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Ipswich Blog

Urban buzz, country charm and everything in between.

Ashleigh Howarth is a journalist with more than 12 years experience in the media industry.
Her passions include travelling, dessert bars, cocktails and attending music concerts.
She aims to inspire others to unlock their own sense of wanderlust to explore this beautiful big world, whether that be on a local or more global scale.
You can keep up to date with her stories by following @journo_ash_ on Instagram. 

10 things you can do to unwind at Spicers Hidden Vale

If you're craving a break from the everyday, Spicers Hidden Vale is one of those places that makes it easy to slow down, switch off and properly unwind.Tucked into the rolling hills of Grandchester, about an hour west of Brisbane, this luxury countryside retreat sits on 12,000 acres of native bushland and is surrounded by breathtaking rural vistas, making it feel worlds apart from the hustle and bustle of the city.Here you can discover a great mix of accommodation to suit every traveller, from secluded cabins and stylish suites to Valley View rooms and spacious two and four-bedroom cottages.

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What's On: The best events and activities in Ipswich this August

From the high-octane return of Supercars to the thrills of extreme mountain bike riding, plus professional bull riding, ghost tours, circus shows, gardening expos, virtual reality exhibitions, live theatre and even hot air ballooning, Ipswich is the place to be this August!  Cheer on your favourite Supercar drivers Buckle up car lovers – the 2026 Century Batteries Ipswich Super 440 is heading back to Queensland Raceway from August 21-23. The famous “Paperclip” circuit will be buzzing all weekend as Round 9 brings nonstop racing action, all building up to the crowning of the Repco Sprint Cup winner. With plenty of entertainment, food, and the chance to meet your favourite drivers, it’s a fun day out for motoring enthusiasts of all ages. Drag racing, show cars and more at the Garrett Brisbane Jamboree 

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The ultimate book lovers guide to Ipswich

With literary holidays announced as one of 2026’s hottest travel trends, it’s no surprise readers are seeking experiences beyond the pages. From browsing bookshops to attending library events, author talks, DIY book crawls and plenty of wide-open spaces for a relaxing picnic, Ipswich has everything you need to turn your love of books into a fun, feel-good getaway!In this guide, I’ll show you where to find the best bookish spots across the city, some great workshops and upcoming author hours at Ipswich’s seven libraries, and where to refuel with a great coffee or bite to eat and introduce you to the concept of a book crawl!I’ll also share the best parks and reserves perfect for a literary picnic, plus accommodation options so you can stay a little longer and truly soak up everything Ipswich has to offer.

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Stacked and satisfying: Where to find Ipswich’s best burgers

Juicy patties, melty cheese, and all the toppings you could dream of – Ipswich chefs sure know their way around a burger.  From no-frills favourites to jaw-dropping creations, these are Ipswich’s best burgers...La ParillaFor a flavour explosion that will set your taste buds dancing, look no further than the fiery, fresh, and oh-so-tantalising South American flair of La Parrilla (meaning “The Grill” in Spanish).Your stomach won’t stand a chance once you lay eyes on their burger menu, with these two options both packing a punch.

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Shake it up: Where to find the best chocolate milkshakes in Ipswich

There’s no better excuse to dive straw-first into frothy, chocolatey indulgence than National Chocolate Milkshake Day (September 12).To celebrate, Ipswich is serving up everything from over-the-top creations dripping with decadent toppings to silky-smooth classics that never go out of style. And the best part? These dreamy drinks aren’t just for one day a year - you can sip them whenever the craving hits.Here are some of Ipswich’s must-try milkshakes which are guaranteed to sweeten your day.

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Activities for teens and the young at heart

If you’re looking for ways to rediscover your inner child, get your adrenaline fix, or try something out-of-the-box with your older kids, here are some awesome activities everyone can enjoy.Rage Cage Smash RoomsRage Cage Ipswich is your go-to destination for a smashing good time…literally!Whether you're looking to de-stress or experience the thrill of smashing household items to smithereens with a sledgehammer, all you need to do is hire your own private demolition room.

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