Your November social calendar is officially sorted, with Ipswich turning up the excitement with a jam-packed lineup of events, experiences and festive fun this November! From getting into the Christmas spirit to catching incredible live music, browsing bustling markets, indulging in foodie favourites, farm adventures and soaking up inspiring art exhibitions, there’s something to suit every mood.Discover the magic of Christmas in IpswichGet ready to Jingle all the way to Ipswich because the city’s Christmas festivities are kicking off early! Running from late November right up to New Years Eve, this year’s Christmas in Ipswich program will be bigger and better than before! Highlights include the City Christmas Lights Competition, lighting of the City Tree, festive markets, community carols, plus much more! Visit the Ipswich Festival’s website to see the full program.To celebrate Santa’s arrival after his long journey from the North Pole, the team at Orion Springfield Central is rolling out the red carpet with a special welcome parade on November 7. Families can wave hello to the jolly man in red as he makes his way up Town Walk alongside some of his other delightful Christmas character friends. Be sure to be there early, as the parade kicks off at 9am.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you’re a self-confessed bacon aficionado, Ipswich is a foodie playground your tastebuds need to explore.From sizzling breakfast classics to creative bacon-infused lunches, dinners and even decadent sweet treats, the city serves up dishes that celebrate this beloved ingredient in every bite.Here are some must-visit venues for bacon lovers to indulge at.

The holidays are the perfect time to enjoy everything Ipswich has to offer.If you are craving sunny days full of perfect family memories, load up the car and head half-an-hour west of Brisbane to the historic town of Ipswich, which is brimming with activities and tourist attractions the whole family will love.From watching the sunrise while you soar high above the ground in a hot air balloon, to feeding a llama, having a picnic by the lagoon, learning more about historic steam engines and licking delectable ice cream flavours, Ipswich is the perfect place for families to explore.

Here in Queensland we are blessed with more sunny days than anywhere else in the country, but occasionally, Ipswich’s glorious sunny weather can be interrupted by the rain.Instead of letting a little drizzle dampen your sense of adventure, here are 10 awesome indoor activities to bring joy to you and your family when the weather is a little gloomy.Explore Queensland Museum Rail WorkshopsWhether you’re a train enthusiast or have a curious mind, Queensland Museum Rail Workshops is a great place to spend a few hours. Featuring more than 15 larger-than-life exhibits, you can climb aboard a recreated Tilt Train, jump inside a life-size locomotive, admire Queensland’s largest model railway, browse lots of train memorabilia, and test your brain while solving the puzzles at the Sciencentre.

Whether your children like to be creative or adventurous, here is our ultimate list of boredom-busting ideas perfect for school holidays or weekends!Walk or feed a llama​Grab your walking shoes and head to The Llama Farm in Pine Mountain to take one of the many eager llamas for a stroll along a purpose-built trail.The Llama Farm is one of a number of farm visit experiences unique to the Ipswich region, and is home to the largest herd of llamas in Queensland.