I hope you have left plenty of space in your calendar for activities, because Ipswich is jam-packed with fun for the whole family over the month of April. Whether you’re in the mood for some live entertainment, catching up on the latest Hollywood releases, craft workshops, farm tours, racing events, food festivals, market stalls or yoga classes, you can find all of this plus much more in the beautiful and historic city of Ipswich.
Genuine farm experience
Head down to Watercress Creek Olives and Limes at Pine Mountain for the annual Watercress Creek Olive Festival on April 10. The day will feature an array of delicious food, fresh produce stalls, olive grove tours, picnic lunches and more.
Go on an adventure through the Ipswich Nature Centre
Follow the trail through the Ipswich Nature Centre by using The Little Queenslander’s Alphabet Book as your guide. Kids will have a ball learning about unique places around Queensland and the different animals. There’s also a special Nature Play Passport you can use, which can be picked up at the Queens Park Environmental Education Centre or any Ipswich Library branch. Find out more here.
Ipswich Papercraft Show
An array of craft specialists will be visiting the Ipswich Showgrounds for the Ipswich Papercraft Show from April 22-24. The show will be packed full of the latest craft supplies, kits and equipment, and feature plenty of demonstrations and hands-on activities.
Festival of colours
Large crowds are expected to pack the Robelle Domain Parklands on April 30 for the Greater Springfield Community Festival. The day is a celebration of Queensland’s multicultural societies, and will feature amusement rides, live entertainment, multicultural performances, carnival games, fireworks and more. Don’t miss out on all the fun from 11am onwards.
Mega Mother’s Day Market
With more than 100 stalls, you are sure to find plenty of handmade and precious gifts to spoil the special women in your life. The day will also feature live music, face painting, food trucks and more, all at Tulmur Place on April 9. Click here for more information.
Hilarious hypnotic fun
Hypnotist Andy Vening will be bringing his show, Hypnotise Me, to the Springlake Hotel on April 8. Andy will use unsuspecting volunteers to demonstrate the power of their unconscious minds in displays of hilarity and mayhem.
Bluey and Bingo to greet their fans
Two of televisions biggest stars, Bluey and Bingo Heeler, will be appearing at Tulmur Place on April 8 for a live interactive experience. Get ready to play Magic Asparagus, Magic Xylophone, Keepy Uppy and more!
Safari Putt Putt
Zebras, elephants, giraffes, rhinos and more will be taking over Tulmur Place these school holidays, when a special African Safari nine-hole putt putt course pops up for six days of fun! The event will be held from April 4-9. Free parking is available, as well as food trucks and the zero-depth water play area, to let the little ones cool off after the game.
Roll Up, Roll Up
The circus has arrived at Redbank Plaza! A number of talented circus performers will be showing off their skills these school holidays, including juggling, hula hooping and more! Kids will also be able to learn some tricks, including walking on small stilts and plate spinning. All the fun will be held from April 4-13.
Listen to up-and-coming artists
Due to the cancellation of an event in March, there will be not one, but two Ipswich Unearthed events at Studio 188 this month. It is here you will be able to jam and sing along to an array of unique performers, some who are taking to the Studio 188 stage for the first time, and others who have performed before. The shows will be held on April 9 and 30.
Get in touch with your spiritual side
From Tarot card readings to styled picnics, Mums of May playgroup, live music, a Mother’s Day Market and sound healing meditation, there is a lot happening at the Soul Nook Collective this month for people of all ages to check out.
Explore the Ipswich Art Gallery
Visitors young and old will love exploring the many displays currently on show at the Ipswich Art Gallery. These include; Heart of the Tree – a stunning selection of turned timber vessels and sculptures – each paying homage to the tree from which it was formed by highlighting the unique character and grain of its timber; Perception Deception – a hands-on and multimedia experience, using perceptual tests and illusions to reveal how our brains edit, prioritise and even add information about the things and people around us; and Ink in the Lines – showcasing Australia’s modern veterans and their families, who through their tattoos commemorate the people, events and experiences which shaped their lives.
Feel the power of a V8
If you have ever wanted to live out your race car fantasy, book a V8 Race Experience at Queensland Raceway. Choose from either a Holden or Ford V8 race car, a new Chevrolet Camaro or a Ford Mustang.
Test your brain
Are you able to solve the puzzles and get out of a locked room? If you answered yes, try your luck at Seraphim Escape Rooms. The puzzles have been designed to test your brain, making you think outside the box, ironically while you are locked in one.
Chill out with a movie
Going to the movies has long been a popular activity for families, so why not head to Limelight Cinemas this month where you can catch a Hollywood blockbuster or two on the big screen. Movies screening this month include Dog, The Batman, Monster Family 2, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, and The Lost City.
For the love of engines
It’s full steam ahead on the fun express as it pulls into The Workshops Rail Museum this month, with plenty to see and do for the whole family to enjoy. Be sure to visit; I Do in Ipswich photographic exhibition – wedding photos from couples who tied the knot between 1890-1950s; Planes, Trains and Autos – full of displays and hands-on activities; and Under Construction– offering fun and stimulating activities with special building zones for children aged between 3-10. There’s guaranteed to be lots of Lego!
