Ipswich is celebrating a huge result in the 2026 Best of Queensland Experiences Program, with 49 local tourism businesses recognised among the state’s top visitor experiences.Best of Queensland Experiences are tourism businesses recognised by Tourism and Events Queensland for delivering exceptional visitor experiences. For travellers, it’s a handy signpost to operators known for quality, service and memorable moments.This year also introduced new recognition tiers — Gold, Silver and Teal — adding even more prestige to the program. Ipswich didn’t just make the list, it stood out on it, with one Gold winner and four Silver tier winners among the region’s 49 recipients.

If you’ve never been to SPARK Ipswich Arts Festival what are you waiting for?  It’s 5 days of art, culture, theatre and performance just waiting to be discovered…  Read on to find out how to spend a weekend at SPARK Ipswich Arts Festival (8-12 July)!Start your weekend on Friday night…When you’ve finished work Friday, jump in the car and head out to Ipswich.First of all you’re staying at a cute apartment with Urban Getaway.  It is set inside a restored heritage home, perfect for couples and has an infrared sauna! If you’ve got the whole family, book one of their entire houses to stay out.

The Winter school holidays are a fantastic time to explore farms, take on an adventure and get creative!In Ipswich you can fill the holidays by heading to Spark Ipswich, cuddling some adorable farmyard animals and taking an art class.Here are a few of the top activities that need to be on your family’s holiday checklist from 27 June – 12 July.

Starting in the last week of the school holidays there are many adventures to enjoy with kids during SPARK Ipswich Arts Festival this July… From collaborative chalk art in Chalk Play to the immersive, light-filled wonder of Kaleidoscope Reflections, there’s something for every curious mind.Kids and families can take over the airwaves with Tin Can Radio or get hands-on with workshops in bug-making, felting, pet rocks and botanical illustration. Move and groove with street dance, Tai Chi with live music, illuminated hula hoops and Kids Zumba. With many free and low cost, interactive experiences to join, it’s the perfect winter outing for all ages. For the full list check out the Ipswich Festivals website to view all the family friendly events.

Over 5 days in July the City of Ipswich will be taken over by music, comedy, arts, exhibitions, projection, culture, collaboration and hands-on fun.  SPARK Ipswich Art Festival celebrates the people, places, arts and culture of Ipswich from July 8-12.  While there are some ticketed events, there are also a lot of low or no-cost things you can do – so bring the family and get ready to have some fun!Silent disco toursSilent Disco Walking Tours are a hilarious dancing, walking adventure for all ages. Wearing supplied headsets we groove our way through local streets, engaging passers by with our spontaneous flash-mob style dancing and antics. Upbeat music from your favourite decades are played by our vibrant disco hosts, quickly washing away your inhibitions and leaving you smiling from ear to ear.Date and time: 8-12 July with sessions at 5.30pm, 6pm, 6.30pm and 7pm.

If you’re searching for somewhere cosy to wine and dine this winter, ditch the couch and head out to these great restaurants to try some mouthwatering winter menus that will leave your tastebuds feeling pretty darn satisfied.Tick one of these culinary delights off every weekend, or try a few at once!If you’re searching for somewhere cosy to wine and dine this winter, ditch the couch and head out to these great restaurants to try some mouthwatering winter menus that will leave your tastebuds feeling pretty darn satisfied.