Calling all parents looking for a fantastic holiday or just a weekend getaway just a stone’s throw away from Brisbane! Ipswich, a city brimming with charm and excitement, is the perfect destination for a family adventure. Here are some incredible activities and a cozy place to stay that will make your holiday unforgettable.Kids (and let’s face it, adults too) often have tons of pent-up energy. The perfect way to unleash that energy and have a smashing good time is at the Rage Cage Smash Room! Located in Ipswich, this unique attraction allows you to safely vent your frustrations by smashing items like glassware, crockery, and electronics. It’s a therapeutic and exhilarating experience that your kids will absolutely love.

In the heart of Queensland, Ipswich beckons travelers with a unique narrative - one that intertwines a rich heritage with the pulse of innovation. Here, tradition stands hand in hand with change, and old-world charm gracefully blends with contemporary flair.Ipswich, bestowed with the title of a Heritage City, stands as a testament to time’s enduring beauty. Its streets are adorned with architectural marvels, but none quite as captivating as the Ipswich Antique Centre. Housed within a splendid building that whispers tales of yesteryears, this antique haven invites you to wander through history.

Got a 4-legged family member who’d love to join you on a day trip or weekend away? Head to the City of Ipswich where there are plenty of dog friendly venues to sniff out.Take a stroll by the Bremer River and then settle in for breakfast at Rafter & Rose in the city’s Top of Town precinct.  There’s an all-day brunch menu designed to make you drool and your furry friend will love hanging out with you in the café’s shady laneway.

While many of us travel for festivals and events, I’m a big fan of staying a few days longer to explore the region. Ipswich is the perfect place to do this, with many unique experiences on offer.So next time you head to Ipswich for one of its fantastic events, don’t rush off. Discover more with this three-night camping itinerary.Day OneArrive at Ivorys Rock and set up campLocated around 20 kilometres from the Ipswich CBD, Ivorys Rock is a top spot to camp in the Ipswich region. Set on over 1,700 acres of stunning Australian bushland with rolling hills, nature trails and native wildlife, Ivorys Rock is camping reimagined.

Escape from city-life to somewhere a little more off-grid to soak up some serenity while surrounded by nature.  Enjoy switching off your screens but make sure to bring a camera for magical moments at cocktail hour as the sun goes down.Twigley FarmTwigley Farm is a cosy and secluded glamping experience designed for couples in the rural town of Haigslea.  You can sip a glass of wine by the fire, soak in a heritage outhouse bath and watch the sunset over the paddocks.Collect eggs from the chickens, wander through the orchard, visit the mini ponies and baby goats on this rural property only 45 minutes from Brisbane.

If you’re looking for a road trip where you can bring your best mate, then look no further than Ipswich!Book in for a pet friendly stay at the luxurious Spicers Hidden Vale.The Chinese Cottage is pup-friendly and the pooch package includes daily a la carte breakfast, complimentary WiFi, a plush dog bed, water bowl, food bowl, lead, doggie bags, blanket and a long lasting bone.

Attending an event in Ipswich?We have the low down on how to make your weekend stay as authentic as possible to experience the full breadth of Ipswich whilst you visit.Eat like a local...Car Racing and smoked meats just go hand in hand, am I right? Legendary restaurant, Phatboyz Smokehouse, is quickly becoming a recognised name across Australia with their five metre smoker affectionately named Frank the Tank. Lucky for you Phatboyz is only a 10 minute drive from the iconic motorsport precinct here in Ipswich, we highly recommend you phone ahead to book a reservation. Down the road Walloon Hotel and their newly opened beer garden is always a vibe too if you are looking for somewhere afterwards to back it up with a brew.

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.

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.