Outdoor activities to try in Ipswich

Consider yourself a thrill seeker? Those with a need for speed can put pedals to the medal on a V8 Race Experience on the famed Queensland Raceway circuit. In 2022, the raceway introduced a shiny new Chevrolet Camaro, now available to drive alongside its Ford Mustang. 

For a more leisurely paced, scenic ride, Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights presents an exceptional vantage point from which to take in the sights of Ipswich from your wicker basket in the sky. Or, go further up (up and away) on a Pterodactyl Helicopter flight and enjoy a picturesque joyride over the region.  

Back on solid ground, the Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway gives its passengers a fun-filled ride on its restored, heritage train carriages through postcard-worthy countryside. 

Inside resplendent Queen’s Park resides the Ipswich Nature Centre, where visitors can meet abundant wildlife and stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens where photo opportunities abound.  

While wine-drinking may not ordinarily be classified an ‘outdoor activity,’ a visit to Woongooroo Estate will take you to a vine-swathed, golden patchworked winery that is conveniently also brimming with, well, wine.  

Culture vultures, assemble: here’s where to get your cultural fix in Ipswich

Housed by the former Ipswich Municipal Incinerator, now the Incinerator Theatre, Ipswich Little Theatre Society Inc (or ILT) is a performing arts company to watch (literally). Its evolving line-up of shows is worth checking out when you’re booking a stay in Ipswich. Or, if musical theatre captures your attention, find out which of the Ipswich Musical Theatre Company’s performances are in action while you’re in town. 

In the heart of Ipswich, a lively music venue Studio 188 occupies a former art-deco church that’s now a thriving arts hub that hosts emerging and establishing acts. And, to see big-time bands, well-known comedians, plays, musicals and more, Ipswich Civic Centre is a go-to mecca of entertainment. Or, do as the locals do and visit Limelight Cinemas to see the latest screenings in comfortable surrounds.  

As a city with an intriguing history closely linked with trains, planes and automobiles, it would be remiss of sightseers not to set their peepers on Ipswich’s famed The Workshops Rail Museum, the RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre and the Ipswich Historical Society. Those with an eye for design and architecture will be delighted to learn the historical society is home to the Cooneana Heritage Centre’s six architecturally significant buildings, harking back to the 1860s.

Markets, boutiques, and matchless antiques: where to shop in Ipswich

Roadtrippers, ready your empty bags and pack light: shopping is considered a serious sport in Ipswich. 

Everything old is new again in this city, where antique and vintage pieces await eager eyes. Eagle-eyed antique and vintage shoppers can head to Ipswich Antique Centre, Marburg’s Scotland Yard Antiques, The Vintage Advantage and The Black Museum in search of unique wares to bring home.

For gifts, new threads, plants, artworks (or even art supplies to try creating your own), Ipswich is dappled with specialty stores. For clothing, Soul Sisa, Trottie Becke, Oh! JoJo boutique, and Cute to Boot (for tiny clothing) are your go-to stores. When it comes to footwear, Obsession Shoes Boutique is where you’ll want to be, and for unique gifts, Ulli’s New Age Rockz, The Soul Cauldron, Embers and Twine, Special Branch Collective, Dark Magician Games, Country House Gifts and Homewares, and A Gift With Love have your gifting needs sorted. For artworks and art supplies, Starr Fine Art Atelier and Arttime Supplies are an easy choice. And, for larger shopping experiences, there’s Orion Springfield Central and Ipswich Riverlink Shopping Centre. 

Avid marketgoers will know that Ipswich hosts an assortment of popular markets, with stalls stocking handmade wares, delicious foods and more. Among its buzzing market scene is Springfield Markets, The Handmade Market Expo Ipswich, Ripley Markets, Orion Markets, My Local Market – Walloon, the Ipswich Showplace Markets and the Ipswich Twilight Markets.  

Ready to stop, shop, explore and get outdoors in Ipswich? Start planning your adventure in Ipswich today.