Situated on the riverbank at the junction of the Brisbane and Bremer rivers, Joseph Brady Park is a popular local fishing spot. With a launch area for canoes and kayaks, you can fish from the banks or from the water - or just paddle away to your heart's content.
The park boasts large grassy areas interspersed with recreational walkways and a play area which includes a small climbing wall. Well appointed with undercover picnic tables and barbecues and with plenty of space to spread a picnic blanket, Joseph Brady Park is well-utilised for a day out with the family and ideal for children's parties.
Situated on the banks of the Brisbane River at Karalee, Riverside Park is a hidden natural gem just waiting to be discovered for your next family day out.
Wide open grassy spaces and a playground perfect for kicking around a ball will keep the kids active, healthy and happy.
Enjoy ambling along the recreational walkways followed by an outdoor lunch at the undercover picnic tables.
Water babies will delight in the ease of access to the river via the boat ramp, so whether you enjoy kayaking, canoeing or just a spot of fishing, you’ll find yourself in your element at Riverside Park.
Parking is taken care of, including special loading and unloading bays and designated boat-trailer car spaces.
Local Ipswich Artist Julie Maddocks features her paintings, drawing and porcelain work.
The artistic talents of this local gallery are featured through various media including jewellery, ceramics, porcelain and paintings. New works are regularly being added to the gallery, creating a dynamic exhibition of inspirational pieces.
If you’re looking for inspiration for that special gift or looking for a piece for your home, this is the place for you.
This is a working Studio/Gallery and is open by appointment and when Julie is working in the Studio. If you can see the big glass doors then she would love for you to come in and see her work.
Wolston Farmhouse, Brisbane’s oldest surviving residential farmhouse, is a nineteenth-century rural gem located a short drive southwest of the CBD.
The historic landmark, previously known as Wolston House, is in a rural setting dating back to 1852. It was the first property to be cared for by the National Trust of Australia (Queensland).
The Heritage-listed homestead has spacious verandas overlooking the lush green property and gardens. It has six rooms; each room displays a nineteenth-century rural lifestyle with artefacts such as sausage stuffers in the kitchen, silverware in the dining room, a pianola in the parlour and horsehair mattresses in the bedrooms.
The larder, a meat room, and the Maid’s quarters with a scullery are all in the cellars. The air is cooler down there, and noises can be heard along with the temperature change; there might be some paranormal activity!
Wolston Farmhouse is closed to the public but opens Monday through Friday as The Centre of Excellence for School Excursion Programs, a learning playground for future generations.
Open to the public on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of each month.
Area 51 Ipswich is home to one of Queensland's most unique indoor attractions — Snow World, an immersive indoor snow experience located inside the venue. Kept at sub-zero temperatures, Snow World allows guests to step into a winter environment complete with snow play zones and falling snow sessions, offering a rare snow experience in Queensland.
Spanning a total land area of approximately 8,000sqm, Area 51 Ipswich also features one of Australia's largest indoor family entertainment centres, highlighted by towering multi-lane stainless steel slides, giant playgrounds, and a massive two-level indoor high ropes course designed to challenge both kids and adults. The venue also includes ninja courses, climbing challenges, sports courts, party spaces, and café facilities designed for all ages.
Combining snow, active play, and all-weather entertainment under one roof, Area 51 Ipswich offers families, groups, and visitors a destination where adventure, celebration, and memorable shared experiences come together year-round.
If you enjoy wide open spaces where you and your family can run, play footy and make some noise, give Richardson Park in Goodna a visit.
A large riverside park with Rugby League fields, recreational pathways, plenty of grassy lawns for picnics and barbecue facilities, the space is ideal for small or large groups.
Kick a ball around, make use of the strength and agility stations for some tip-top training and watch the kids enjoy the playground equipment and a splash in the pool with zero-depth play area.
Water babies are also welcome, so bring along your kayak, canoe or small boat, launch easily via the concrete boat ramp and enjoy a paddle, cruise, water ski or just relax and cast your fishing line in the waters of the Brisbane River.
Coucals is a hillside garden of three acres that is landscaped using local sandstone. Exotic plants from temperate, tropical and sub-tropical climes have been integrated with the native gums and smaller trees.
A variety of gardens have been created at different levels to display the huge variety of plants forming garden rooms that are linked by meandering paths. Seating areas and gazebos allow visitors to sit and enjoy the ambience of the garden as well as the majestic views of the hills.
The garden is open to the public on certain days for charity or to groups by appointment
Orchids have been integrated into the garden to add colour and impact as well as adorn the courtyard area. In the courtyard, they grow under the five wisterias that flower at this time with the Soft Cane Dendrobiums.
