15 Cool Things To Do In Ipswich
The words cool and Ipswich may not always have been the most likely companions. But these days the historic mining town with its landmark heritage buildings, funky café scene, grand old pubs and quirky cultural events has a host of places and attractions that make for a great weekend away or even just a day trip.
Here are 15 of the coolest things to do in and around Ipswich:
Top of the Town
The historic precinct in the CBD features character cafes such as Deann's Coffee House, Nourish, Urban Pantry & Cactus Espresso, a charming Gift Emporium, German beer house & retro shops.
Ipswich's first laneway café is a gorgeous little hideaway, tucked between two historic shops and serving delicious home-baked and freshly made food and selling locally made jams and goods...more
The Qld Pioneer Steam Railway plays host to all manner of fun themed events, from Valentine's Day vintage train rides to murder mystery nights such as this Agatha-Christie style one in March...more
This unique scenic camp ground with picnic and BBQ amenities is Ipswich's best kept secret - just a stone's throw from the CBD, and with just eight campsites and access to great hikes...more
Nestled between two of Ipswich's grand heritage buildings is this colourful oasis - café by day, fairy-lit bar by night, with funky shipping container servery, all day brekkie, craft beer and wine...more
Grand historic mansion Woodlands of Marburg on the outskirts of Ipswich makes a great place for a civilized weekend lunch and a browse in the nearby antique store...more
Perched atop a hill on a working farm with wallabies grazing at sunset, this picture perfect beautifully equipped country cottage B&B makes for an idyllic and classy weekend retreat...more
South east Queensland's oldest park (circa 1864) is a great place to while away a few hours - take a wander around the limestone terraces and visit the free nature zoo and Japanese gardens...more
You don't have to be a kid to enjoy a visit to this award-winning museum - take a tour of its still-operational historic workshops, drive a train simulator and see the royal carriages still set for tea...more
Occupying a landmark heritage-listed 1895 building (an ex-Memorial Hall) is this splendid state of the art antique centre with a charming old-world café serving cream teas and Nana style baked fare...more
This intriguing inner city bushland reserve has water towers that the public can climb and take in views all the way to the Downs and NSW, a Jurassic dinosaur glade and some old mining relics...more
The heritage-listed first Ipswich technical college is home to the first Ipswich brewery since 1903 - in the basement patrons can sit alongside the shiny beer vats and drink and dine on delicious pub grub...more
The biggest art gallery west of Brisbane plays host to first class travelling exhibitions as well as local expos reflecting the history and culture of Ipswich and works by esteemed home-grown artists...more
A little boutique B&B in a 1928 worker's cottage is about the most charming place to stay near the Ipswich CBD, with its antique furniture, quality linen and amenities and old-fashioned hospitality...more
Start the day with a breath-taking hot air balloon ride over the heritage city of Ipswich, the stunning Scenic Rim and Somerset regions, followed by a delicious breakfast at an inner city Ipswich hotel...more
And, for more great things to see and do in Ipswich, visit Discover Ipswich HERE.
