Country Ipswich offers many fabulous farms and rural experiences for families to explore - some where you can even stay the night, like TallaValley Farm.Tallavalley Farm B&B is one such place – a working 50-acre farm that allows visitors to bring their dog and even their horse.David and Jo Baker have been delighted by the response to their farmstay since launching it in early 2019 and have already hosted visitors from around Australia.
The Ipswich Region is home to many wonderful farm experiences ideal for couples and families.A great example is The Llama Farm, which is only a 45 minute drive from Brisbane’s CBD. Visitors can enjoy guided tours where you can meet a menagerie of cuddly animals such as goats, miniature ponies, camels, bunnies and of course llamas! The farm boasts the biggest llama herd in Queensland and visitors can feed the animals and also lead a llama on a walk around the property. Visitors must book in advance.
“That’s Henry, Pablo, Noodle, Neville, Teddy, Paddington, Humphrey, Wallace, Archie…” says farmer Shane Hancock, pointing around a paddock of his Pine Mountain Farm.It turns out that a long career in teaching – he is also deputy principal at Leichhardt State School – has given him a knack for remembering names, which is handy when you’re also in charge of Queensland’s largest herd of llamas.
The town of Marburg lies in the city of Ipswich, halfway between Brisbane and Toowoomba along the Warrego Highway. To drive to Marburg from Brisbane takes about 45 minutes.The town has many heritage buildings in its main street including the Marburg Hotel which was built in 1879. It draws in visitors from far and wide, especially for its amazing Sunday lunches.Right across the street is Scotland Yard Antiques. The store has been open for about 30 years and is one of the last antique stores in the area.
Although there is plenty to do around the city of Ipswich itself, it's when you road trip out to its small rural towns that you really start making memories with your family.Only 50 minutes from Brisbane or 25 minutes from Ipswich's CBD, the small town of Marburg is the ultimate in family-friendly activities and relaxation.Enjoy a picnic in a Bell Tent at Soul NookSoul Nook is located on The Old Church Grounds in Marburg and it’s absolutely divine.
Everything that is old is new again! Vintage shopping is a great way to bag yourself a bargain and find unique items that aren’t produced anymore and the best place to hunt for hidden gems is in Ipswich, a town rich with history.Ipswich Antique Centre86 East St, Ipswich QLD 4305Ipswich Antique Centre is a long-standing staple in Ipswich’s community- it’s huge and it really has everything. From bric-a-brac, to paint supplies, ceramic wares and vinyl records, the Ipswich Antiques Centre should be your first port of call for finding yourself a unique item.
I’m guilty of complacency. As Saturday rolls around I’m happy staying at home, reading the weekend newspapers and catching up on a few TV shows. Get out in the garden if the sun is shining.But staying home means I’m missing out on exploring fabulous sections of south east Queensland. And because everything is so accessible and within easy reach - making a day trip a pleasant experience - there really should be no excuses for not getting out. So, when the offer was extended by the City of Ipswich to explore more of Marburg, a small country community, a 50 minute drive south-west of Brisbane, I jumped from my couch and left my home-bound attitude behind.Where is Marburg?
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.
When I first visited Ipswich eight years ago, what stood out to me the most was the old buildings rich in history, the beautifully renovated Queenslanders and the views of the mountains. Over the past eight years I’ve witnessed the development and growth the Ipswich region has undergone to create a beautiful little city that so many are proud to call home.So, when I was asked by the Ipswich City Council to capture Ipswich through my eye as a photographer you can imagine my excitement at capturing some of my favourite spots. As a family, lifestyle and wedding photographer, this really got me out of my comfort zone, which I loved!My first stop was the Queens Park glass house at around 11am on a sunny day. I absolutely fell in love with the way the glass house lights up with misty windows from the front. Surrounded by a meticulously manicured garden, it’s a photographers dream. I can't help but picture some cute family photos have been captured here.
With literary holidays announced as one of 2026’s hottest travel trends, it’s no surprise readers are seeking experiences beyond the pages. From browsing bookshops to attending library events, author talks, DIY book crawls and plenty of wide-open spaces for a relaxing picnic, Ipswich has everything you need to turn your love of books into a fun, feel-good getaway!In this guide, I’ll show you where to find the best bookish spots across the city, some great workshops and upcoming author hours at Ipswich’s seven libraries, and where to refuel with a great coffee or bite to eat and introduce you to the concept of a book crawl!I’ll also share the best parks and reserves perfect for a literary picnic, plus accommodation options so you can stay a little longer and truly soak up everything Ipswich has to offer.
