Ipswich is a time-honoured provincial city in south-east Queensland, where heritage homes meet contemporary cuisine. The city’s open roads lead to the beautiful countryside and are home to breweries and music festivals.
Things to do in Ipswich
You can entertain the entire family at the award-winning Workshops Rail Museum. Immerse yourself in the larger-than-life exhibits that tell the story of Queensland Rail, from the steam engines of yesteryear to the advanced technology of today. Marvel at the beautifully restored carriages, hear tales from real Aussie blacksmiths and witness Queensland’s largest model railway.
Take a hike to White Rock, an imposing and sacred outcrop set amidst the native bushland of Spring Mountain Conservation Estate. After working up a sweat, cool off at Orion Lagoon, a vast expanse of interconnected swimming pools and grassy picnic areas.
Discover why Ipswich has a culinary reputation with a meal at Homage Restaurant. Dine in Spicer’s Historic Homestead while admiring over 4,800 hectares of working farmland, before topping off the evening with a refreshing craft beer at 4 Hearts Brewing Pumpyard Bar and Brewery.
Interested in the region’s artistic talent? Visit the Ipswich Art Gallery, home to a thought-provoking collection of Indigenous and regional art alongside travelling exhibits from internationally-acclaimed artists.
Get up close and personal with Australia’s native wildlife at Ipswich Nature Centre, home to wombats, wallabies and emus. Youngsters will have tonnes of fun in the petting barn with calves, lambs, pigs and guinea pigs. Couples, meanwhile, can take a thrilling hot-air balloon ride over Ipswich for glorious views of the Scenic Rim and Somerset countryside.
Getting around Ipswich
Ipswich is a 30-minute drive from Brisbane and a one-hour drive from the Gold Coast. Brisbane Airport is a 45-minute drive or two-hour train ride away. Ipswich city centre is easily explored on foot, with taxis and buses available for destinations further afield.