Ipswich City Council and businesses are working hard to improve access for people with disability. Check out three places that get a tick for those visiting in a wheelchair. When you are part of the approximately 18% of Australians with disability, an extra level of planning is required to decide where to visit on a day out. As a city with an abundance of heritage sites and buildings, Ipswich was never high on our list of places where we expected navigation, with Beth’s electric wheelchair to be easy.Upon learning that Ipswich also boasts cultural and fine-dining experiences and an increasing focus on accessible and inclusive public spaces, we left our familiar surrounds of inner-Brisbane to discover Ipswich for ourselves.

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.

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.

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.

Congratulations, you’re having a baby!Before you hear the pitter patty of tiny feet, you deserve to treat yourself to a well-deserved break away from your doctor’s appointments, washing onesies and stocking up on baby essentials at the supermarket.Just like a honeymoon, a babymoon is the perfect excuse for you and your significant other to get away for a few days to indulge in one last adult escapade before your little one arrives.

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!

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. 

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.

Pubs! The foundation every Queensland city in the late 1800s was built upon. If you’re looking to experience Ipswich’s own historical flavour but not sure where to start, why not check out some of our heritage pubs for a classic pub feed and some frothies! Sit back and enjoy the atmosphere in one of these historical gems.The Prince Alfred HotelIf you’re looking for something for everyone, look no further! The Prince Alfred Hotel has a wide range of options on the menu for adults and the offspring as well as the eye-catching drinks menu. Get in where the food is hot, and the drinks are cold!  The hotel was originally built in 1842 and in 1961 it was destroyed by fire.  It was rebuilt and reopened in 1963, and the original cold room from 1842 survived and still stands today.Stony Creek BrewingSituated in a 100-year-old building near what was once Ipswich’s first well, Stony Creek Brewing is certainly THE place to visit for top quality, locally brewed beer. The menu offers everything from finger food to share plates and everything in between! The building is located in the old Ipswich Technical College at 88 Limestone Street.

Did you know Ipswich has its own award-winning boutique craft distillery? Well, you do now!Imbibis Craft Distillery, located in Bundamba, is a small business success story worth celebrating with a tasting room and cellar door worth visiting, and a range of spirits most definitely worth sampling.Founded by award-winning winemaker Jason Hannay and his wife, Maree, Imbibis prides itself on using only premium Australian ingredients in its small, bespoke gin batches, including bottle brush, lemon myrtle, native pepper berry, and anise myrtle, with many ingredients grown in the Hannay’s very own backyard.