Ipswich
Located just 45 minutes drive south-west of Brisbane CBD, Ipswich is a surprisingly enjoyable destination for families. It’s particularly convenient for Brisbane families who are lucky to live nearby for day trips and weekend getaways!
Although there is plenty to do around Queensland’s oldest provincial city, it’s when you road trip out to its charming townships that you really start making memories with your family.
Like this wonderful memory… a bell-tent picnic at Soul Nook Collective in the small rural town of Marburg. This was fun for both mum and kids!
Awesome Experiences in Ipswich
Great Places to Visit in Ipswich
Parks and Gardens
The crowning glory of Ipswich’s 500+ parks and reserves is Queens Park. Located near the city centre, Queens Park is home to the Ipswich Wildlife Centre, Nerima Japanese gardens, a fantastic children’s park and a cafe.
The Kholo Botanic Gardens in rural Ipswich is also a great visit with wide-open space to kick a ball around, defined walkways and a pretty lily-pond.
Animal Experiences
When it comes to amazing animal experiences, you can’t go past rural Ipswich. Families with younger kids will love the Haigslea Ewe Nique Hobby Farm! Other must-do experience include a visit to Queensland’s largest herd of Llamas at The Llama Farm and Summerland Camels, where you will have the opportunity to tour the facilities and sample the camel milk produce and beauty products.
Charming Small Towns
Ipswich makes it easy to practice social distancing with memorable day-trips and long-weekends out to its rural towns. You really can’t go past Marburg when it comes to charming small towns! Home to the Soul Nook Collective, Scotland Yard Antiques, The Black Museum, and nearby to Haigslea Ewe Nique Hobby Farm, The Llama Farm, Kholo Gardens and Watercress Creek Olives and Limes.
Ipswich City
Ipswich City itself has a charming heritage vibe and like most cities, has a lot of attractions and great dining experiences. Families will particularly love the Workshop Rail Museum and Seraphim Escape Rooms.
Getting to Ipswich and Places to Stay
Getting to Ipswich
Ipswich is conveniently located just 45 minutes drive south-west of Brisbane CBD, 45 minutes from the Brisbane airport and an hours drive from the Gold Coast.
If you don’t have your own wheels, or are flying into Brisbane first:
- Grab a great deal on flights with I Want That Flight
- Grab a great deal on car rentals with Discover Cars
Where to Stay in and Around Ipswich
Quest Ipswich
Stay here to explore Ipswich City!
Quest Ipswich Apartments are only 1km from Ipswich CBD, making it the ideal base for exploring the region. They are serviced, comfortable and have plenty of room. The kids loved the free unlimited WiFi and I loved the kitchenette which allowed me to cook breakfast and dinner, saving a tonne of money in the process. It’s a fantastic option for families!
Tallavalley Farm B&B
Stay here to explore Marburg or for a peaceful getaway in a rural setting!
Located out in the beautiful rural area of Tallegalla, Tallavalley Farm is utterly charming and memorable. It’s three-bedrooms and two-bathrooms make it ideal for families. You can even bring your horse and dog!
It has all the comfortable features of a house with the added bonus of a fireplace and being able to sit on the roomy front verandah and watch the sun set over the rolling hills surrounding the 50-acre property.
Spicers Hidden Vale
Stay here for a luxury experience in a beautiful rural setting!
Staying at Spicers Hidden Valley is an experience in itself. Perched on top of a ridge with sweeping mountain views, the accommodation (airconditioned heritage cottages with one to four bedrooms) overlooks 12,000 acres of Australian bush.
There are heaps of activities for families including mountain bike riding, bush-walking, swimming, croquet and the animal farm. Make sure to tour the onsite animal research facility and join in their Koala safari.
Ivory’s Rock Convention and Events
Stay here for caravanning / camping and to visit Summerland Camels!
Set on the entrance to the stunning Scenic Rim area of South East Queensland, this picturesque property is perfect for those with a caravan or wishing to camp.
If you don’t have your own camping gear, try out their Rent-a-Tents or Bunkhouses. We loved the convenience of showing up to a tent that was already set up, complete with beds, outdoor gazebo, table and camp chairs.
More Information
Visit the official Discover Ipswich website for more information!