Australia is a vast and fascinating country with much to offer modern tourists. Moreover, Australia is chockfull of hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered by the adventurous and curious. One of these hidden gems is Ipswich, which is a unique and charming urban city that’s situated near Brisbane in the state of Queensland. Ipswich is an appealing destination because it’s located next to the Bremer River boasting plenty of scenic, natural spots. These give visitors plenty of outdoor options, while still enjoying all the conveniences of a modern city. Another interesting aspect of this city is its rich heritage and rail museums that are bound to keep history buffs enthralled!
Let’s take a look at 10 interesting and fun things to do in Ipswich!
1. Enjoy a relaxing walk in Queens Park
So, you’ve just arrived in Ipswich and want to enjoy the sunny weather and be out in nature. You may be by yourself, with a friend, loved one, or with family members and are simply looking for the perfect location with beautiful surroundings. Look no further than Queens Park, which is a natural heritage site of Queensland and one of its oldest parks! There’s much to do here, so much so, that you may end up staying the whole day. And it’s not difficult to figure out why, considering the range of amenities available for visitors. These include stunning Japanese gardens, a massive children’s playground, an animal enclosure, barbecue facilities, picnic area, café, convention facilities, interpretive center, and public telephones and toilets. Overall, it’s the ideal spot for walking and bird watching, that’s close to the Ipswich CBD.
Queens Park
Address: Merle Finimore Avenue, Ipswich, Queensland 4305, Australia
Price: Free entrance
Opening Hours: 9:30 am - 4: 00 pm Tuesday to Sunday
Duration: Best enjoyed spending the entire day
Access: East of Ipswich CBD entrance after descending the hill
Contact: +61 732810555
Near by Food: Queens Park Cafe offering a comprehensive all day menu
Website: Queens Park Cafe
2. Experience a modern park at Robelle Domain
As if Queens Park wasn’t impressive enough, Ipswich boasts yet another park that’s worth visiting. This modern facility offers more amenities than anyone could bargain for, which include boardwalks, walking tracks, barbecue areas, picnic facilities with seats and benches, a pool and a zero depth water play area, pond and water features, and modern playground facilities. This is a great spot for families, walkers, joggers, and nature lovers in general. Furthermore, Robelle Domain also caters for the disabled with plenty of access points.
Robelle Domain
Address: 155 Southern Cross Cct, Springfield Lakes, Ipswich, Queensland 4300, Australia
Price: Free entrance
Opening Hours: 5 am - 9 pm 7 Days a week
Duration: 2 - 3 hours required
Access: Near Springfield Central
Contact: +61 738106666
Near by Food: Robel Café and Lagoon Café
Website: Robelle Domain
3. Spend some time at St Marys Catholic Church
Ipswich is home to several landmarks that sport interesting and diverse architecture. St Mary Catholic Church is a fine example of a church building made from sandstone, which dates back to the 1800s and is simply stunning to look at. It’s worth a visit to take some amazing photographs and even stay for mass if you’re so inclined. Moreover, it’s nice to break away from modernity once in a while!
St Marys Catholic Church
Address: Cnr Elizabeth St and Roseberry Pde, Ipswich, Queensland 4305, Australia
Price: Free or entrance tithe
Opening Hours: Saturday 5 pm & 6 pm. Sunday 8:30 am & 6:00 pm
Duration: 1 hour
Access: Close to the Bremer riverside and one street block from the Qld Motorsport Museum
Contact: +61 732812133
Website: Ipswich Catholic Community
4. Explore the amazing Nerima Gardens
Did you know that Ipswich has a sister city in Japan called Nerima? Well, that seems to be the case and the reason why these gardens where developed. Fortunately, the result is one which will impress most visitors to these gorgeous gardens and make them feel that they truly are in Japan!
Nerima Gardens
Address: Queens Park, Ipswich, Queensland 4305, Australia
Price: Free entrance
Opening Hours: 9 am - 3:45 pm Wednesday to Friday. 9 am - 5:45 pm Saturday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays
Duration: 1 - 2 hours required
Access: Located near the Ipswich CBD and close to the Denmark Hill Conservation Park
Contact: +61 732810555
Website: Nerima Gardens
5. Take a trip to the Workshops Rail Museum
Ipswich has a rich and interesting heritage regarding its railways and workshops, which are worth checking out. Therefore, a trip to the Workshops Rail Museum should definitely be on every traveler’s to-do list when visiting Ipswich. The Workshops Rail Museum offers an authentic train workshop experience, that should fascinate all steam locomotive enthusiasts. And while this museum has modern multi-media installations, it showcases how the restored trains and workshop operated for the past 140 years. This award-winning museum has plenty of hands-on experiences and memorabilia, which should appeal to kids and onlookers.
