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.

As Dr Andrew Tribe held out a stumpy tailed lizard, he asked the kids if they would like to hold it.  My five-year-old daughter, who is clearly not a reptile fan, slowly shrank backwards to ensure that I was between her and the odd-looking lizard.  My seven-year-old son simply said, ‘’Yes please!’’ and held his hands out.  Dr Tribe, who runs the wildlife research centre at Spicers Hidden Vale, promptly plonked the armoured lizard into his hands and continued on with some fascinating facts.‘’Do you want to hold it mum?’’ he whispered.‘’Errr, no thanks,’’ I whispered back. To be honest, I could barely tell which end was its head and which was its tail.

Ipswich offers plenty of scope for your creativity to run wild. Connect with pencil, clay, paint or charcoal, or try out print making, floristry, silversmithing, etching or jewellery making. Whether you’re seeking a half-day immersion, ongoing weekly lessons, or something you can just start at home, there are plenty of spots to learn new skills from practising artists.ArttimeNestled in a prime spot at the top of town, Arttime is an art supply store, exhibition space, coffee house and classroom all in one.Previous owner and artist Kate Roberts, believes art is therapy and is accessible to all.

Celebrating a birthday is one of the most exciting times in a child's life – The cake, sprinkles, balloons and presents, what's not to love!If you have a upcoming birthday in your family but are stuck for ideas on how to make the day a memorable one, you're in luck, because we have made the task easier for you by composing a list  of the top places in Ipswich to host a party.With lots of beautiful parks, animal experiences and adrenalin-fuelled activities, Ipswich is the perfect location for your next get together.

You might have heard Ipswich has a few old houses worth a look. Well, it’s true. And the visual feast of so many heritage beauties in one location will likely exceed any expectations you might arrive here with.This is a city that had surged to great heights by the late 1800s and into the turn of the century on the back of booming industries such as coal and rail and wool. Entire streets of elaborately detailed and incredibly grand mansions rose up as the town reached further into the hilly surrounds and dales.Those houses today – included in the city’s 7000-plus heritage listed sites – showcase another era while also bringing great character to Ipswich as a city.

Somehow a view gives dining another dimension. Not only is it relaxing, but it’s a great way to show off the area to visitors.Here are some places to remember, whether you want to overlook water, nature or views.Brookwater Golf and Country ClubEvery golfer is heading for the nineteenth hole. It’s a natural progression. And why not, when the clubhouse has a view as beautiful as this one! With views over the eighteenth hole of this Greg Norman-designed course and natural bush land beyond, Brookwater Golf Club’s dining room enjoys a tranquillity that only a view of green can bring.

Sometimes it might seem a little daunting to go out searching for things to do with kids, particularly when visiting a new area. But we’ve generally found that regardless of whether there are big name entertainment options around, with a bit or research there’s lots of fun to be found! And that’s exactly what we see whenever we visit the city of Ipswich, just west of Brisbane. It’s a small city filled to the brim not only with history, but also with heaps of fun things for the kids! Here are some of our faves for the little guys:Ewe Nique hobby farmThis "Ewe Nique" little hobby farm is the perfect way to introduce your little guys to rural life. Ewe Nique Hobby Farm is a small little farm that is home to sheep, goats, alpacas and chickens – all lovingly looked after and all very friendly to their visitors! In order to not stress the animals, Ewe Nique only cater for a small number of visitors per day, which is great not just for the animals, but also for the visitors because you can be assured of having plenty of one-on-one time with the animals, to pat and feed, or simply just relax in this lovely quiet setting. While you are there you can grab a drink and light snack (the coffees and scones are superb!).Grandchester Model Steam RailwayGrandchester is a tiny little town about half an hours' drive from Ipswich which was in its day an important rail stop. As a reminder of the importance of the town's rail heritage, Grandchester Model Steam Railway runs on the first Sunday of every month and we have to say that it is heaps of fun! There are actual little steam trains burning coal and faithful replicas of Queensland Rail diesel locos that pull specially built wagons carring around 6 - 8 people per wagon. There's a canteen on site for food and refreshments or bring a picnic as there's heaps of lawn and shade.