A visit to Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve is a wonderful way to cool down and enjoy nature. Located on the Brisbane River in Chuwar, this much-loved destination offers a relaxing riverside escape where visitors can reconnect with nature, enjoy family-friendly recreation and experience the rich cultural heritage of the area.
Colleges Crossing is a special place for the community and remains culturally significant to the Traditional Owners and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. For generations, it has been a popular destination for picnics, sport, tourism, water activities and the continuation of important cultural practices and connections. Today, visitors can explore totem landscape features, educational and interpretive signage, and public artworks that celebrate the area's history and deep connection to Country.
Families will love the nature-inspired playground, complete with shade sails, a giant climbing frame, slides, linking ropes and a climbing wall. There is also a bird's nest swing, stepping stones, spinning disc, toddler bouncer and dinosaur sandpit dig. Nearby picnic shelters and public amenities make the reserve an ideal location for birthday parties, family gatherings and day trips.
Expansive grassy areas provide plenty of space for recreation, while walking tracks, bike and scooter paths encourage visitors to explore the parklands. The Brisbane River offers opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, canoeing and kayaking. After a day of activity, relax with a picnic or barbecue.
Flip Out Bundamba is an exciting indoor trampoline and adventure park offering high-energy fun for all ages.
Featuring trampolines, climbing walls, ninja-style obstacles, slides and dedicated kids' zones, it's the perfect destination for family outings, birthday parties, fitness and group events.
Located in Bundamba, just a short drive from Ipswich Central, Flip Out delivers a safe, action-packed experience whatever the weather. Flip Out Bundamba is open seven days a week and features disco nights, where the music is turned up and the lights turned down. There's also Ninja classes available for those looking to learn some skills.
The centre isn't just for kids, adults are able to join in the fun whether it is jumping, climbing or sliding. Admission is booked in sessions either one or two hours from $16 to $30, or you can become a member for $19 a week and get one hour per day to play.
Flip Out Bundamba is also a great place to host a fundraiser and has accessibility options with flipability sessions and discounts for carers/ companion card holders - contact them to find out more.
What happens in a Rage Cage Smash Room?
Well it’s a place to go if you want to smash something, or things in a safe environment to release tension, frustration or anger.
“From a fun perspective anyone can do it and from a mental health perspective, everyone should do it” Matthew says of the smash room experience.
“It just triggers something, with that first cup or vase they smash… you can just let go, scream, smash things and no one is going to judge you.” You will get a crate/tub of breakable items with all the safety gear you require. All the tools you will need and all the time to work through your emotions.
For those who find their smash groove, bigger items can be selected beyond the random collection supplied – you might pick a television set or microwave to get busy on. Matthew said smashing could be quite transformative. “You see someone come in who is a bit down or demure and then you notice them leaving a while later all sweaty and smiling.”
The venue is for adults aged 18 and over, or minors aged 12 to 17 accompanied by an adult and is located in front of Rampage Axe Throwing.
Check the website for available session times and pricing.
Next time you’re considering weekend entertainment options why not put some axe throwing into the mix. It might just be as satisfying, stress-releasing and flat-out fun as any adventure sport or mountain hike.
Rampage Axe Throwing opened at North Booval in early 2023, tucked in behind the Rage Cage Smash Rooms that opened a few months earlier. Owner Matthew Pendragon is no stranger to unusual entertainment venues, with other Smash Rooms, at Southport and Browns Plains, well established. He is also an avid axe thrower and competes in a league in Brisbane.
So what happens in this venue, you ask? Smashing question. Axe throwing is a sport that involves throwing axes at a wooden target. It’s a chance to unleash some energy and competitive spirit.
The venues are for adults aged 18 and over, or minors aged 12 to 17 accompanied by an adult.
Check the website for available session times and pricing.
Home to the Ipswich Historical Society, Cooneana Heritage Centre displays historical photographs, artifacts, traditional crafts and coal mining equipment that showcase the diverse history of Ipswich – Queensland's oldest provincial city.
Youngsters can help our possum, Nea, find some of her favourite items. This enables them to be actively engaged and if they find everything in their booklet they win a prize!
Cooneana Homestead was built in 1868.
Jim Donald House is an example of a Miners Cottage of the early 1900s. See coal mining displays and videos inside.
In the schoolroom children can experience an old classroom complete with "engraved" wooden desks and slates – a great experience for school groups. At the Ipswich Historical Society Blacksmiths shop you can find our blacksmiths working at their forges and see some of the wonderful metal items they have created.
The Spinners, Weavers, Fibre Artisans of Ipswich welcome visitors Mondays and Thursdays and the first Saturday each month.
Historical Motorcycle Club of Queensland, Ipswich Area has a clubhouse on site and is happy to display their vintage and veteran motorbikes.
Queensland Metal Artisans Collective have a workshop where they work on making metal items.
Events held on some Saturdays and Sundays have a different entry price to the normal AUD5.00 for adults.
