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Ipswich Blog

Urban buzz, country charm and everything in between.

Kathryn Fletcher is an Ipswich local with a passion for travelling domestically and internationally. She loves exploring her own backyard and recommending places to locals, as well as exploring new places. She has visited over 50 countries to date and plans to keep adding to the list.

Family-friendly places to eat in Ipswich

If you're dealing with a picky eater in the family and seeking a place that caters to both your palate and your kids', then explore these family-friendly dining spots in Ipswich. Featuring a play area for the kids or a special menu just for them, here are our current top picks for dining out with your little ones in Ipswich.Brothers Leagues ClubIf the secret to a successful family meal is keeping the kids entertained, Brothers Leagues Club has cracked the code.Home to The Space Place, a colourful cosmic-themed kids' room for little adventurers aged 10 and under, it's easy to turn lunch or dinner into a family outing.

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Discover the best high teas in Ipswich

There’s just something special about high teas. From the elegantly set table and beautifully presented tiers of finger foods and sweets, to the charming atmosphere and the joy of good company, high tea provides a serene moment of indulgence and connection.In today’s busy world, high tea invites you to slow down. Here are the best places to enjoy high teas in the Ipswich region.Fourthchild Cafe, Restaurant and BarNestled in one of Ipswich’s charming heritage buildings, Fourthchild has been a beloved part of the Top of Town precinct for over a decade. Originally built in the 1800s as The Shamrock Inn, this historic venue now offers an inviting all-day dining experience, alongside a beautifully presented deluxe high tea. Guests can relax on the back deck which has a lovely view the iconic St Mary’s Church. Fourth Child’s delicious deluxe high tea includes traditional sandwiches and scones with jam and cream along with other tasty savoury and sweet treats.

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7 breathtaking scenic spots you can't miss

Taking in breathtaking views from a height is one of life’s simple pleasures. There's something rejuvenating about pausing to breathe deeply while soaking in the landscape around you. In Ipswich, you don’t always need to lace up your hiking boots to enjoy the scenery. Here are seven of the best scenic spots in Ipswich that promise stunning vistas with and without the strenuous trek!Floating Images Hot Air Balloon FlightsFor an unforgettable perspective of Ipswich, nothing beats a hot air balloon flight with Floating Images. The early morning awakening is well worth the effort, as you'll be treated to awe-inspiring views of the heritage city and its stunning surroundings while gently floating above it all.With over three decades of ballooning experience, owner and Chief Pilot Graeme Day has been delighting locals and visitors alike for the past 25 years. You can rest assured that you're in expert hands.

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The best nursery cafes and garden eateries in Ipswich

Embraced for its soul-nourishing benefits, gardening is known to enhance physical wellbeing and uplift moods. Why not harmonize your passion for plants with a coffee outing? Explore Ipswich's finest nursery cafes and garden eateries for a delightful blend of nature and relaxation.Rafter & RoseStep into the charming world of Rafter & Rose, a beloved local café that exudes a unique ambiance. Guests enter through 19th-century French cast-iron gates and down a garden laneway to a delightful indoor space adorned with lush pot plants and an eclectic array of ornaments. Renowned for their delectable cakes and treats, all freshly made on-site, many options are gluten-free and/or dairy-free—yet bursting with flavour. Indulge in delights like white chocolate cheesecake, New York baked cheesecake, and more from their extensive menu offering breakfast, brunch, and lunch.Location: 17 Ellenborough Street, Ipswich

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Discover unique things made right here in Ipswich

Ipswich is home to a lot of great experiences and attractions.  We've got a motorsport precinct which hosts the largest drag racing event outside of North America and the biggest international country music event in the country, as well as a top hot air ballooning business, award-winning cafes and restaurants and world-class parks and conservation estates, great to walk off those tasty goodies.But did you know that there are quite a few products made right here in Ipswich? Chilli Willies Pepper SaucesA family-owned business established in 1999, Chilli Willies designs delightful sauces from their mildest “friendly” style sauce right through to a “set your tail on fire” specialty. Spice up your kitchen with their variety of flavours such as Habanero Spontaneous Combustion, Mango ‘n’ Ginger Hot Bot, Blurter Hurter and Caribbean Pine ‘N’ Coconut.

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Discover delicious photo-worthy cocktails right here in Ipswich!

Ipswich is proud to be home to two beer breweries (Stony Creek Brewing and Ballistic Beer Co), but did you know you can also find a wide variety of delicious cocktails in many restaurants and bars around Ipswich? Enjoy a meal with your cocktail or grab your mates and stop by for a cheeky drink (or two) at any (or all!) of these places. Bakehouse SteakhouseFamous for its steak and endless fries, Bakehouse Steakhouse is in an iconic building which started as Haleys Bakery in 1874. Walk in through the pink entrance door, and inside the historic brick building you will find a contemporary and fresh space which suits their extensive cocktail menu to a tee.You can find classics such as margaritas, mojitos and martinis, as well as bespoke cocktails. Bakehouse Spritz? Turkish Delight? Salted Caramel Espresso Martini? Whatever your flavour, you’re sure to find it at the Bakehouse Steakhouse. Cocktail jugs are perfect for summer, and popular mocktails are also available. 

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Where to find live music in Ipswich

Love live music but not sure where to go in Ipswich? There’s more places than you might think in the heritage City of Ipswich! Some of the venues are within beautiful heritage buildings in the city, so read on to find out...Studio 188Starting at the Top of Town precinct, you will find Studio 188188 which was formerly an art deco-style Baptist church. Located at 188 Limestone St Ipswich, Saturday nights are the best for live music here.The venue is also a great intimate space for workshops, school performances and various forms of performing arts. Come along for Friday night trivia in this lovely acoustic venue! Studio 188 is available for hire throughout the week and is fully equipped with the latest visual, lighting and sound technology. 

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Discover playgrounds with cafes and restaurants only metres away

Are you looking for a place to take the kids where they can burn off some energy and then indulge in morning tea?  Or an ideal spot to meet up with friends for a play date followed by lunch? Then check out these top spots in the Ipswich region.Ripley Splash and PlayGrab the kids’ swimmers and a towel for this one – Splash 'n' Play at Ripley has shallow streams and small fountains for the little kids to play in and water shooters and aqua arches for the older children.There’s also a playground with seesaws and swings, a giant twisty slide, climbing ropes and a flying fox.

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