Known for its rich history, world-class museums and galleries, eclectic retail outlets, unique farm experiences and flourishing dining scene, Ipswich is an amazing city that will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.Conveniently located just a stone’s throw away from Brisbane, the Lockyer Valley, Toowoomba, Moreton Bay, as well as the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Ipswich is the perfect destination for a much-needed weekend getaway or fun-filled day trip.Ipswich is a must-see destination for people of all abilities and many accommodation providers, attractions, entertainment venues, restaurants and heritage centres are catering for all, no matter their ability level.

Greater Springfield is a great location for a getaway, with world-class hiking, an award-winning golf course and fantastic dining on offer.There are also great pet-friendly activities, if you live close enough you could also make this into a day trip with your furry friend or book a pet-friendly Airbnb.Day 1, 7.00 amPack the car and head to the entrance of the White Rock–Spring Mountain Conservation Estate to enjoy a morning hiking up to the Main Ridge Lookout.  See the high rises of Brisbane City in the distance.

Discover Ipswich's charming heritage sites, art and nature reserves with a fully inclusive group tour available through the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre.CBD Heritage TourIndulge in a delicious morning tea in Ipswich and a two hour guided heritage tour with knowledgeable tour guides on board your bus. Take in the Heritage City with iconic buildings and homes and then lunch at your choice of selected venues. From $45 per person.Queensland Museum Rail Workshops TourEnjoy morning tea at the Information Centre and then take a tour at Queensland Museum Rail Workshops. Lunch at a restaurant inside a beautiful heritage building that is now home to Jets Leagues Club. Visit the Ipswich Art Gallery or Ipswich Nature Centre in the afternoon. From $50 per person.

Spring in Ipswich is all about fresh air, new life, and outdoor fun. Cuddle baby animals, enjoy scenic picnics, stay on a farm, and find experiences the whole family will love – just in time for school holidays and Father’s Day.See some baby animalsIn spring you can usually meet some babies at Ipswich hobby farms. See baby sheep at Ewe Nique Hobby Farm as lambing season is from winter into spring each year, camels at Summer Land Camels and cria (baby llamas) at The Llama Farm.Unwind with the perfect picnicThere are some amazing places to have a picnic in Ipswich. Including businesses like Soul Nook that take care of all the hard work for you. Or you can opt to visit one of the fantastic parks around, all you need to do is pack the esky.

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.