Ipswich:
Antiques, art and heritage

20 JANUARY 2023

Ipswich is a region rich in heritage with spectacular landmark churches, historical parks and gardens, galleries and established antique stores on every corner. Whether it’s coal mining history, convict settlement stories, steam trains or yesteryear fashion that interests you, there’s something for everyone in Ipswich. Here's our ultimate guide to exploring Queensland’s oldest provincial city.

Ipswich Antique Centre 

A cult-favourite for antiques enthusiasts, the Ipswich Antique Centre is a multi-dealer antique centre housed in a Landmark Heritage Listed Building; the 1895 Congregational Sunday School Hall. The centre is air-conditioned and has a large car park accessed off Roderick St, and an ever-changing range of antiques and collectables covers the full spectrum from Australian, English, country and retro furniture to jewellery, collectables, bric-a-brac, china, glassware, prints and posters, "boys' toys" and Australian pottery. 

The Vintage Advantage 

This treasure trove of vintage goods and collectables inhabits Ipswich's narrowest shop, with original mosaic tiles on the shopfront from its former life as popular 1950s womenswear store Lutvey’s. The Vintage Advantage is home to an eclectic mix of vintage and retro fashion, accessories, collectibles, glassware, furniture and more.

Cooneana Heritage Centre  

Ipswich has 200+ years of coal mining history, with its last coal mine closing in 2019, and what better way to learn about the city’s roots than by a visit to the Cooneana Heritage Centre? Home to the Ipswich Historical Society, the centre contains historical photographs, artefacts and mining displays that reflect the town's convict past, and aims to educate visitors on the importance of Ipswich as a historical Queensland town.

Queens Park Heritage Trail  

Established in 1827 as a convict out-station for the quarrying of limestone and farming, Ipswich later became a busy port on the Bremer River and later grew in importance with the development of its coal mines and railways. 

The free Queens Park Heritage Trail is a self-guided audio tour that takes listeners to 20 points of interest throughout Queens Park, including the Band Rotunda, Croquet Club and The Glasshouse. Each stop has an audio file that can be easily accessed via mobile phone by scanning QR codes at each point.

Ipswich Art Gallery 

For lovers of fine art and social history, the Ipswich Art Gallery is a must. Housed in the old town hall built in the 1860s, the gallery presents a program of changing exhibitions and heritage displays with complementary special events, limited-season performances, family activities and art workshops. 

Perfect for budding young artists, the Ipswich Art Gallery is also home to the Children’s Gallery - the first gallery in Australian to have a permanent, interactive children’s gallery space designed for the under-twelves.

RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre 

Housed in hangars at RAAF base Amberley, Australia’s largest operating airbase, the RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre is worth a visit for anyone interested in military aviation history. Wander through a range of displays including a World War II Boston Bomber, a Vietnam-era Canberra bomber, F-111s (known for its iconic "dump and burn") and even an immaculate World War II Jeep. Visitors will learn about the important role of the RAAF in South East Queensland during both peace and war times.  

The Workshops Rail Museum

Fun for the whole family, The Workshops Rail Museum is Australia’s oldest operating railway workshop. Hands-on exhibits and multi-media encounters bring rail to life with modern displays, train simulators, real trains to climb aboard, self-guided audio tours, the Nippers Railway and the largest model railway layout of Queensland.  

Ipswich Soldiers’ Memorial Hall  

Surround yourself with the memories of those who died in service or were killed during World War One at the Ipswich Soldiers’ Memorial Hall. Spread across two floors of the historic soldiers’ memorial hall building, which first opened in 1921, visitors will be transported back in time to see what life was like for the community during the world wars, including large collection of uniforms, photos, memorabilia, original paintings and theme displays 

After your history lesson, head outside and soak up some sun as you stroll the adjoining garden with information stans manned by volunteers to answer your questions.

Julesart Studio/Gallery 

Julie Maddocks is an Ipswich born and bred artist who primarily uses porcelain and paint mediums to produce her ‘Art from the Heart’. From Australian animals painted in acrylic and hand glazed porcelain to mixed medium sculptures and jewellery, Julie’s approach is unique and varied. You can make an appointment to visit Julie at her working studio, peruse her collection of works, or even commission something new. 

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