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49 reasons to celebrate: Ipswich’s Best of Queensland winners shine
Ipswich is celebrating a huge result in the 2026 Best of Queensland Experiences Program, with 49 local tourism businesses recognised among the state’s top visitor experiences.
Best of Queensland Experiences are tourism businesses recognised by Tourism and Events Queensland for delivering exceptional visitor experiences. For travellers, it’s a handy signpost to operators known for quality, service and memorable moments.
This year also introduced new recognition tiers — Gold, Silver and Teal — adding even more prestige to the program. Ipswich didn’t just make the list, it stood out on it, with one Gold winner and four Silver tier winners among the region’s 49 recipients.
Floating Images takes Gold
Leading the charge was Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights, which soared to Gold status in the program’s new tiered format – there were only 189 Gold operators across the whole state.
Floating Images achieved a perfect score of 100 for the seventh consecutive year — a remarkable achievement that reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence, customer service, and unforgettable aerial adventures above Greater Brisbane.
With an unforgettable sunrise experience, drifting peacefully above the Ipswich region showcasing breathtaking views of rolling countryside, historic townships and native wildlife, each flight provides a serene and memorable perspective of South East Queensland, followed by a celebratory breakfast to complete the experience.
Floating Images was also named a recipient of the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, placing the company among the top 10% of tourism experiences worldwide on Tripadvisor.
May 2026 also marks a significant personal milestone for Chief Pilot Graeme Day, who is celebrating 34 years of flying commercial hot air balloons across Europe, Canada, and Australia.
Ipswich’s four Silver tier winners were Ghost Tours Australia, Imbibis Craft Distillery, Spicers Hidden Vale and Summer Land Camels — a standout line-up that shows off the region’s mix of adventure, flavour, storytelling and country charm. Find out more about our sliver winners below.
Ghost Tours Australia takes silver
Step into Ipswich’s darker past with Ghost Tours Australia, offering guided evening walks through heritage streets, historic buildings and forgotten corners. Blending true stories, local lore and theatrical storytelling, these tours reveal the city’s eerie tales and fascinating history after dark.
Imbibis Craft Distillery lands a silver
Imbibis Craft Distillery produces premium small-batch spirits using locally sourced ingredients. Visitors can enjoy tastings of handcrafted gin and other creations, explore the distilling process, and relax in a laid-back, countryside setting with sweeping rural views.
Spicers Hidden Vale achieves silver
Set on a sprawling country estate, Spicers Hidden Vale is a luxury retreat combining heritage charm with contemporary comfort. Known for its award-winning dining, boutique accommodation and extensive outdoor experiences—including hiking and mountain biking—it offers a refined escape into nature.
Summerland Camels takes home silver
Summer Land Camels is a unique agritourism experience showcasing Australia’s largest wild camel training facility and dairy operation. Visitors can meet the camels, enjoy farm tours, and sample award-winning camel milk products, including gelato, cheeses and skincare, all set against picturesque rural landscapes.
Time to discover Ipswich
From bucket-list balloon flights to standout local experiences, Ipswich’s latest Best of Queensland results are another reason to plan a visit. Whether you are chasing a day trip, weekend escape or something completely different, there has never been a better time to discover Ipswich.
The full list of our Best of Queensland operators
EXPERIENCES:
From family-friendly attractions to guided experiences that reveal more of the region, Ipswich’s recognised attractions and tours make it easy for visitors to fill their itinerary with local stories, fresh adventures and memorable moments
Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights
ARTtime Gallery and Fine Art Supplies
Naughty Little Kids Goat Dairy
Queensland Museum Rail Workshops
Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway
RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre
ACCOMMODATION:
Whether it’s a weekend escape, event stay or country-style getaway, these recognised accommodation providers offer travellers a welcoming base to relax, recharge and explore Ipswich.
Quest Springfield Central Apartment Hotel
FOOD AND DRINK:
From relaxed cafés to memorable dining experiences, Ipswich’s recognised food and drink operators give visitors a delicious reason to slow down, settle in and taste more of the region.
*Summer Land Camels and Naughty Little Kids are just over the border in the Scenic Rim, but as close neighbours and visitor favourites, we’re happily claiming them as part of the wider Ipswich experience.
