In 1982 the drag racing scene in Queensland was in jeopardy, the area surrounding the Surfers Paradise Raceway at Carrara was becoming more built up with houses and shops. Local racers decided in order for the sport to continue to grow, a suitable home with plenty of land would need to be secured.Keith White, who was part of the committee formed to find this new land, became aware that the Commonwealth Government had given some land to Moreton Shire (what is now Ipswich) to be developed for sporting use. The newly formed committee travelled to the open farm land to find a perfectly suited open plain area that could be developed into the 1320ft drag strip that would become known as Willowbank Raceway.A team of fans, racers and their friends and family spent the next three years building the track and the facilities. They used every weekend, public holiday and day off clearing the paddocks, constructing buildings and fences and prepared the facility to open as a venue for drag racing.

Looking for a gift, or just something new, then look no further than these boutique stores for one of a kind pieces from jewellery to shoes and fashion or artisan wares.*Check with individual shops before visiting for opening times.Arttime SuppliesThis creative space is more than just an arts supplier, they sell hand made artisian creations and offer art classes!

Kayaking. We know it’s a thing, we’ve all seen people do it and most of us have always been just that little bit curious. And yet here we are, surrounded by some of the best waterways in South East QLD and so many of us do not partake!Well, all of that’s about to change lads and ladies. You’re in Ipswich and this, is kayaking country. It’s about time you sorted yourself out and got paddling. Whether young, old, married or single, there’s a kayaking adventure for all of us.For the familyWhen scientists first split the atom in 1938 they released a huge amount of energy and ultimately ended a war… And in 2020 you too can split the kids, into different kayaks and be dazzled by their inability to stay awake for the car ride home. It’s just science. 

For a lot of Australians, a weekend holiday usually revolves around a trip to the beach, but we love a good getaway wherever it is, and we loved our weekend away visiting Queensland’s Heritage City – Ipswich.Visitor Information CentreNotwithstanding peak hour, Ipswich is an easy drive from wherever you are in Brisbane, and contrary to many people’s belief, this small city has a whole lot of charm and is definitely not ‘just’ another suburb of greater Brisbane.After a relaxed breakfast and a short drive, we arrived around lunch time and we headed straight for our first stop – the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre.

Say “I do” this valentine’s day in some of the most romantic wedding locations in Ipswich. Whether you are looking for a traditional chapel ceremony or tranquil garden wedding, the city of Ipswich has so much to offer the romantic at heart.Queens Park Bush ChapelEntering through a gorgeous poinciana lined one-way street, Queens Park Bush Chapel provides a beautiful leafy location to say “I do”. The open-air chapel accommodates up to 120 guests and is a beautiful and peaceful setting, located right in the heart of Ipswich CBD.The poinciana lined street is a magnificent location for photos when in bloom late from November to February, providing a brilliant pop of red to your wedding portraits. Once finished at the bush chapel, head to The Glasshouse for endless photo opportunities.

With its stunning views and rugged scenery, Flinders Peak is a beautiful formation about a 50-minute drive out of Brisbane and just a stone’s throw from Ipswich.With over 2,000 hectares in the area, it’s connected to the Flinders Goolman area through to Hardings Paddock and White Rock Conservation Estate — all areas of natural beauty in their own right.

Looking for a family friendly café or restaurant that serves up a little more than nuggets and chips? Here are a few of our recommendations in Ipswich that we’ve personally ‘kid-tested’ for both food, friendliness, comfort and entertainment!Prince Alfred HotelAn institution in Ipswich for over 170 years, the PA Hotel should certainly be considered when looking for a family friendly meal in Ipswich.With recent awards such as Best Casual Dining Restaurant (Qld) in 2018 and Australian Hotel of The Year (2017), you know that you will be in for a great experience.

It's 9AM, the sun's shining, birds are calling and there's a whole weekend ahead, just waiting to be filled up with stuff.You throw on your finest casual attire, grab the spread, pack the Esky and make those last motions towards the door.Then suddenly, out the corner of your eye, you spot a familiar face. Pressed hard against the window, ears raised, eyes forward, floppy, dribbly and heartbroken. He lets out one last ditch whimper of grief... and you already know he's coming with you.

The town of Marburg lies in the city of Ipswich, halfway between Brisbane and Toowoomba along the Warrego Highway. To drive to Marburg from Brisbane takes about 45 minutes.The town has many heritage buildings in its main street including the Marburg Hotel which was built in 1879. It draws in visitors from far and wide, especially for its amazing Sunday lunches.Right across the street is Scotland Yard Antiques. The store has been open for about 30 years and is one of the last antique stores in the area.

“That’s Henry, Pablo, Noodle, Neville, Teddy, Paddington, Humphrey, Wallace, Archie…” says farmer Shane Hancock, pointing around a paddock of his Pine Mountain Farm.It turns out that a long career in teaching – he is also deputy principal at Leichhardt State School – has given him a knack for remembering names, which is handy when you’re also in charge of Queensland’s largest herd of llamas.