Ipswich is Queensland's oldest provincial city with a rich and interesting history, which is being celebrated in their upcoming Galvanized Festival, but did you know that you can explore the history and heritage of Ipswich year round?Before I share my heritage itinerary, let’s stop for a minute to appreciate that Ipswich is renowned for its architectural, natural and cultural heritage and is a city that proudly preserves and still operates from many of its historical buildings and homes.Fun fact, there are more than 6000 heritage-listed sites within Ipswich and her regions!

If you love street art as much as I do then you are in for a treat as Ipswich Central was a hot spot for some of Australia’s top street artists as part of the 2020 Brisbane Street Art Festival.Ipswich is fast becoming a hot spot for art that takes you outside the four walls of a traditional gallery to give you a chance to admire the creativity, meaning and sense of freedom that street art offers. With seven new murals, it’s once again time to lace up your walking shoes and out for an adventurous day of street art sightseeing.  And once you’ve seen the new works check three of my old favourite street art pieces, two at the Central Mission Church and a flying owl on the Goleby & Sons building.To help you locate these works I’ve curated an Ipswich street art day trip which starts with catching the train from Brisbane.  Leave the car at home and jump on an Ipswich train which will take you directly to Ipswich Central, the hub of Ipswich street art.

While Japan has cherry blossoms and the Netherlands have tulips, Ipswich has Jacaranda trees and there is no time more pretty than Spring in Ipswich, when the Jacaranda trees bloom and the landscape is dotted with splashes of purple.Native to South America, Jacaranda mimosifolia or as we commonly call them, Jacarandas, have made their home in Ipswich and each year put on a spectacular display from October through to November.During Spring parks, schools, backyards and footpaths bloom with purple but why not plan a visit to one of these locations for a truly magical display.

Looking to explore the foodie scene beyond Brisbane? Feast your eyes upon these Ipswich restaurants that are worth the drive…From burgers to fine dining, coffee to cocktails there is a variety of dining options just a short drive from Brisbane, for some it’s a 20-minute drive, up the motorway.You can also start – or end – your visit with something crisp and cold at Stony Creek Brewing – which incidentally offers its own pub menu of crowd pleasers.

Visiting the Great Houses of Ipswich, is an invitation to step inside, experience and appreciate the magnificent heritage homes of Ipswich.This was my second year enjoying the Great Houses of Ipswich, an event held twice a year in partnership with the National Trust of Australia, and I was looking forward to joining the bus tour conducted by the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre.The houses open for viewing were Collingwood, The Duce House and Woodlands of Marburg.

I have curated the perfect Ipswich street art day trip for you which starts with catching the train.That’s right leave the car behind and jump on an Ipswich train which will take you straight to the hub of Ipswich street art. Nothing better than catching the train as you can relax, admire the scenery and not worry about where to park or the traffic situation.Hop off the train at Ipswich central and once you’re out of the station make your way to Rafter & Rose, situated on Ellenborough Street, and grab a take away coffee to enjoy while on your street art adventure. Ok let’s get started …