We can't deny that Ipswich can get hot.  So what do you do when it's sweltering and you need to cool off?  Head to one of these free water parks!Orion LagoonOrion Lagoon offers pools for all age groups with a toddler friendly 0.3m depth area up to 1.5m for proficient swimmers.  Checkout the fun squirting spouts and stepping-stones, barbeque areas and picnic tables.Robelle DomainKids will love the large tipping bucket in the zero depth water park at Robelle Domain.  There’s also jet sprays and spouts.  The water park is surrounded with shady picnic areas, boardwalks and playgrounds as well as land art pyramids and an early evening sound and light show.

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’re heading to Planes, Trains and Autos… or are simply a fan of all things aviation, rail and motoring.  Check out all the fun and exciting Planes, Trains and Autos themed experiences on offer throughout the City of Ipswich all year round. There’s hot air balloons, steam trains, race cars, motocross fun and much more… just waiting to be discovered.V8 Race ExperienceThe V8 Race Experience puts you in the drivers’ seat with a professional driver in the passenger seat to give you tips as you take to the iconic paperclip track at Queensland Raceway.  You can choose to drive in their new purpose built Mustang or Camaro or the legendary Falcon or Commodore.  You can also book hot laps with a pro driver.Floating ImagesRise before dawn to experience a magical hot air balloon ride with Floating Images Hot Air Ballon Flights. With 30 years ballooning experience, owner/chief pilot Graeme Day will be your guide through the skies over the Ipswich region. See the sunrise as you float majestically over the countryside dotted with a patchwork of fields, nature reserves and views to the Ipswich CBD and Brisbane skyline. After you come back down to earth, enjoy a gorgeous breakfast prepared by Fourthchild Cafe.  

By footpath, tour coach or car, there’s plenty for history lovers to explore in the city of Ipswich.Call in at the Ipswich Information Centre as a starting point and grab some trail maps or ask about specific heritage landmarks you can visit.Besides entire streets lined with stately colonial Queenslanders across the city, there are plenty of public landmarks to take in and many are in use, including at Kholo Gardens, creating a character-filled backdrop for the events, organisations and businesses contained therein.

  There’s a special feeling when you step on board a heritage steam train. The puffs of smoke, noisy engine and swaying carriages are an incredible way to experience a bygone era.

Before you head to Ipswich for an event, check out these 20 reasons why you should stay a little bit longer and explore Ipswich while you’re here.If you're looking for accommodation check this list: Where to stay in Ipswich.Soar high on a hot air balloon flightFloating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights offer a scenic one-hour journey over farmland and country landscapes.  Your blissful morning ends with breakfast at a popular local café.  Flights run most days but are weather dependent.