The Workshops Rail Museum
Address: North Street, Ipswich, Queensland 4305, Australia
Price: Tickets for a single adult is 21 AUD (16.15 USD) and for a child (between 3 to 15 years) is 12 AUD (9.25 USD). Children under the age of 3 gain free entrance
Opening Hours: 9:30 am - 4 pm. Closed Good Friday, ANZAC Day and Christmas Day
Duration: around 2 - 3 hours required
Access: Located east from Wooden Park and near the Bremer River
Contact: +61 734325100
Website: The Workshops Rail Museum
6. Throw a BBQ at Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve
There’s much to do near the Ipswich CBD, but there’s also plenty of scenic and nature spots on the outskirts of town. Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve is located next to the Brisbane River and is the ideal spot for holding barbecues, taking long walks, and playing sports with family and friends. In fact, many of Ipswich’s locals enjoy spending time here and there are plenty of picnic tables available.
Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve
Address: 492 Mt Crosby Rd, Ipswich, Queensland 4306, Australia
Price: Free entrance
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9 am - 5 pm. Closed on weekends
Duration: around 2 - 3 hours required
Access: Located near Tivoli and Karalee
Contact: +61 738106666
Near by Food: The reserve has a cafe
Website: Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve
7. Hit the boardwalk at River Heart Parklands
Become acquainted with Bremer River by hitting the boardwalk built alongside it, while enjoying the landscaped gardens filled with the finest Australian fauna. The River Heart Parklands is a great water and nature spot to relax, de-stress, exercise, or even hold a BBQ. Furthermore, there’s plenty of free parking with a layout that aids easy access.
River Heart Parklands
Address: 20 Bremer St, King Edward Parade, Ipswich, Queensland 4305, Australia
Price: Free entrance and parking
Opening Hours: 8 am - 6 pm
Duration: around 1 - 2 hours required
Access: Next to Bremer River and King Edward Parade
Contact: +61 738106666
Website: River Heart Parklands
8. Travel to the past at Grandchester Railway Station
The Grandchester Railway Station is another important railway museum that should entice anyone who’s still feeling nostalgic for the past and steam locomotives in particular. There are volunteers on hand who are knowledgeable about the history of the station, the equipment, and the coaches available on site.
Grandchester Railway Station
Address: Rosewood-Laidley Road, Grandchester, Ipswich, Queensland 4340, Australia
Opening Hours: 10 am - 3 pm Sundays only
Duration: around 1 hour required
Access: From Rosewood-Laidley Road
Contact: +61 732017438
9. Be Inspired by the Ipswich Soldier’s Memorial Hall Museum
Australia’s military men fought bravely during the first and second world wars. The Ipswich Soldier’s Memorial Hall Museum was erected to commemorate the brave men who took part during the First World War. This rustic building stands out in the city center due to its classical pavilion and contrasting colored brickwork.
Ipswich Soldier's Memorial Hall Museum
Address: Corner of Limestone and Nicholas Streets, Ipswich, Queensland 4305, Australia
Opening Hours: 9 am - 12 pm
Duration: around 1 hour required
Access: Across from the Civic Center
Contact: +61 738123822
10. Discover the Rosewood Scrub Historical Society Building
It would seem that Ipswich is flooded with important heritage buildings and that’s not a bad thing! Visitors who haven’t had their fill of unique historical sites must check out the Rosewood Scrub Historical Society Building. What will surprise visitors is that this diminutive and charming timber building was actually the council and meeting hall for the Walloon town that’s located on the Ipswich-Grandchester railway line. This building was built in 1913 and has been well-maintained, with an inviting veranda.
Rosewood Scrub Historical Society Building
Address: 73 Edmond Street, Marburg, City of Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
Opening Hours: 1st and 3rd Sunday from 1.30 pm - 4 pm
Duration: around 1 hour required
Access: From Edmond Street
Contact: +61 754644808
Ipswich offers visitors a world-class experience
Ipswich is an underrated destination that needs to be discovered by more people traveling to Australia. It may not have the glitz and glamour of larger cities, but it more than makes up for it with excellent natural spots and its heritage buildings and museums. Great care has been taken by the local council to ensure that landmarks and natural parks are of an international standard.
History
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