of great food. On the menu you will find delicious pizzas, burgers, loaded fries, salads and more.
Stony Creek Brewing is located at 88 Limestone St, Ipswich.
Treat your tastebuds to a juicy steak
If you love steak, head to one of Ipswich’s premier dining experiences – Bakehouse Steakhouse. Here the chefs prepare mouthwatering cuts including rump, sirloin, rib fillet, eye fillet and T-bone, all served with fries, soft leaves and choice of sauce. You will also find burgers, cutlets and an impressive dessert menu. The bar is well stocked, and cocktails are also a specialty.
Bakehouse Steakhouse is located on the corner of Darling St and West St, Ipswich.
Where to stay
There’s a few great choices when it comes to accommodation in the city.
One of the most unique is Urban Getaway with four master suites, a separate apartment underneath and a large deck with sweeping views. It’s perfect for a larger group who would like to spend time relaxing together in the shared living spaces and is located right in the heart of town.
Also located in the centre of town, Oaks Ipswich Aspire Suites will have you right where the action is, with lots of restaurants, bars and music venues just a short walk away. If you have travelled with a big group of friends, there are one, two and three bedroom suites available, as well as an onsite swimming pool, jacuzzi and gym.
Check out Quest Ipswich also with one, two and three bedroom apartments, a swimming pool onsite and gaming facilities and Country Motel Ipswich with family rooms and a pool.
For more accommodation options click here.
