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. 

  There’s a special feeling when you step on board a heritage steam train. The puffs of smoke, noisy engine and swaying carriages are an incredible way to experience a bygone era.

Country Ipswich offers many fabulous farms and rural experiences for families to explore - some where you can even stay the night, like TallaValley Farm.Tallavalley Farm B&B is one such place – a working 50-acre farm that allows visitors to bring their dog and even their horse.David and Jo Baker have been delighted by the response to their farmstay since launching it in early 2019 and have already hosted visitors from around Australia.

I have curated the perfect Ipswich street art day trip for you which starts with catching the train.That’s right leave the car behind and jump on an Ipswich train which will take you straight to the hub of Ipswich street art. Nothing better than catching the train as you can relax, admire the scenery and not worry about where to park or the traffic situation.Hop off the train at Ipswich central and once you’re out of the station make your way to Rafter & Rose, situated on Ellenborough Street, and grab a take away coffee to enjoy while on your street art adventure. Ok let’s get started …

The Century Batteries Ipswich SuperSprint returns to Ipswich again this August, at Queensland Raceway. It’s set to offer the most accessible trackside experience on the Ipswich calendar, promising a weekend packed full of action and experiences far beyond the track itself.Here are six reasons that are sure to have you sprinting for tickets, find out why the Ipswich SuperSprint is so much more than just a race.Feel the buzzEven the crowd close-ups you see on TV can’t capture the buzzing atmosphere you feel on-the-ground at the SuperSprint. Get wrapped up in the atmosphere with people from all walks of life, as you witness the thrills of motor racing and celebrate being a part of a major Queensland sporting event - all less than an hour from Brisbane’s CBD.

The Ipswich Nature Centre is South East Queensland’s only free zoo, it’s a popular destination for families and attracts about 250,000 visitors a year.It is home to a range of animals from dingos to spotted quolls and a bilby conservation program that was started by Save the Bilby Fund co-founder Frank Manthey.

Among the eclectic range of businesses that call the Old Flour Mill home is one called The Soul Cauldron.People travel from far and wide to explore the shelves of quite magical stock here – but what’s it all about?Original owners, Paul Knox and his wife Marina opened Soul Cauldron for people wanting to explore the world of spirituality.