Are we there yet Dad? Dad? Hey Mum, are we there yet? Mum mum mum muuuuuum?If this sounds familiar, you'll be pleased to know there’s a south-east Queensland destination you can reach from Brisbane, Toowoomba, the Gold and the Sunshine Coasts without a monotonous long haul drive.Say g’day to Ipswich, the historic city with a big country heart, packed with fun things for adventurous families to do.
If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of heading out to the Watercress Creek Olive and Limes Festival do yourself a favour and check it out this year when the festival returns in April 2026.The festival is held on Bernie and Lorraine Mahon’s olive and lime farm about 20 minutes north of Ipswich Central.It started out as a small country market and has grown into an amazing day out with tastings, tours, picnics and a diverse range of market stalls on the 7.5ha farm.
Man’s best friend has never been as important in our lives as now... Holiday with your best mate in the Heritage city and select from these pet friendly experiences.Head to Joseph Brady ParkTo start your adventure we’ll stop at Joseph Brady Park where you can bring your pup for a run around on a leash. Take a walk near the river which is home to swans and ducks.There's also plenty of off-leash parks around Ipswich, have a look at the map below.
Planning a long weekend or a mid-week mini-break in the Swich? We’ve done the hard yards to bring you some of the best coffee, brunch, lunch and dinner options so you can plan ahead for the ultimate foodie escape!There are a few things that make this region a unique dining destination…close proximity to the freshest bounty from some of Queensland’s most fertile farming regions, restaurants in century-old buildings (most of them in fact) and chefs determined to find a point of difference in this country-meets-city destination on Brisbane’s doorstep.But first… coffee!Fourthchild, 215 Brisbane St. Loved for its hearty home-cooked fare and eye-popping cakes cabinet, this cafe/restaurant/bar has various indoor and outdoor areas in one of the city’s grand old pubs.
Ice cold, brewed to perfection, with just the right amount of bubbles - there's nothing like a refreshing ale on a warm sunny day, or a heavier brew to get you through a colder one.If you like beer, then you're in luck in the heritage city, as there's a few places to settle in and undertake some serious tasting.So grab a designated driver and head off in search of new flavours!
If you have a sweet tooth, love a lolly or like to indulge in milkshake, then you'll want to add these cafes to your list of places to visit. With cabinets full of tarts, muffins, blondies and cakes or a gourmet ice cream you'll satisfy those sweet cravings in no time.UB's Milk BarWe'll start our sweet journey off with a visit to UB's Milk Bar. Ipswich's original gourmet ice creamery still honours it's roots with decadently different ice cream flavours. But they've also added poffertjes, waffles, sundaes and milkshakes to the menu.The ice cream flavours include strawberry balsamic, dark chocolate and mandarin, Dutch spice, lavender honeycomb and peanut butter.
