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.

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.

If you’re searching for somewhere cosy to wine and dine this winter, ditch the couch and head out to these great restaurants to try some mouthwatering winter menus that will leave your tastebuds feeling pretty darn satisfied.Tick one of these culinary delights off every weekend, or try a few at once!If you’re searching for somewhere cosy to wine and dine this winter, ditch the couch and head out to these great restaurants to try some mouthwatering winter menus that will leave your tastebuds feeling pretty darn satisfied.

If you're out and about in the Heritage City attending events, like Christmas in Ipswich, Planes, Trains and Autos or SPARK Ipswich, here's a handy list of the best places to eat in Ipswich Central.Baked by Joseph and AnnBaked by Joseph and Ann has a cult following and it’s easy to see why when they create viral fruit pastries, decadent cakes and great baked treats.Baked by Joseph and Ann has a location at 173 Brisbane St and 115a Glebe Rd Silkstone they are open 7am-12pm Tuesday to Sunday.

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.

With literary holidays announced as one of 2026’s hottest travel trends, it’s no surprise readers are seeking experiences beyond the pages. From browsing bookshops to attending library events, author talks, DIY book crawls and plenty of wide-open spaces for a relaxing picnic, Ipswich has everything you need to turn your love of books into a fun, feel-good getaway!In this guide, I’ll show you where to find the best bookish spots across the city, some great workshops and upcoming author hours at Ipswich’s seven libraries, and where to refuel with a great coffee or bite to eat and introduce you to the concept of a book crawl!I’ll also share the best parks and reserves perfect for a literary picnic, plus accommodation options so you can stay a little longer and truly soak up everything Ipswich has to offer.

Ipswich is home to some of South East Queensland’s most passionate artisan producers—creators who turn local ingredients, generational skills and a whole lot of heart into unforgettable flavours. From craft gin and award‑winning spirits to small‑batch ice cream and farm‑fresh treats, this is your guide to tasting your way through Ipswich’s thriving locally made scene.Sip & Banter – Handcrafted Gin with HeartTucked into the rolling hills of Tallegalla, Sip & Banter Distillery is a must‑visit for gin lovers exploring Ipswich. Owners Tim and Jo Shanahan craft bold, juniper‑forward gins that balance traditional techniques with regional ingredients.Their standout Honey Mac Gin Liqueur blends their award‑winning Navy Gin with macadamias and honey from their own hives—a true taste of the region. Prefer a classic profile? Their citrus‑bright gin with warm mountain pepper is a crowd favourite.

You can dial up the romance, or experience an adrenaline rush with these date ideas... Great for Valentines Day, anniversaries or just to spice things up a bit... Boho styled picnicsIf you're after something special and romantic then a hanging pod picnic at Soul Nook will tick all the boxes.Indulge in a packed and styled picnic with your love.

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.

School holidays can be a magical time spent making memories with the family, but the long summer break can sometimes feel too long.  When the kids are once again back at school, you might need some me time to decompress from the endless "mum", "dad", "I'm bored" talk.  Use this list that can help you plan some fun times without the kids.Smash your frustrations away!Don't wait, book in now to smash out those school holiday frustrations safely - at Rage Cage.  All the safety equipment is supplied, and it's just you in a room with a bat smashing to your heart's content!  Enjoy.Indulge in fried chicken followed by ice cream sans childrenIf you've spent the holidays trying to force fruit and veges onto the kids, saying no to takeaway and just setting a great example for the kids with healthy eating - then I applaud you!  And you probably need a cheat day...