Want to visit somewhere off the beaten path? If so, you need to head to Ipswich. Visitors to South East Queensland generally make a beeline to places like the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and the Sunshine Coast, but they might be missing out on a true hidden gem—Ipswich, Queensland.
Ipswich is about 30 minutes from Brisbane and is the perfect town for a break in the country, which feels a world away from the city. Amazing food, adventure experiences, and plenty of wildlife—it’s all here!
If you’re thinking of a weekend away, here are the ten best things to do in Ipswich, Queensland.
10. Prepare for a Fright on an Evening Ghost Tour
Haunted history is something that I always love to experience—sometimes one of the best ways to get a feel for a place is by visiting it at night.
If, like me, you enjoy a bit of haunted history, then you should check out Ipswich Cemetery Ghost Tours. Held on select Saturday nights, this guided tour will lead you through Ipswich’s oldest cemetery and some of the oldest parts of town.
There’s no guarantee that you’ll see a ghost, but you will learn more about the fascinating history of Ipswich, a port city with a mining heritage, originally as a mining settlement.
Looking for more spooky experiences? If so, check out Cockatoo Island or Q Station.
9. Ice Cream Time
If there’s one thing I always have time for, it’s ice cream. Ipswich is home to Ungermann Brothers, a gourmet ice cream shop that feels like you’ve stepped back in the 1960s. They’ve got a passion for weird and wonderful ice cream flavours, including blue cheese and fig, fairy bread, and salted caramel and bacon.
Try something unique–I went for a concoction containing both chocolate and potato chips, no regrets.
8. Visit Marburg
Just outside Ipswich is the quaint town of Marburg. It’s home to Woodlands of Marburg, built in 1889-91—this luxurious country estate is now open for tours, and also a wedding venue. If you love history and historic homes, it’s one to check out.
Another cool spot in Marburg is the Soul Nook Collective. It’s a fashion and arts boutique set in an old church, but the really unique thing about the Collective is their workshops. Positioned around the church are luxury tents, which can be booked for artistic endeavours like floral workshops, painting, jewellery making, or just a private picnic. They’re a locally-owned business with a passion for creativity, so it’s worth stopping in if you’re driving through Marburg.
7. Relax at the Pumphouse
Is it possible to resist a lazy afternoon at a microbrewery? Probably not, at least for me!
Pop into Pumphouse or grab an outdoor table—this great pub is home to 4 Hearts Brewing, offering amazing local beers. Try a tasting paddle or enjoy a pint of your favourite—beers change regularly, and there’s plenty of pub fare as well.
If you’re heading to Sydney, you can find some great craft breweries there too.
6. Enjoy the Architecture
I love history and architecture, so discovering that Ipswich has so many heritage buildings was a great find. Founded in 1843, Ipswich is the oldest provincial city in the state and has had plenty of time to grow and change as a city, resulting in incredible architecture.
Stroll through Top of Town and the nearby streets just enjoying the mix of architecture style. You’ll see plenty of heritage homes from the late 1800s, complete with intricate gingerbread, wraparound porches, iron lace, and beautiful verandas.
There’s also some fantastic examples of Art Deco architecture, including the Ipswich Baptist Church.
5. Check out Nerima Gardens
One of the most unique things happening in Ipswich is Nerima Gardens, set within the picturesque Queen’s Park. You may not expect to find a traditional Japanese garden in the middle of Ipswich, but there’s always something to surprise you in this city.
Nerima Gardens was designed in consultation with Ipswich’s sister city in Japan, Nerima. As you wander through manicured paths, over waterways, and past the purpose-built Japanese tea room, it’s hard not to feel as if you’ve stepped into the land of the rising sun.
As you stroll through, the garden is designed to take you on a discovery through life, inspired by the natural features and landscapes of both Nerima and Ipswich.
4. Hike White Rock Conservation Estate or Flinders-Goolman
One of the best things to do in Ipswich is bushwalking—there are plenty of trails all around the region. Coming from Sydney, a busy city, it was a pleasant surprise to go bushwalking in uncrowded parks, allowing plenty of space to get out into nature and enjoy the serenity of hiking.