Sip and relax at Ipswich’s newest artisan distillery
Head to Ipswich’s newest artisan distillery, Imbibis, where you can spend an afternoon sipping on a wide array of beverages, including award-winning gin and shiraz brandy. Drop in and see the owners, Jason and Maree Hannay every Friday, when their tasting room is open, or make an appointment for other times.
Learn to play the Didgeridoo
Learn more about local Indigenous cultures by joining in a Didgeridoo Jam in Augustine Heights. Have a jam or bring a blanket and kick back by the fire pit and listen to a mix of instruments combined with the Didgeridoo. The event is held from 7-10pm at the Didgeridoo Festival’s headquarters, which is surrounded by gum trees and friendly wildlife.
Yoga classes with a difference
If you’re looking to try something new, why not take part in an Auslan yoga class, held at Tulmur Place on the last Saturday of the month. The instructors use visual cues and descriptions to accompany the movements. It’s free to attend.
Take a punt
Cheer on the jockeys and the horses during this month’s race meets at the Ipswich Turf Club. Race days will be held on April 6, 20 and 27. Now boasting new horse race day stalls, a refurbished track and renovated facilities, the venue has something for everyone.
Enhance your metalwork skills
Learn how to create your own custom knife with the team from Savage Custom Knives, who host two-day classes where they go through the process of making a stainless-steel knife from start to finish. No experience is required. Multiple dates are held throughout the month.
Enjoy a movie, old-school style
Our parents and grandparents loved going to the drive-in movies on the weekends back in the day, but you can do that too, right here in Ipswich! Visit Tivoli Drive-In this month to see Sing 2, Scott Pilgrim Against the World, Hop, Death on the Nile and Westside Story.
Get your creative juices flowing
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced artist, Sip ‘n’ Dip have workshops to suit everyone. Workshops are held at various locations across the region, so you can bet there are a few close to your home. Choose from paint pouring, jewellery making, mosaics, macrame and more.
Fossick for bargains
Ipswich is a mecca for market lovers, and the perfect spot where you can buy fresh produce direct from the farm, homewares, arts and craft, clothing, jewellery and much, much more. You are sure to find plenty of goodies at the Springfield Markets, the Ripley Markets, the Ipswich Showplace Markets, the Riverlink Market Zone, the Handmade Expo Markets, the Ipswich Twilight Markets and My Local Market.
Visit a working camel farm
Summer Land Camels in nearby Harrisville is open every day from 9am-3pm, where families can feed and ride the camels, or book in a farm tour. Entry to the farm is free, however activities are an additional cost. While you’re visiting, you may also want to stay for a Cocktail with the Camels. This event is held monthly and allows visitors aged 18 and over a night of fine food and beverages direct from the farm. Tickets are $18.50 per person, and includes a grazing platter showcasing a selection of the farm’s award-winning camel milk cheese and charcuterie.
Surround yourself with adorable goats
Children and adults will have a ball feeding the adorable baby animals at Naughty Little Kids in Peak Crossing. The farm welcomes visitors every Sunday, and host tours where they show how the operations of the farm. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Tea sipping experience
When it comes to tea, Dona from Tranquil Tea House really knows her stuff. You too can learn more about this tasty beverage by booking a tea sipping experience. Sessions are held weekly and cost $45 per person.
Who you gonna call? The Ghost Hunter
Hear tales of Ipswich’s renowned ghosts who are yet to fully transition to the other side with historian and ghost hunter Jack Sim. Jack will have you anxiously looking over your shoulder at his tours throughout the Ipswich CBD, as well as the Ipswich and Goodna cemeteries. To book, see Ghost Tours Australia.
Events galore to get your engines revving
If you’re a true car afficionado, and love the sound of roaring engines, you need to head to Queensland Raceway this month, where there will be plenty of action both on and off the track. You won’t want to miss out on Friday Night Drift on April 15, Roll Racing Brisbane on April 23, and the Queensland Racing Drivers’ Championship on April 9.
Calm your mind and your body
Trevellan Lifestyle Centre in Brassall are helping people transform their mind, body and soul by offering a number of new workshops and activities for people to come and try. These include the beginners’ meditation circle, Reiki Healing, how to create sigils, psychic readings and more.
There is also a polymer clay earring workshop hosted by the L&K Collective on April 17 including a mini charcuterie box and Chill’s drink.
Journey back in time
Join other history buffs and take a journey on a bus from the 1960s as you are chauffeured around the historic Blackstone area with a knowledgeable driver and a guide from the Cooneanna Heritage Centre. Afterwards you can explore all the different areas and displays at the Heritage Centre. Find out more here.
Mother’s Day Market at The Soul Nook Collective
The Soul Nook Collective are once again hosting their annual Mother’s Day Market filled with artisan boutique Stallholders.
On April 30 from 9am-2pm the air will be filled with joyful tunes and the famous mocktail stall will be onsite again!
There is no doubt you will be able to find the perfect gift all whilst surrounding yourself with the blissful Soul Nook atmosphere…
