The wait is over for three highly anticipated openings in the Nicholas Street Precinct.  On Friday 8 November, 2024 Hotel Commonwealth, HOYTS and General Public opened.Hotel Commonwealth, one of Ipswich's most iconic pubs has finished a beautiful heritage restoration. It's history began in the late 19th century when it was a central hub for locals and travelers. Over the decades it became a gathering place for community events and celebrations and now following years of careful preservation it had reopened with a blend of traditional charm and modern amenities.The menu includes small plates with house-made pork and fennel sausage rolls to large plates designed for sharing and everything in between.  There are also bar snacks you can enjoy with a drink, which will change weekly and seasonal dishes.

Art lovers get ready as we take you on a journey through contemporary and traditional art in Ipswich. We’ll start with the Street Art Trail featuring 13 murals.  Download a map here.On the trail you’ll find The Unveiling by Gus Eagleton in Icon Alley and Distant Country by Rachael Sarra along East St on a wall at the Ipswich Health Plaza. A beautiful mural of blue fairy wrens by David W Houghton can be found on the side of the Ipswich City Uniting Church along Ellenborough St.

Haven't booked anywhere for Melbourne Cup day lunch?  Don't worry, we've got a list of venues that are hosting Melbourne Cup Lunches this year.Book a table, bring your friends and pick your horse for the big day, Tuesday November 5.The Cottage RestaurantThe Cottage Restaurant will be open for Melbourne Cup lunch this year.  Leave the cooking and preparation to the experts, then the hardest part of the day - apart from deciding which horse to back - will be choosing between pork belly or barramundi!

Taking in breathtaking views from a height is one of life’s simple pleasures. There's something rejuvenating about pausing to breathe deeply while soaking in the landscape around you. In Ipswich, you don’t always need to lace up your hiking boots to enjoy the scenery. Here are seven of the best scenic spots in Ipswich that promise stunning vistas with and without the strenuous trek!Floating Images Hot Air Balloon FlightsFor an unforgettable perspective of Ipswich, nothing beats a hot air balloon flight with Floating Images. The early morning awakening is well worth the effort, as you'll be treated to awe-inspiring views of the heritage city and its stunning surroundings while gently floating above it all.With over three decades of ballooning experience, owner and Chief Pilot Graeme Day has been delighting locals and visitors alike for the past 23 years. You can rest assured that you're in expert hands.

Historian Jack Sim, who has long been researching ghost stories in Ipswich and Brisbane and hosts ghost tours of the Ipswich Cemetery and CBD has let us in on some of Ipswich’s most haunted places.Find out about the Ipswich Cemetery tours here.St Mary's ChurchOne of the most haunted places in Ipswich is St Mary's church, where a soul is believed to haunt the building.

As Spring rolls around every year, Jacaranda trees in the Heritage City and surrounding countryside start to bloom, adding a pop of colour to parks and reserves.Here are a few ways to experience the Ipswich Jacaranda season this year.Wander Timothy Molony ParkThe park is opposite St Mary's Church - a spectacular 1870s landmark which is one of the city's most photographed buildings - is fringed with Jacarandas blooming every Spring that eventually form a purple carpet on the grass below.