Nearly four years ago now Ipswich was at the forefront of something special.We embarked on a mission to be the most comprehensively mapped city in the Southern Hemisphere.When the call went out, I answered and here we are today with 57 individual locations, (most of which were physically mapped on foot) now totally accessible to the public online.
If you’re looking for a place where you can hike and birdwatch, Ipswich is the place for you, there are more than 277 recorded bird species on record in Ipswich.Colleges Crossing Recreation ReserveSet on the banks of the Brisbane River, Colleges Crossing, is a great spot for a walk and some birdwatching. Look out for pelicans, great egrets, royal spoonbills, black kites and many more species. There’s also a lake for fishing and kayaking, bike and scooter paths and walking tracks. Bring a picnic as there’s BBQ facilities and sheltered tables. Brisbane Valley Rail TrailThe BVRT is the longest rail trail in Australia, at 161km it follows a disused Brisbane Valley rail link that connects Wulkuraka to Yarraman. The Ipswich section is 22km long from Brassall to Fernvale. It winds its way through rural settings and country towns and is perfect for fun family adventures. Along the BVRT there have been more than 40 recorded species of birds including Australian Wood Ducks, Rainbow Lorikeets, Eastern Yellow Robins and Magpie-larks.
The leading accommodation in Ipswich is Cumquat House, with an exceptional 5/5 rating by guests on TripAdvisor. In this interview, founders Marie and Peter explain the significance of the property’s architecture and heritage, its recent renovations and the special welcome offered to Ipswich visitors.Q: What inspired you to buy Cumquat House? Did you intend to run it as a B&B?A: We were looking for a business opportunity in relation to the UQ university, which was due to open. Always having a love for heritage buildings we came across Cumquat, although it was severely damaged by storm and some parts were unoccupied for 18 months. To us, it was a blank canvas waiting for us to restore it. In 1998 we initially offered student accommodation and limited B&B. In 2016 we closed the student accommodation and refurbished again into full-time B&B.
Nestled inside the beautiful Queen’s Park is the jewel in Ipswich’s crown – The Ipswich Nature Centre.Home to some of the city’s cutest and fluffiest residents, the Ipswich Nature Centre is a safe haven for a wide range of Australian wildlife.As animal lovers make their way through the lush landscape gardens and exhibits, they can’t help but say “aww” when they see the cuddly wombat, or watch the pair of energetic dingoes that love to play and climb together.
Café Kalina at the newly emerging residential estate Kalina Springfield is winning fans for a hearty breakfast menu, Nutella Lattes and for being one of the region’s most dog-friendly cafes.Pupstars visiting this coffee spot, like Zeus, pictured, can enjoy puppycinos and specially sourced dog treats that come in three flavours; peanut butter, beetroot and turmeric.The café, on Kingfisher St, Springfield, sits next to Panorama Park with an adventure playground so the kids will be happy too as Mum and Dad stretch out on the deck with the paper and a coffee. For humans, the Nutella Latte puts a smile every caffeine feind's face.
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.
From rural settings to historic brick backdrops and lush garden scapes, Ipswich ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to planning a wedding. Read on to discover some of the region's best locations to say "I do" and have a party afterwards!The Workshops Rail MuseumYou might not have imagined saying your vows at an historic railway workshop, but don't let that steer you away from The Workshops Rail Museum. The museum offers an impressive heritage setting with industrial-chic charm.There’s a selection of indoor and outdoor spaces available for wedding ceremonies and receptions. It is a blank canvas for you to create your modern wedding with the romance of yesteryear and heritage at its heart.
High tea is a romantic ritual that dates back at least to the 17th Century. It typically features dainty ribbon sandwiches, fluffy scones with jam and cream, petit fours, savoury bites, and a pot of the finest loose leaf brew.Plus, if you really want to up the ante, many high tea venues will throw in a cheeky flute of champers. With its gracious Queenslander homes, elaborate churches and elegant commercial facades, Ipswich is the perfect setting in which to hark back to slower, gentler times by indulging in high tea. Here are several spots that do a sparkling job of it.Cottage RestaurantThe Cottage Restaurant really hits high tea out of the park. Seared scallops on creamed cabbage and a cup of earthy mushroom soup on the afternoon we visit are just a couple of standouts.
Dog lovers far and wide are hailing the Barkley & Pips digs at Bundamba as a top spot for both fur babies and their hoomans to visit.Complete with its very own well-sized, open air playpen out front, diners can relax knowing their four-legged besties are safely secured and happily amused with a fun ball pit, great pull toys and even real grass toilets at their disposal, thanks to the convenience of PawtoPotty’s ingenious indoor animal toilets.If your canine prefers to stay close at your heel, there are plenty of doggy day beds and water bowls between the tables for them to chill out on. Talk about luxury… it really is a dog’s world!
If you love street art as much as I do then you are in for a treat as Ipswich Central was a hot spot for some of Australia’s top street artists as part of the 2020 Brisbane Street Art Festival.Ipswich is fast becoming a hot spot for art that takes you outside the four walls of a traditional gallery to give you a chance to admire the creativity, meaning and sense of freedom that street art offers. With seven new murals, it’s once again time to lace up your walking shoes and out for an adventurous day of street art sightseeing. And once you’ve seen the new works check three of my old favourite street art pieces, two at the Central Mission Church and a flying owl on the Goleby & Sons building.To help you locate these works I’ve curated an Ipswich street art day trip which starts with catching the train from Brisbane. Leave the car at home and jump on an Ipswich train which will take you directly to Ipswich Central, the hub of Ipswich street art.
