We can't deny that Ipswich can get hot.  So what do you do when it's sweltering and you need to cool off?  Head to one of these free water parks!Orion LagoonOrion Lagoon offers pools for all age groups with a toddler friendly 0.3m depth area up to 1.5m for proficient swimmers.  Checkout the fun squirting spouts and stepping-stones, barbeque areas and picnic tables.Robelle DomainKids will love the large tipping bucket in the zero depth water park at Robelle Domain.  There’s also jet sprays and spouts.  The water park is surrounded with shady picnic areas, boardwalks and playgrounds as well as land art pyramids and an early evening sound and light show.

EWE Nique Hobby Farm at Haigslea just west of Ipswich Central has become a favourite for young families and school classes over the past six years since opening. Now the hobby farm has added a new bevvy of creatures to the offering – including static displays of the prehistoric kind.​Large scale dinosaur sculptures have been embedded into a wonderland of huge-leafed plants and shimmering palms. The enclosed arena is also home to flying colourful budgies and finches, and covered ponds of goldfish.EWE Nique’s owners Penny and Farmer Dave wanted to create a peaceful nature-filled experience for young children.

Whether your children like to be creative or adventurous, here is our ultimate list of boredom-busting ideas perfect for school holidays or weekends!Walk or feed a llama​Grab your walking shoes and head to The Llama Farm in Pine Mountain to take one of the many eager llamas for a stroll along a purpose-built trail.The Llama Farm is one of a number of farm visit experiences unique to the Ipswich region, and is home to the largest herd of llamas in Queensland.

Did you know there are a number of restaurants housed in beautiful historic buildings in Ipswich?  If you love architecture, or have an interest in history they why not book in and visit one of these gorgeous foodie hot spots - book year round, or make your trip extra special and visit during the city's Galvanized festival.Bakehouse SteakhouseBakehouse Steakhouse is located in a heritage building with over a century of stories. The building maintains and celebrates remnants of its past life as Haleys Bakery where its story began back in 1875.As the first chapter of the building’s rich history, it set the foundation for what would emerge as the Bakehouse Steakhouse in the late 70’s. For decades, the restaurant became the place to be and was the setting for a generation of lifelong memories.  Today the restaurant welcomes you to join them and experience a unique steakhouse experience.

Whether you are visiting Ipswich for business or pleasure, coming for an event like CMC Rocks QLD visiting friends and family or wanting a romantic getaway, there are multiple accommodation options available.Best WesternFeaturing an array of modern rooms with kitchenettes, a laundromat, wireless internet, on-site restaurant, cocktail lounge and an outdoor pool, this hotel has everything a traveller could ever need.Best Western is close to the beating heart of the Ipswich Central Business District, there are a range of amenities nearby, including restaurants, takeaway food, medical facilities and walking tracks. 

In Ipswich Central you can enjoy a whole day exploring art, antiques and animals for free!  Just jump on the train or pack the car for a fun day out!Ipswich Art GalleryThe Ipswich Art Gallery is a fantastic family-friendly experience located in the heart of Ipswich Central.  It features a children's gallery space as well as touring exhibitions and it's a great spot to spark your creativity.  If you've caught the train walk through to Nicholas St and up to d'Arcy Doyle Place, if you're parked in the Nicholas St Precinct Car Park, walk up the street to access the gallery.Ipswich Children's LibraryHead to the Ipswich Children’s Library where you can feed life-sized dinosaurs colourful scarves through an interactive pipe experience, design your own colourful fish and watch them swim around a digital display, or enjoy an augmented reality butterfly experience.  It's located in Tulmur Place above the Nicholas St car park.

Embraced for its soul-nourishing benefits, gardening is known to enhance physical wellbeing and uplift moods. Why not harmonize your passion for plants with a coffee outing? Explore Ipswich's finest nursery cafes and garden eateries for a delightful blend of nature and relaxation.Rafter & RoseStep into the charming world of Rafter & Rose, a beloved local café that exudes a unique ambiance. Guests enter through 19th-century French cast-iron gates and down a garden laneway to a delightful indoor space adorned with lush pot plants and an eclectic array of ornaments. Renowned for their delectable cakes and treats, all freshly made on-site, many options are gluten-free and/or dairy-free—yet bursting with flavour. Indulge in delights like white chocolate cheesecake, New York baked cheesecake, and more from their extensive menu offering breakfast, brunch, and lunch.Location: 17 Ellenborough Street, Ipswich

Ipswich’s famous Pumpyard brewery site has a new brand over the doorway and a new line-up of delicious beers on offer. Say g’day to Stony Creek Brewing Co.Stony Creek sprang to life in 2020 when Jack Anderson began brewing with his father at their Townson property in the Lockyer’s Mulgowie Valley.Jack’s parents, Deryk and Karen, had spent a few years in Roanoake, Virginia in the US, an area liberally sprinkled with small breweries.

Visitors can explore the City of Ipswich's history with a suite of heritage trails and tours.  These free self-guided trails can be found online thanks to the hard work of Picture Ipswich.To enjoy the trails simply bookmark this page and click the links when you're in town to access the trails.Then & Now Heritage TrailsWhether you are interested in cemeteries and churches, heritage pubs or the history of towns you can find this information thanks to Then and Now Heritage Trails.

It’s interesting how often I get asked about my ideal date night in Ipswich, and there are always two options: what I want to do, and what my partner wants to do. We both have similar interests, so whatever we end up doing, we’ll enjoy, but we definitely have our own favourites when it comes to what to do on date night.So, it’s a Saturday, and you’re scheduled for a date night.Charlie's pick for a perfect night out...Begin your evening with your favourite person at one of Ipswich’s top bars. Stony Creek Brewing Co is a wonderful place to start the night. Wander through their charming heritage venue, or share a tasting of Stoney Creek’s new concept flavours. Just a short stroll away, you’ll find the enchanting wine bar, Monte Lane. It’s youthful and full of charm, much like the person you’re with. For a truly romantic experience, book a table in the laneway where the atmosphere is intimate, especially when paired with a glass of fine wine.