Watercress Olive and Lime Farm is located at Pine Mountain, where visitors can pick up fresh olives, limes and gourmet products from their tiny farm gate shop or a ready-made picnic pack to enjoy in the scenic grounds.Owner Bernie is a fourth generation farmer on the 7.5ha property, which was purchased by his family back in 1890. The farm was originally a dairy farm, with some small crops, until Bernie first planted the olive trees back in 1998.Today Watercress Farm has some 1100 olive trees producing manzanilla, arbequina, kalamata, jumbo kalamata and frantoio olives while the Tahitian lime orchard has some 600 trees. Farmer Bernie sells his produce direct to clubs in Brisbane and through his farm gate.  

If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of heading out to the Watercress Creek Olive and Limes Festival do yourself a favour and check it out this year when the festival returns in April 2027.The festival is held on Bernie and Lorraine Mahon’s olive and lime farm about 20 minutes north of Ipswich Central.It started out as a small country market and has grown into an amazing day out with tastings, tours, picnics and a diverse range of market stalls on the 7.5ha farm.

There is an ancient legend about a Chinese Emperor whose pot of boiling water was accidentally sprinkled with leaves falling in the breeze. He smelled its pleasant aroma, took a sip, and tea was born!Today’s it’s consumed all over the world – and remains one of our most popular drinks in Australia.If tea is … well… your cup of tea, the City of Ipswich has a potful of delightful experiences on the boil.

If there’s a pint-sized human in your life then you may be familiar with their friends Annie and Clarabel, Henry, James, Emily, Gordon …oh and Thomas!Thomas is a little blue tank engine who has captured the hearts of tiny tots around the world for more than 70 years.So it’s a treat when he leaves the island of Sodor for a holiday in the City of Ipswich (Queensland) and when that happens, A Day out with Thomas is a very popular school holiday must-do.

As Spring rolls around every year, Jacaranda trees in the Heritage City and surrounding countryside start to bloom, adding a pop of colour to parks and reserves.Here are a few ways to experience the Ipswich Jacaranda season this year.Wander Timothy Molony ParkThe park is opposite St Mary's Church - a spectacular 1870s landmark which is one of the city's most photographed buildings - is fringed with Jacarandas blooming every Spring that eventually form a purple carpet on the grass below.

If you’re heading to the city for Festival of Horsepower or are simply a fan of all things horsepower, check out all the fun and exciting horsepower and adrenaline pumping experiences on offer throughout the City of Ipswich all year round. There’s hot air balloons, heli-tours, steam trains, race cars, motocross fun and much more… just waiting to be discovered.V8 Race ExperienceThe V8 Race Experience puts you in the drivers’ seat with a professional driver in the passenger side to give you tips as you take to the iconic paperclip track at Queensland Raceway.  You can choose to drive in their new purpose built Mustang or Camaro or the legendary Falcon or Commodore.  You can also book hot laps with a pro driver.Queensland Pioneer Steam RailwayEnjoy a one-hour return train trip on heritage timber carriages with the Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway.  Take in old coal mining sites, bushland and quaint miners' cottages on our journey.  The trains leave from the restored Swanbank train station which is steeped in history.

The Winternationals will run in June. Racing this year is top fuel, funny cars, pro alcohol, pro slammer, pro stock, top bike, pro stock bike and IHRA pro mod and many more classes.Entry for kids 13 and under is free if you book online (however there is a $2 processing fee) and you can also bring food and drinks in just no glass or alcohol.Read on to discover five reasons why you should book a ticket this year!

Ipswich is Queensland's oldest provincial city with a rich and interesting history, which is being celebrated in their upcoming Galvanized Festival, but did you know that you can explore the history and heritage of Ipswich year round?Before I share my heritage itinerary, let’s stop for a minute to appreciate that Ipswich is renowned for its architectural, natural and cultural heritage and is a city that proudly preserves and still operates from many of its historical buildings and homes.Fun fact, there are more than 6000 heritage-listed sites within Ipswich and her regions!

The city of Ipswich is a short drive from Brisbane and offers visitors so much. It is steeped in history and more recently, locals have been busy rejuvenating the city’s night life.Monte Lane is Ipswich’s newest and coolest hangout. It’s a wine bar and restaurant that offers easy vibes and good times. It has a share plate menu as well as a pizza menu – and the bar comes stocked with an awesome selection of wines, creative cocktails and constantly rotating beers on tap. 

Just because the mornings are crisp, doesn’t mean the days will be miserable. Winter days in Ipswich tend to be sunny and reach highs of 22 degrees – the perfect temperature to explore outdoor activities.Have a picnicPack the esky, bring a rug and get ready to soak up some sun! There are some amazing places to have a picnic in Ipswich.  Whether you want someone to take care of all the hard work for you, or just visit one of the fantastic parks around, we have a few ideas the whole family will love. Explore your inner farmerSpend a weekend exploring farms, tasting produce and meeting animals.  Learn all about farm life and at the end of the day stay in a rural retreat with gorgeous country views. Find out how here.