A diverse city, rich in heritage and culture, Ipswich is a vibrant growing community where you'll always feel welcome.
A destination in its own right with plenty on offer, Ipswich means wineries, motor sport, history, art, culture and the great outdoors. It's also the launch pad for some superb rural touring offerings.
Travel
Approximately 45 minutes driving from Brisbane city. Take the Western Freeway and follow the signs to Ipswich, about 44km west of Brisbane. It is best to check traffic reports for the Ipswich Motorway before leaving.
From west of Brisbane, approach Ipswich via the Cunningham or Warrego Highways.
Regular trains run to Ipswich from Brisbane as well. The trip takes about 50 minutes from Central Station. Visit Translink or phone TransInfo on 13 12 30.
The Workshops Rail Museum is serviced by a shuttle bus from Ipswich Station, or book Hughies Grape and Golf Tours to do the driving for you. Tel: 07 3879 6090.
What to do
- The whole family will enjoy the birthplace of Queensland Rail and enjoy the interactive exhibits at the award-winning Workshops Rail Museum. North Street, North Ipswich Tel: 07 3432 5100
- Play a round of golf at Brookwater Golf Club - an 18 hole Greg Norman championship golf course and Australia's No. 2 public access course. Situated within the Brookwater residential community. Tel: 07 3814 5500
- Tour the region's wineries, under the backdrop of the Scenic Rim, and stop for a delicious lunch at a local café. Directions and information are available at the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre, Tel: 07 3281 0555
- Ipswich Art Gallery in the city centre is home to world class visual art and history exhibitions, multi-media displays and interactive children's activities. Children can create their own artwork in Lotties Place, a purpose built gallery. D'Arcy Doyle Place, Nicholas Street Ipswich. Tel: 07 3813 9222
- Get your adrenaline racing at the Ipswich Motorsport Precinct – try it for yourself or watch the big boys (and girls) play with V8s, superbikes, karts and dragsters.
- Rise early and take a hot air balloon ride over the city and surrounding countryside with award-winning Floating Images. Tel: 07 3294 8770.
- Plan your visit around a major Ipswich event (including Ipswich Festival, Carnival of Horsepower and the Jacaranda Festival) and double your fun. View the Ipswich Events Calendar for more information.
Where to stay
- The luxurious rural resort Peppers Hidden Vale on Mt. Mort Road, Grandchester. Tel: 07 5465 5900
- Self-contained heritage properties at Ipswich Colonial Accommodation. Tel: 0408 020 007
- Ipswich Sundowner Motor Inn, Tel: 07 3202 4622 or 1800 654 567
- Best Western Ipswich Heritage Motor Inn, Tel: 07 3202 3111
- Central Motel, Tel: 07 3281 2100
The Ipswich Visitor Information Centre (Tel: 07 3281 0555) has more accommodation information or take a look at Ipswich Tourism.
Where to eat and drink
- Hotel Metropole – heritage infused with cosmopolitan. The old building has been given an amazing facelift and now houses a contemporary bistro and bar. Open Monday – Saturday, live music Friday and Saturday nights. 253 Brisbane Street, Ipswich, tel: 07 3281 1900
- Cotton's Restaurant at Peppers Hidden Vale – modern cuisine featuring local produce. Open 7 days, bookings preferred. Mt Mort Road, Grandchester. Tel: 07 5465 5900
- Fig Jam Café Deli – modern Australian cuisine and relaxed dining indoors or alfresco. Open 7 days. 59 Limestone Street, Ipswich. Tel: 07 3812 8541
- Mackaways Café on Queen Street, Harrisville. A country café with a difference. Dine indoors or alfresco in a charming courtyard - Open Tuesday to Sunday. The café is BYO (there’s a vineyard cellar door just down the road, too).
The Ipswich Tourism website has more ideas for places to eat and drink.
What to take home
- Local arts and crafts from the Visitor Information Centre or Dingley Dell Gallery
- A bottle of local wine from one of the local wineries
- A model train from The Workshops Rail Museum
- A flight certificate from Floating Images (after your balloon flight)
- A golfing souvenir from your game at Brookwater Golf Club
For more information and ideas for your trip to Ipswich info [at] ipswichtourism [dot] qld [dot] gov [dot] au or visit their website.
