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25 Amazing Things to do in Ipswich

The historic city of Ipswich is awash with fascinating places and things to do that are out of the ordinary.

Picnic on an olive farm, ride a camel, camp for free in a paddock 15 minutes from the CBD, explore some castle ruins, stay in a haunted mansion or stroll through beautiful Japanese gardens, where on some weekends you can take a traditional tea ceremony.

Or stroll through a free nature zoo, take in some live blues music at a heritage-listed pub, hitch a ride on a miniature steam railway, visit the local brewery, enjoy high tea in an historic cottage, walk through a Jurassic forest, feed baby goats and eat goat gelato or go glamping on a cattle farm. And that's not all - here are 25 of the best and most unique things the city has to offer:

Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve

Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve Ipswich

Look out for the relics of an old Ipswich castle and coal mines on this interesting bush walk or bike trail

Kholo Botanic Gardens

Kholo Botanic Gardens Pine Mountain

As you drive down the windy Riverside Drive and come to the entry of Kholo Botanic Gardens, you will be amazed at what you find beyond the front gates

Hardings Paddock

Hardings Paddock Ipswich

Hardings Paddock is an exclusive scenic campground that is surrounded by bushland, just 20 minutes from Ipswich

Woodlands Of Marburg Country Inn

Woodlands of Marburg Ipswich

The palatial historic mansion with 360 degree views of the Marburg Valley makes a great weekend escape

Ipswich Nature Centre

Wombat sleeping in glass cage inside the Ipswich Nature Centre

This fabulous wildlife nature centre is possibly Ipswich city's best kept secret.

The Cottage Restaurant

The Cottage Restaurant Ipswich

The Cottage Restaurant offers an exquisite fine dining experience in a beautiful National Trust listed 1860's Ipswich cottage

Denmark Hill Conservation Park

Denmark Hill Conservation Park Ipswich

There are two entrances to this tract of preserved bushland over the top of sealed off mine tunnels in Ipswich's heart.

Bakehouse Steakhouse

Bakehouse Steakhouse Ipswich

Bakehouse Steakhouse is a red brick Ipswich bakery (circa 1875) that has been transformed into a cool and stylish Euro-style steakhouse

Summer Land Camels

Summer Land Camels

Summer Land Camels makes for a fascinating day trip and unique farm experience for families, just 45 minutes from Brisbane

Ipswich Art Gallery

One of the most visited regional art galleries in Queensland, the Ipswich Art Gallery is set in a handsome heritage building that was once the Town Hall

Spicers Hidden Vale

Spicers Hidden Vale, Grandchester

Just an hour's drive from Brisbane, Spicers Hidden Vale combines the style and comfort of a luxury retreat with the warmth of country welcomes

Stony Creek Brewing

4 Hearts Brewing, Ipswich

Stony Creek Brewing is the shining jewel in Ipswich's crown, housed in the heritage listed 88 Limestone Street precinct

Nerima Gardens

These gorgeous Japanese gardens are adjacent to Queens Park and on designated weekends during the year they hold traditional tea ceremonies in the tea house

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The Workshops Rail Museum

The unique and award-winning museum is unlike any other you'll visit, showcasing the fascinating history of railways in Queensland, with a fantastic model railway and hands-on exhibits like simulator where you can play train driver

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Royal Mail Hotel

Royal Mail Hotel, Goodna

Royal Mail Hotel at Goodna is an historic hotel that on weekends is the centre of live blues'n'roots

Naughty Little Kids

Naughty Little Kids Farm Tours, Peak Crossing

Naughty Little Kids Farm opens on Sundays for goat feeding and milking, a petting zoo and goats milk gelato

Watercress Creek Olives & Limes

Watercress Creek Olives & Limes, Pine Mountain, Ipswich, #VisitIpswich, Queensland, Farm

This olive and lime farm near Ipswich has a tiny farmgate shop and a picturesque spot for picnics

Hidden Vale Adventure Park

Hidden Vale Adventure Park, Grandchester

For families who love to mountain bike, Hidden Vale Adventure Park near Grandchester is top of the list

Homage Restaurant

Gastronomic gourmets should seriously consider heading up to Homage in the country retreat, Spicers Hidden Vale

Grandchester Model Steam Railway

Passengers riding model steam train Grandchester Model Steam Railway Ipswich

Fancy a family fun day out in the country? Half an hour from Ipswich you’ll find the Grandchester Model Steam Railway

Playground equipment in Robelle Domain Park

Putting new meaning to the word green space, master-planned Robelle Domain is a sprawling 24ha expanse that is the jewel in the crown of Springfield Central Parklands.

White Rock Hike

White Rock, Spring Mountain Conservation Park

The hike to majestic White Rock in Spring Mountain Conservation Park is approximately 6 km return and is great for the whole family

And, for more great things to see and do in Ipswich, visit Discover Ipswich HERE.

Top Things To Do In Brisbane This Week

Co.As.It International Women's Day Lunch

Co.As.It International Women's Day Lunch

Celebrate community at Co.As.It. International Women's Day Lunch

Andreas Scholl Bel Canto Festival

Brisbane Bel Canto

Opera Queensland's festival for the stage returns for its second year

La Cenerentola

A tale of heart and humour full of clever disguises, unlikely heroes, a midnight ball

3 women in dark clothes conspiring, Macbeth, La Boite Theatre

Macbeth

The Witches take centre stage in La Boite Theatre's reimagining of Macbeth

Speaker presenting at ETC MySmallBiz Expo

ETC MySmallBiz Expo

The ultimate event for small business, MySmallBiz Expo, returns from March to June

Exterior entrance of Old Museum

The Handmade Design Market

A conscious shopping event and a place to support local small businesses

Peppa Pig characters dancing on a stage, Moreton Kids Festival

Moreton Kids Festival

Enjoy a fun-filled family day at the Moreton Kids Festival

Camerata & Brendan Joyce: Schumann

Camerata & Brendan Joyce: Schumann

Don't miss Camerata's first mainstage concert for 2025.

Crowd of people at Brisbane Sake Festival

Australian Sake Festival

The Australian Sake Festival is heading to Brisbane for the first time in 2025

MUST DO

Brisbane Bel Canto Festival

Opera Queensland's festival for the stage returns for its 2nd year, covering music from the beginnings of operatic song in Italy to a song cycle composed in Australia

Brisbane Bel Canto Festival

World famous comedians in Brisbane!

3 women conspiring, Macbeth, La Boite Theatre

WIN 1 of 3 double passes to La Boite Theatre's daring reimagining of Shakespeare's MACBETH

WIN a double pass to the Opening Night of La Cenerentola (Cinderella)