For a park with the true trademark heritage feel of Ipswich, you can't go past Queens Park. One of the oldest parks in Queensland - a monument there was erected in 1864 - you can sense the history in the rocks beneath your feet and in the grand, established shady trees.
As you descend the hill entering Ipswich Central from the east, you can't help be impressed with this gracious, green expanse. The playground alone is worth a stop - with the city's coal mining history as its inspiration, the impressive design features a flying fox, fixed model train, Liberty Swing for people in wheelchairs to enjoy a ride and water pumps to cool off. You won't be able to drag the kids away.
The Environmental Education Centre is connected to the indoor-outdoor Queens Park Café, where you can satisfy your hunger cravings before heading off to the renowned Ipswich Nature Centre (opened in 1936) to view cute and furry animals such as wombats, bilbies and quolls. Nearby is the heritage-listed Incinerator Theatre, designed by Walter Burley-Griffin and home to the Ipswich Little Theatre. To complete your visit, stroll around the beautiful and relaxing Japanese Nerima Gardens.