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.

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.

Just in time for the school holidays Ivory's Rock has opened a new campground, probably the first in 20 years in Queensland.From June 27 up to 200 sites will be available for people to stay and from then on guests will be welcome Thursday to Sundays year round.The 600 hectare property backs onto Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate including Flinders Peak and the Ipswich-Boonah Trail.

Set on the stunning hills of the Tallegalla area, is the secluded and peaceful Tallavalley Farm B&B. Guests enjoy the entire charming four-bedroom house to themselves. Visitors have exclusive use of a full open kitchen, living room, laundry and deck. If you’re an animal person, you’re in luck! You’ll find cows, goats and chickens on the almost 50 acres of the working property.Tallavalley Farm is in a convenient location with the country towns of Marburg and Rosewood just a few minutes drive away. Brisbane city is only around 45 minutes away and the City of Ipswich is about a 20 minute drive.

'Hipswich Central' lands an Airbnb cottage A cute cottage in the heart of Ipswich is reinvented thanks to one creative couple’s “terrifiying and exciting” new project. It's not the first time Brisbane’s Sara Taghaode and Andrew Crane have stepped into unchartered territory for the sake of a new challenge.

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.