Cooneana Heritage Centre: Horses to Horsepower Family Fun Day

The history of transport from horses to mechanical vehicles and a range of family activities are offered. Displays including our latest horse, Banjo – created by Ned Kelly, a horse-drawn vehicle, The Veteran and Vintage Vehicle Club will show off some of their vehicles. See and hear some historical stationary engines whose owners are happy to talk about them. Mr Magic will perform some of his magic tricks.

Heritage bus and trackless train rides to see all of the attractions are included in the entry fees. Visitors will be able to learn some bush dances to the live music of the Ridgee Didge Bush Band, the work of the Ipswich Koala Protection Society and how life was lived in days gone by.

Children and adults will enjoy old-fashioned games, stalls and visiting the old schoolroom and museum displays. Visit with Old MacDonald’s Travelling Farm animals and pet the animals. Cooneana Homestead, built in 1868, will be open, as will the Spinners, Weavers, Fibre Artisans of Ipswich, the Ipswich Genealogical Society and the Historical Motorcycle Club of Queensland Ipswich clubhouse.

Cooneana Blacksmiths will be working away at their forges – come and learn about blacksmithing and see what they can make. Old coal mining and farm machinery will be on display with the option to try some coal shovelling and have a photo taken in an old mine lift cage. Jim Donald House will have displays and videos of coal mining – an industry that helped build the city of Ipswich.

Coffee, tea, sausage sizzle and cakes/biscuits will be available for purchase.

When: 9am to 2pm, Sunday 15 June 2025
Where: 1041 Redbank Plains Rd, New Chum QLD 4303
Cost: Adult $7.50  | Children $5.00  | Family (2 adults and up to 4 children) $25.00

Bookings are essential, for assistance, please contact the Ipswich Visitor Information on 07 3281 0555 or email [email protected]
Over the counter assistance and cash payments can be made at Ipswich Visitor Information Centre located at 14 Queen Victoria Parade, Ipswich QLD 4305. Tickets will also be available at the gate.

The support of Ipswich City Council’s Community Events Funding is acknowledged for this event.