From historic coal mining relics to adrenaline-pumping mountain bike trails, Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve offers an outdoor adventure unlike anywhere else in the Ipswich region.
The reserve is home to more than 15 International Mountain Bicycling Association-rated trails catering to a wide range of skill levels, from beginner-friendly rides through to steep, technical singletrack designed to challenge experienced riders. While the trails may not be long, the rugged terrain and sharp climbs mean every kilometre delivers a rewarding ride.
Popular routes include the flowing Blackleg Gully Circuit, ideal for warming up or building confidence, through to more advanced trails such as the thrilling rollercoaster-style Inca track.
Beyond the trails, Castle Hill also reveals an intriguing chapter of Ipswich's coal mining history. Walk the Lewis Thomas Historical Trail to discover remnants of the area's mining past, including open mine tunnels, hand-dug shafts and the ruins of the imposing three-storey "Castle" that once stood on the hill overlooking Blackstone.
Whether you're chasing an adrenaline rush on two wheels or exploring the stories of Ipswich's industrial heritage, Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve is a unique place where nature, adventure and history meet.
A Botanical Haven in Brisbane
Just 20 minutes from Brisbane's CBD, Brookfield Gardens is more than a nursery—it's a vibrant lifestyle destination that has become a hidden gem for locals and tourists alike. Set against a backdrop of lush bushland in the Western suburbs, this family-owned haven offers a unique blend of horticulture, design, and culinary experiences that make it one of South East Queensland's most inspiring places to visit.
Visitors can explore the award-winning nursery, brimming with seasonal plants and expert advice, shop for curated botanical gifts and homewares, be inspired by the working kitchen gardens and enjoy a meal at the Wild Canary Bistro, widely celebrated for authentic local food and a commitment to the regions farmers and producers. Whether you're a seasoned gardener, a weekend wanderer, or a design enthusiast, Brookfield Gardens offers a tranquil escape and a rich sensory experience.
With regular workshops, garden styling sessions, and special events featuring Australia's leading landscape designers like Paul Bangay and Richard Unsworth, Brookfield Gardens is fast becoming a cultural and creative hub for garden lovers across the region.
For anyone exploring South East Queensland, Brookfield Gardens is a must-see destination that celebrates beauty, sustainability, and the joy of living with nature.
Didgeridoo Festivals near Ipswich is a didgeridoo community that brings people together through unique activities. It's located at Bellbird Park, Ipswich, just 30 minutes drive from Brisbane.
How about learning to make your own eucalyptus didgeridoo from an expert? Didgeridoo Festivals offer a two day workshop where you'll enjoy camping, story telling and making music around a camp fire, plus being served a delicious barbecue dinner and breakfast. You'll also learn basic techniques so you can play your new hand-crafted creation. Or why not try a four hour workshop or six lesson course to play like a professional?
Every first Friday night of the month from 7pm to 10pm there is an Didgeridoo Jam at Didgeridoo Festivals HQ. And then there's the VIP Didgeridoo Camp out featuring didgeridoo virtuoso's from around the world who perform and teach advanced techniques. It'll be an amazing and memorable experience.
Ipswich visitors can also pop into the Didgeridoo Festivals Shop where they can buy a handcrafted instrument made by local artists, which comes with a free lesson and certificate of authenticity.
Discover the ultimate destination for action-packed birthday parties and thrilling skill-building lessons at RampAttak Indoor Skatepark & Shop! Located in Ipswich, Australia's largest indoor skatepark offers an exhilarating haven for enthusiasts of skateboarding, scootering, BMX biking, and roller skating.
At RampAttak, kids and young adults can immerse themselves in a supervised environment designed to foster their passion for extreme sports. Escape the elements and perfect your tricks on our expansive, all-timber skatepark featuring diverse obstacles suitable for all skill levels—from beginners to seasoned riders. The pro shop is stocked with top-notch gear, ensuring you're always equipped for the next adventure.
Whether you're celebrating a birthday or seeking to improve your skills, RampAttak provides expertly crafted lessons tailored to each sport. Join the weekly sessions or dive into engaging holiday camps where fun meets skill development among new friends.
Visit the website to learn more about how RampAttak can elevate your experience in the world of extreme sports. Contact them to book a party or lesson and let the friendly team guide you toward unforgettable moments at RampAttak Indoor Skatepark & Shop.
As well as being the home to a number of Rugby League fields, Cribb Park provides some of the best river access in Ipswich.
A concrete boat ramp allows boat and canoe or kayak launching and there is plenty of room to wet a line from the bank if fishing is your thing.
Shady park shelters with barbecues make Cribb Park a great place for a day trip.
There are plenty of open grassed areas, recreational pathways and a well-equipped playground.