Both White Rock Conservation Estate and Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate are a short drive from the city, with walks of varying distance in each park.
I tackled (I mean this literally, it’s extremely steep), the Goolman Lookout multi-user trail. Hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders can also access the area, hence the multi-user label.
At 5.6km return, it’s challenging enough to give a sweat-inducing workout, but still able to be completed in a few hours. The hike to the top is worth it for the views—on a clear day, you can see all the way to Brisbane, making out the city skyline in great detail.
You can also see the Scenic Rim, Ivory’s Rock, and gorgeous natural bushland. The summit is extremely peaceful, so take the time to relax at the top.
Bring your own snacks and water, as there are no options to purchase within the park.
If you visit the White Rock-Spring Mountain Conservation Estate, there’s plenty of walks, including the White Rock multi-user trail, which reaches the summit of White Rock. However, White Rock is a place of cultural significance and the Traditional Owners of the land ask visitors to respect this and not to climb to the top.
3. Dine at Homage
On a special occasion (or a random weekday, why not), it’s amazing to splurge on a fine-dining experience. One of the best restaurants in South East Queensland, Homage is a hatted restaurant and part of the Spicers Hidden Vale resort.
Head Chef Ash Martin featured on Masterchef Australia and has a focus on a true paddock to plate experience, with the majority of the produce grown on-site.
While the food is incredible, for me, the epic views were one of the coolest parts. Stepping out onto the wraparound veranda, the spectacular countryside is perfectly framed between the white decking, and everything about the resort feels both luxurious but unpretentious.
Queensland has so much to do and see! You might always want to visit the Gold Coast, Cairns, or nearby Byron Bay, in NSW.
2. Visit Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre
Some of Queensland’s most important wildlife research is being done in Ipswich. Part of the University of Queensland and The Turner Family Foundation, the Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre is based within the Spicers Hidden Vale property and undertakes research on the native wildlife.
When we visited, scientists were observing endangered sugar gliders, learning more about their natural behaviours in the wild. Animals are tagged and then released back into the wild, where data received from their tag allows scientists to learn more about their movements and habits.
It’s in no way a zoo—it’s a research facility, with animals only staying for a few days before being released. The facility is open to the public only via a guided tour, so contact the Centre to learn more. With habitats of native Queensland animals like wallabies, amphibians, and gliders being lost to deforestation, it’s an essential project to look after our wildlife.
They are also currently working on a koala tracking program, in an attempt to improve the population numbers of koalas by looking after their welfare. Spicers offer a ‘Koala Safari’, where you can learn more about koalas and assist researchers in marking the locations of wild koalas on the property.
1. Hot Air Ballooning
I had to save the best for last—if you’ve ever wanted to go hot air ballooning, Ipswich is the perfect place to have the experience of a lifetime. Book a sunrise tour with locally-owned company Floating Images to take in the spectacular Ipswich region from above.
Each tour includes at least an hour of flying time, plus you’ll also get to help out with the fun of preparing the balloon for launch and putting it away after landing. You’ll be in the capable hands of Chief Pilot Graeme Day, who runs Floating Images with his wife, Ruth. As you fly, Graeme will point out landmarks and points of interest while your soar over lush farmland, rows of crops, rivers, mountains, and national parks.
The golden sunrise light makes it perfect for photography as well, as you watch the sun slowly rise and envelope the picturesque scenery in soft light.
Balloon flights are weather-dependent, so book in your flight early in your visit, so that you’ll have time to reschedule if needed. Bring along warm layers, as the pre-sunrise starts can be chilly, along with your camera and sense of adventure!
Where to Stay in Ipswich
When I visited, I stayed at the Quest Ipswich. I would definitely recommend—if you’re not familiar with Quest, they offer serviced apartments, which means you have a kitchen for meals and plenty of room to relax.
They are a short walk to Top of Town or most attractions in the area are just minutes away. Plus, there’s plenty of parking.
Have you been to Ipswich? Would love to hear your top recommendations!
The writer visited as a guest of Discover Ipswich, but all opinions are her own.
