If you have a day off this Ekka Show Day holiday (Wednesday August 13) – but don't want to face crowds, come out to Ipswich and see what’s on offer around the heritage city and its country surrounds...Taste local delicaciesStart your day with a coffee fix by visiting Ipswich Coffee Roasters – to try the city’s own locally roasted coffee in a warehouse at 7 Clay Street West Ipswich. Pick up a bag of beans or just enjoy a cup.  Follow up with a stop into Rafter & Rose, a popular breakfast/brunch and lunch destination where they whip up some beautiful flower adorned cakes and slices - that you can taste!Cuddle a lambYou can get your farm yard animal fix in Ipswich with a visit to Haigslea EWE Nique Hobby Farm where you can cuddle a baby lamb, pet a goat and feed a fluffy alpaca.

Still need to get dad something special on Sunday 7 September? Then check out this great list of gift ideas for Father’s Day.Float high in the skyGet up in the sky with a gift certificate for a Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flight. This would be a great family adventure to tick off your bucket list!  There's also a special code for 10% off for Dad’s day. Just pop in FATHER2025, the code is valid for flights between 1 August and 30 September.Race around in a MustangGive dad a gift certificate for a V8 Race Experience in their new Mustang!  The purpose built race car with a 500hp engine and supercar race suspension is brand new, and there's nothing else like it in Australia.

Spring in Ipswich is all about fresh air, new life, and outdoor fun. Cuddle baby animals, enjoy scenic picnics, stay on a farm, and find experiences the whole family will love – just in time for school holidays and Father’s Day.See some baby animalsIn spring you can usually meet some babies at Ipswich hobby farms. See baby sheep at Ewe Nique Hobby Farm as lambing season is from winter into spring each year, camels at Summer Land Camels and cria (baby llamas) at The Llama Farm.Unwind with the perfect picnicThere are some amazing places to have a picnic in Ipswich. Including businesses like The Soul Nook Collective that take care of all the hard work for you. Or you can opt to visit one of the fantastic parks around, all you need to do is pack the esky.

Attending an event during Festival of Horsepower? We have the low down on how to make your weekend stay as authentic as possible to experience the full breadth of Ipswich whilst you visit.Eat like a local...Car Racing and smoked meats just go hand in hand, am I right? Legendary restaurant, Phatboyz Smokehouse, is quickly becoming a recognised name across Australia with their five metre smoker affectionately named Frank the Tank. Lucky for you Phatboyz is only a 10 minute drive from the iconic motorsport precinct here in Ipswich, we highly recommend you phone ahead to book a reservation. Down the road Walloon Hotel and their newly opened beer garden is always a vibe too if you are looking for somewhere afterwards to back it up with a brew.

There have never been more reasons to visit the adventure playground on Brisbane’s doorstep. From world class mountain biking and hiking trails to adrenaline-charged thrills, markets and boutique shopping. There is also fine dining and a lively coffee scene.Hit the markets… Ipswich has a variety of colourful markets to take in. It’s a chance to wander outdoors with the family, grab a bite, maybe kick back to some cool sounds, stock up on fresh produce and browse stalls of clothing, jewellery, plants and homewares.  The Springfield Markets and Handmade Expo are on monthly. Here’s our full list of regular markets around the region.Take to the skiesA gentle hot air balloon float across the land at sunrise can turn an ordinary day into one that is completely unforgettable. 

Looking for a fun new spot to take the kids? Ipswich is full of brilliant parks that are perfect for climbing, exploring, racing around and making memories. Think towering forts, wobbly bridges, speedy slides, buzzing bike tracks, and cubbies just waiting for an imaginary tea party.These parks are local gems - well-loved by families and always full of little feet running wild. You’ll find shady spots to relax, big open fields for a kick-about, and clever play spaces designed for all ages.Here are 10 parks around Ipswich that are worth popping on your adventure list.