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.Grays Bar & RestaurantStep back in time and experience high tea in the charm of a beautifully preserved historic Queenslander at Grays Bar & Restaurant. Enter via the grand front stairs and take a moment on the verandah to soak in the tranquil surroundings of the lush, landscaped garden. It’s the perfect backdrop for a relaxed yet elegant gathering.

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 23 years. You can rest assured that you're in expert hands.

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

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.Queens Park CafeThe quintessential place to eat in Ipswich is Queens Park Café. This place is made for kids – it’s a destination that will keep the kids entertained all day! Located within Queens Park, there are loads of free activities surrounding the café which includes a playground, an Environmental Education Centre, Nature Centre (gold-coin donations are appreciated), Nerima Gardens and plenty of room to kick a ball or run around.The Café itself has breakfast and lunch options for the kids, with loads of options for the grown-ups. Among the favourites for adults are dishes like eggs benedict and chicken parmigiana, complemented by a wide array of other tempting options. Kids will be kept happy with the ever-popular chicken nuggets or choose from avocado on toast, hot cakes or the kids’ breakfast. And when it comes to the thickest thickshakes around, Queens Park Café has you covered with eight different flavours to choose from. The Café caters for a wide variety of food allergies as well.

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.

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.