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.

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.

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.

This June, kids will be in their element during the Festival of Horsepower! From racing cars to racing ponies, excitement awaits…The Gulf Western Oil Winternationals are back at Willowbank Raceway, and they’re bigger, faster, and more intense than ever! Even those who do not follow racing will marvel at the power and thrill of drag racing as the best drivers battle it out for glory. A four-day family friendly festival (4-7 June), featuring Top Fuel and Nitro Funny Cars, family activities, entertainment, merchandise, food trucks and the opportunity to meet the racers and teams. Don’t forget those noise cancelling headphones!Queensland Raceway is packed with thrills across the month too. With Cruise the Night on 6 June, an epic evening event at the racetrack that will have the kids beaming at the neon lights and big noises! There will be food trucks, trade stalls and kid-friendly activities. For those little sports car fans bring them out to the Shannons SpeedSeries GT Festival 12-14 June! Kids will love seeing the cars fly around each bend cheering them on as they roar past.

With inbuilt trampolines, an inclusive merry-go-round, custom parkour inspired obstacle course, and swings – all surrounding a mammoth three-story climbing tower and giant slide – kids of all ages will be bouncing, swinging and climbing to their hearts content on the new Orion Springfield Central Playground which is now open!Orion Springfield Central Manager, Melissa Crittenden, is over-the-moon to deliver this transformational project.“The centrepiece of this innovative play space is the custom built 11 metre tower. The slide from the top of the tower rewards little adventurers, while the 16-metre walkway offers children a new elevated vantage point to engage with the space around them.”

EWE Nique Hobby Farm at Haigslea just west of Ipswich Central has become a favourite for young families and school classes over the past six years since opening. Now the hobby farm has added a new bevvy of creatures to the offering – including static displays of the prehistoric kind.​Large scale dinosaur sculptures have been embedded into a wonderland of huge-leafed plants and shimmering palms. The enclosed arena is also home to flying colourful budgies and finches, and covered ponds of goldfish.EWE Nique’s owners Penny and Farmer Dave wanted to create a peaceful nature-filled experience for young children.