itinerary:
3 days in Ipswich

18 JANUARY 2023

Queensland’s oldest provincial city offers an abundance of experiences that span exploring history, immersing yourself in nature or enjoying full-on family fun.

IN THIS ARTICLE
IN THIS ARTICLE

The region embraces the historic and Heritage-listed buildings that populate the city and their preservation is definitely a sight to be admired. Old industrial buildings and stunning Queenslanders have been re-purposed and refitted to house cafes, bars and shops, creating an aesthetic paradise for those who love to wander and wonder.  

Set aside a couple of days to discover Ipswich with this handy guide.  

Day one

Afternoon  

Ipswich is a straightforward, 40-minute drive down the Ipswich Motorway from Brisbane’s city centre but allow for a little extra traffic during the late afternoon. Ipswich has an array of charming and contemporary accommodation options but if you’re keen on a luxe escape, travel an extra 15 minutes and check in to rural retreat, Woodlands of Marburg. You’ll feel the tension instantly ease from your shoulders when you breathe in the fresh country air and admire the bucolic view. Spend some time discovering the rich history of Woodlands, from its early days as a sawmill, sugar mill and seminary to its current incarnation as a boutique Plantation-style hotel. 

You could easily spend the night curled up with a glass of wine or dining in its opulent Sugarmill Restaurant but if you’re keen to head out, try Heisenberg Haus for great German food and even better German beer.  

Day two

Morning  

Kick things off with a brilliant brekky at Woodland’s own Tommy Smith Café or venture into the Ipswich CBD to sample its bustling café scene. Local favourite Rafter and Rose occupies a cute heritage building and leafy courtyard at the Top of Town, a historical stretch of buildings along Brisbane St. The coffee is smooth, the counter is always stocked with fresh baked goods and the cafe’s popular and delicious bacon jam is the perfect accompaniment to any dish.  

Walk off – or shop off – your breakfast with a wander through the retail offerings at the Top of Town precinct. Here you will find everything from cafes and restaurants to vintage stores and boutiques. The Vintage Advantage is an antique store stocking unique pieces from yesteryear while Lost Vintage sells second-hand and vintage goods and ethical and sustainable fashion. 

Be captivated by the Ipswich Antique Centre which is a goldmine of hidden treasures and collectables. Housed in a beautifully restored 1895 Heritage-listed building, the centre is home to several antique dealers selling wares from glassware and pottery to turn-of-the-century furniture and vintage movie memorabilia.  

Midday  

With a firm focus on nutrition and speciality coffee, Oikos Café serves Queensland-roasted Kai Coffee beans and fresh fare such as fruit-laden acai bowls, smoothies and colourful nacho bowls.  

Follow the 1860s Royal Mail coach route that carried Cobb & Co passengers more than 140 years ago and spend the afternoon ambling through the countryside. There are plenty of places to pull up and explore. Visit Heritage-listed pubs, buildings that take you back in time, rural villages, unspoilt wilderness and a network of lookout points to take in the scenery. 

Afternoon 

It’s fitting that Pumpyard Bar & Brewery sits on the original site of the city’s first water source in the mid-1800s. These days, the site pumps another vital liquid to the citizenry – beer. The exceptionally good 4 Hearts Brewing keeps the kegs fully stocked and rolling. Try its popular Pale Ale or for something a little more adventurous, the Wabbit Saison is made with carrots from the nearby Lockyer Valley.  
 
Big, bold American eats dominate the menu and offer a perfect companion to the ales on offer. Start with frickles (beer-battered fried pickles served with Louisiana hot sauce) and have a crack at the pulled pork burger, which combines ginger, hoi sin and five-spice-braised pork with apple kimchi and wasabi mayo. Delicious!  

Evening 

If you’re in Ipswich on a Friday or Saturday night, head to the Tivoli Drive-In Theatre for an old-school movie night. It's only $10 per car to catch a double-feature with Saturdays screening family-friendly flicks and Fridays for mature audiences. Gates open at 4pm with market stalls and a café serving refreshments, while the first flick kicks off at 7pm.  

Day three  

Morning  

Seed Coffee grinds and brews some of the best coffee in the city, so head to the counter and order your usual. While you’re there, hook into some Belgian waffles with blueberries, strawberries and ice cream for breakfast.  

All aboard for a fun and interactive day out at The Workshops Rail Museum. Enter through the beautifully preserved Timekeepers’ Building and journey into the past to experience life on the rails. Kids big and small can marvel at the restored locomotives, check out the state’s biggest model railway and tinker with hands-on displays and simulators.  

Midday  

Once you’ve experienced the big trains, it’s time to check out the tiny ones. CJ Vogler & Sons is a hobby shop on Brisbane St, established in 1877 and stocking a wonderland of model trains, die-cast cars and collectibles.  

You’re sure to find something to quench your thirst at Tap’d on Brisbane St. The craft beer bar has 72 beers and ciders on tap – the largest tap selection in the Southern Hemisphere! 

Stocking everything from light ales and thirst-quenching lagers to sparkling saisons and robust stouts, there’s something for every taste. Can’t decide? Try a Tap’d tasting paddle. The bar also serves an impressive menu of meals and snacks including homemade burgers, hand-stretched pizzas and 1kg plates of BBQ pork ribs.

Afternoon  

Queens Park is one of the oldest parks in Queensland and offers a wonderland of free activities including a kids' playground, Japanese garden, environmental education centre, café and gorgeous leafy gardens for a picnic. In addition to wide open spaces and gardens, Queens Park is also home to the Ipswich Nature Centre – where you can check out more than 40 species of animal – the Japanese-inspired Nerima Gardens and the Queens Park Nursery where you can even pick up some free plants. 

An image of a family standing on a ledge in a rainforest, surrounded by large rocks and trees.