Planning a long weekend or a mid-week mini-break in the Swich? We’ve done the hard yards to bring you some of the best coffee, brunch, lunch and dinner options so you can plan ahead for the ultimate foodie escape!There are a few things that make this region a unique dining destination…close proximity to the freshest bounty from some of Queensland’s most fertile farming regions, restaurants in century-old buildings (most of them in fact) and chefs determined to find a point of difference in this country-meets-city destination on Brisbane’s doorstep.But first… coffee!Fourthchild, 215 Brisbane St. Loved for its hearty home-cooked fare and eye-popping cakes cabinet, this cafe/restaurant/bar has various indoor and outdoor areas in one of the city’s grand old pubs.

Beat the summer heat and escape to someplace completely relaxing with a pool in the Ipswich region! Here are just a few of those on offer.Spicers Hidden ValeThe luxury escape Spicers Hidden Vale offers two beautiful pools at which to take a dip, linger with a holiday read or sip a cocktail as the sun goes down.One features in the foreground of that famous country vista offered from the verandah of the retreat’s hatted restaurant, Homage, while the other is tucked into a leafy pocket near the luxury cottages you can call home for your stay.

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.

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. 

Knock off work early on a Friday, pack a bag and head to the heritage city for a weekend of fun, contemporary tastes and historical delights. Day 1 Friday night4.00 pm: Start your weekend with tapas and cocktails at The Rusty Nail Bar. Try their drink of the week and small bites including pork belly, arancini and more.6.00 pm: Stop in for dinner at Bakehouse Steakhouse, next door to your accommodation for the night. You’ll love the chic vibe at this award-winning restaurant, set inside a historic building that was originally a bakery. You can finish your cocktail crawl here too.

It’s not too hot, it’s not too cold, Autumn is just right in the City of Ipswich to get outside and explore…Explore the great outdoorsEver hiked to the top of Flinders Peak?  Now’s the perfect time to get outdoors and explore nature.  We have a variety of hikes and walks available in Ipswich. From easy boardwalks to advanced hikes with rock scrambles.   Explore them all here.  Take a drive to the countryPull on your boots and get exploring hobby farms, producers and country towns.  There are some amazing farmers who happily open their gates and welcome visitors to come and experience the country life firsthand.  Plan your country drive here.