A Weekend In Ipswich
Ipswich is full of charm and character. From quaint cafes and restaurants, to country cottages and lush landscapes, here’s what not to miss on your trip to Ipswich.
Friday
Afternoon
It’s time to check-in to your accommodation and kick start your weekend! Ipswich is full of homely and luxury stays to suit every vacation, whether it’s a family trip or a romantic getaway.
Like the sound of waking up in cosy accommodation amongst native wildlife and farm animals? Pocket Retreats, Keira Farm, Ivory’s Rock or Tallavalley Farm B&B make for some of the best farm stays and camping sites in Ipswich.
Book a romantic escape at Spicers Hidden Vale. With luxury accommodation options, an award-winning restaurant and breathtaking views, this stay is truly swoon-worthy.
Woodlands of Marburg and Camquat House are both historic country sanctuaries homes brimming with character and charm. While Springfield Lakes Hotel, Oakes Ipswich Aspire Suites and Quest Ipswich provide more modern suites in the heart of town.
Evening
After a busy first day, it’s time to indulge in a hearty meal. Three dining destinations await inside the Prince Alfred Hotel - take your pick from the dapper Plantations Restaurant, craft beer and tasty bites at Tap’d, or delicious pizza, pasta and pies from Char’d!
Saturday
Morning
Take in sunrise views of Ipswich and Brisbane from above with Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights on a leisurely paced flight in a quaint wicker basket. For those looking to get up their heart rate while up in the air, jump on a Pterodactyl Helicopter flight. This fast paced joyride can be paired with pub crawls, winery tours, heli fishing or simply enjoyed as a sightseeing tour of the region with a perspective like no other.
Midday
Fancy yourself a mechanic? A bit of a car fanatic? Well, Ipswich has an intriguing history closely tied with trains, planes and automobiles. Discover the local history by touring The Workshops Rail Museum and the RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre.
Continue exploring Ipswich’s heritage trail by heading to the Ipswich Historical Society in Cooneana Heritage Centre. Home to six architecturally significant buildings built more than 150 years ago, a boutique museum, unique exhibitions, and blacksmith demonstrations and classes.
Afternoon
Feeling nostalgic after a history-filled morning? Treat yourself to home-made classics like vanilla slice, carrot cakes layered with cream cheese, and fresh scones at Wild Rose Cottage. Enjoy the afternoon breeze at Queens Park and sip on coffee at Queens Park Cafe, or be impressed by Tranquil Tea House’s wide range of… teas!
Evening
Continue your journey through time with dinner in a heritage-listed Queenslander. The Cottage Restaurant is the perfect fusion of classic local architecture and modern flavours. Take your pick from their creative menu featuring dishes like mushroom cappuccino with truffle oil, kangaroo loin with Kakadu plum, rolled rabbit with dates and pistachio, and tonka bean panna cotta.
Sunday
Morning
It’s time to fuel up for your final day in Ipswich! The city is aplenty with cafes, tea houses and espresso bars so you’re truly spoilt for choice when it comes to getting your caffeine fix.
Nestled beside a refurbished heritage building, the trendy St Shoebill serves beautifully plated and produce-driven dishes, alongside quality coffee. For top notch caffeine, breathtaking views and hearty breakfast options like corn fritters, brekkie burgers and pancakes, Moselles Cafe and Restaurant is your go-to.
Sit outside the quaint Old Church in Marburg with an organic coffee and fresh baked goods from a local baker at The Soul Nook Collective. You can also browse racks of boho fashion, explore handmade wares, listen to live music, join creative workshops or linger longer with one of their chic picnic packages.
Midday
From castle ruins to Japanese gardens and Jurassic forests, Ipswich is home to an array of fauna and stunning nature walks waiting to be explored. Discover Ipswich’s lost castle, Brynhyfryd, on the regal grounds of Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve or visit Denmark Hill Conservation Park, where you’ll discover an epic Jurassic forest complete with sandstone dinosaur prints sure to have the kids in awe.
Wander through the picture-perfect Nerima Gardens within Queens Park. This self-contained Japanese garden has winding paths through fir trees and Australian natives, and traditional bridges crossing bubbling streams. It’s the perfect place to roam on a date.
For those after a cruisy stroll or bike ride, make your way down the waterfront pathway of Springfield Lakes Promenade keep your eyes peeled for quirky public artworks like metal crocodiles and oversized sun lounges.
Afternoon
Ipswich is the ultimate destination for family fun, so get your adventure on with these epic experiences!
Cool off with water-based fun at Splash‘n’Play Adventure Park. Open year round to take advantage of Brisbane’s endless summer, this water park is a blast for the whole family.
If you’d rather keep dry, fly into the aviation themed playground at Lobley Park and ride bikes along the winding trails of Leichhardt Park.
For those with little animal lovers, drop it to The Llama Farm where you can meet Ipswich’s local llamas.
Located just an hour from Brisbane, Ipswich makes for a unique weekend getaway! It’s time to start planning your adventure…
