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.