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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. 

What's On: Add a little spring to your step with an adventure in Ipswich this September

Spring has sprung and it’s bringing plenty of reasons to get out and explore Ipswich, with Father’s Day celebrations, live music, theatre shows, bustling markets, delicious food and drink experiences, family-friendly adventures and major events like Galvanized and Powercruise all part of this month’s lineup.Step back in time at Ipswich’s Galvanized Heritage FestivalIf you love history, consider yourself a curious explorer, or simply enjoy the traditions of a bygone era, you won’t want to miss one of Ipswich’s biggest events: Galvanized - A Festival of Heritage.Held over 10 big days from September 4-13, Galvanized invites visitors to step back in time and experience Ipswich’s rich heritage in fun and unexpected ways. Visit rarely opened historic sites as part of Great Places of Ipswich, uncover spooky legends on a haunted ghost tour, and come face-to-face with Roman legions, Viking warriors, medieval knights and 20th-century soldiers at History Alive: A Journey Through Time.

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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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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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From breakfast to dessert: Irresistible bacon dishes across Ipswich

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.

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Let the kids be adventurous these school holidays

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.

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Rainy day activities in Ipswich for all ages

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.

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Top tips to keep the kids entertained...

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.

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