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.

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 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.

Feel like spending a long weekend indulging in delicious flavours, soaking up some heritage or just breathing fresh country air?  We've got you!Check out the Nicholas Street PrecinctThe award winning Nicholas Street Precinct features a movie cinema, restaurants and bars, activities for the kids and much more! The entertainment precinct has a MiniBounce for children 0-6 years old, a space for the bigger kids to enjoy with bowling and arcade games as well as great food and drinks at General Public and a Hoyts movie cinema.There's also a beautifully restored pub - Hotel Commonwealth that serves up tasty bites and drinks seven days a week. 

You don’t have to travel far to find premium experiences in Ipswich. From sunrise camel rides to hot air balloon adventures to retreats steeped in history, luxury and intrigue, there’s plenty to sample from the city’s top shelf. Spicers Hidden ValeSpicers Hidden Vale is a luxury retreat nestled into 12,000 acres of bushland in Grandchester.With only a small number of restored Queenslander style cottages dating back to the 1800s, the location spells privacy and seclusion.

You can dial up the romance, or experience an adrenaline rush with these date ideas... Great for Valentines Day, anniversaries or just to spice things up a bit... Boho styled picnicsIf you're after something special and romantic then a hanging pod picnic at The Soul Nook Collective will tick all the boxes.Indulge in a packed and styled picnic with your love.