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 month there’s a packed program full of live entertainment, culture, festivals, mouth-watering food events, bustling markets, hands-on workshops and more…Ipswich to shine as SPARK Arts Festival returns for five spectacular daysGet ready to see Ipswich in a whole new light as the city transforms into a vibrant playground of colour, music, movement and illumination for the hugely popular SPARK Ipswich Arts Festival. Running over five spectacular days from July 8-12, the much-loved festival will deliver an exciting program designed to inspire, entertain and delight visitors of all ages.Highlights include dazzling animated artwork projections, silent disco tours, a bustling artist night market, an enchanting candlelight concert, street theatre, dance workshops and the ever-popular Little Day Out.

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 month of June brings the Festival of Horsepower to Ipswich! Power packed full of adrenaline, excitement and all things fast… From thoroughbreds battling it out in the Ipswich Cup, to Australia’s largest drag racing event – the Gulf Western Oil Winternationals – June has it all for those with a need for speed.Read on to see what events to book.

Do you love fast cars, how about horses?  Then Ipswich's Festival of Horsepower is for you.  Why not come along and enjoy the best of the event while exploring all the region has to offer?First choose which weekend to come...If you love racing then you’ve got to come for the Gulf Western Oil Winternationals 4-7 June or the Australian Superbike Championship will also be held at Queensland Raceway 26-28 June.  Cruise the Night will be on 6 June followed by the GT Festival on 12-14 June at Queensland Raceway.If you’re a horsey fan then the weekend of 20-21 June and the Thursday before (18 June) is when you’ll want to visit as the TAB Ipswich Cup Calcutta, TAB Ipswich Cup and Western Star Family Race Day is on at the Marburg Harness Racing Association, there’s also a Horses to Horsepower Family Fun Day at Cooneana Heritage Centre on the following weekend (28 June).

Gift vouchers make great presents for Valentine's Day, Christmas, birthdays, Mother's and Father's Days and even just to show the ones you love that you care.Check out this list of great gift vouchers to help you celebrate special occasions this year.Arttime Gallery and Fine Art SuppliesArttime Gallery and Fine Art Supplies and Rare and Pretty Dolls also offer gift vouchers, for the art and doll lovers in your life!  Gift vouchers can also be used to buy new or vintage toys and for any of their Dollightful Makeover classes.