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.

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.

Planes, Trains and Autos is an exciting, family friendly event that celebrates all things aviation, rail and autos in the city of Ipswich. It’s held at the Workshops rail Museum and there’s plenty enjoy. Highlights include:FREE access to all museum exhibitions and kid’s activitiesCar, truck and motorcycle displaysMotorsport personalities Drag cars and vehicles from Willowbank RacewayRide a historic train at Queensland Pioneer Steam RailwayAir Force and Army machinery and vehiclesAviation displays and flypastsFamily interactive activities including wind tunnels and bottle rockets