Dogs are also welcome in the fenced off-leash dog park area, which has a shelter and bags to make cleaning up after your furry family members easy and convenient.
Slime Mania is your go-to destination for an unforgettable sensory play adventure!
They offer slime play, custom slimes, parties, workshops and are all about hands-on fun, dreamy textures, and slimes you can't stop touching.
Get into immersive slime sessions lasting up to an hour. Kids (and parents, absolutely free!) get to explore a variety of slime textures, sparking curiosity and delight.
But the fun doesn't stop there, you also get to unleash your creativity by designing your very own slime to take home. Choose from 24 vibrant colours, 10 delightful scents, and an array of toppings and charms to make your slime truly unique.
New themes and textures unveiled periodically to keep the excitement alive and the senses engaged. From fluffy to glittery, from squishy to stretchy, there's always something new to discover at Slime Mania!
Brisbane's number one birthday party destination.
Join the slime enthusiasts of Brisbane and book your session online now! Follow on social media for workshop alerts, new slimes and more!
Bob Gamble Park, with its shade sails, has all you need for a cooling day out, with a zero-depth water park for the kids to splash around in and even ride their bikes through and play equipment, including a climbing spider. There's a 25-metre flying fox so youngsters can practice being Tarzan and swings suitable for toddlers right up to long rope 'logs' for groups to ride. Add to that the thriving Discovery Forest with balance beams, forts, wooden totem poles and a bridge across a dry creek bed, and you won't be able to drag yourself or the kids away.
There are ample picnic and barbecue facilities so everyone can satisfy the appetite they've built up with all of that energetic fun. Well-maintained toilets and showers are also on hand to make your day out one of complete contentment and comfort.
There's also boardwalks to discover with views of the Bremer River.
Showcasing First Nations artists, makers, and businesses, Nhuralama continues to grow as a cultural and creative platform connecting community through art, story, and authentic products. Founded by proud Wakkaya, Wombaya, and Waanyi woman Anne Leon, Nhuralama was originally established within Ipswich's historic Old Flour Mill and has since expanded across South East Queensland and online.
Today, Nhuralama artworks and curated cultural products can be found within the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre, the We Plenty Shop at South Bank, and through Nhuralama's growing online presence. Anne proudly supports and showcases First Nations artists and small businesses from Ipswich and across Australia, reflecting the diversity of mobs, stories, and connections to Country.
Anne's own artwork is inspired by family, Country, storytelling, and cultural connection. Through Nhuralama, she has created welcoming spaces where people can engage respectfully with First Nations art, culture, and craftsmanship through conversation, creativity, and shared experiences.
Customers can discover original artworks, boomerangs, didgeridoos, clapsticks, jewellery, clothing, books, homewares, gifts, bush-inspired products, and wellness items celebrating Indigenous culture and creativity. More than retail, Nhuralama is about connection, education, and supporting community through authentic cultural experiences.
The Brassall Bikeway is a popular shared path that connects North Ipswich, Brassall and Wulkuraka, linking directly to the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail - which continues through Fernvale and all the way to Yarraman.
Stretching approximately 14 kilometres, the Bikeway follows the alignment of part of the first railway line built in Queensland, offering riders and walkers a journey through both scenic landscapes and local history. Fully paved and mostly flat, it provides a safe and enjoyable experience for cyclists of all abilities, walkers, and families looking for an easy weekend adventure.
For those feeling a little more adventurous, a 600-metre mountain bike track can be accessed directly from the Bikeway. The loop includes a bike repair station and shaded seating, making it a great place to pause and regroup. While suitable for most ages, training wheels are not recommended on this section.
Along the way, keep an eye out for heritage features such as an old steam engine, railway siding, and other hidden surprises. You can also detour to the Queensland Museum Rail Workshops, or visit the bicycle learning track at Sutton Park.
There's plenty to discover - whether you're riding a short stretch or tackling the full trail.
Spec Ops Paintball is an indoor tactical battle arena in North Ipswich offering Paintball, Gel Ball and Nerf Battle experiences for ages six and over.
Set on a purpose-built urban battlefield, players take on a variety of team-based missions amongst barricades, structures and vehicles. Games are run by experienced staff, making the arena suitable for first-time players as well as experienced players looking for fast-paced tactical gameplay.
Kids aged six and over can jump into Nerf Battles with foam dart blasters and action-packed mission-based games. From age 12, Gel Ball steps up the intensity with faster-paced tactical gameplay. Then from age 15, players can take on the full Paintball experience using real paintball markers and unlimited reusable Reball® ammunition throughout the session.
Everything needed to play is included with Spec Ops packages, so visitors can simply book a session and get into the action. Experienced Gel Ball players can also bring their own equipment.
With the entire battlefield indoors, wet weather or summer heat does not have to stop the action. Visitors can join a session individually, battle it out with family or friends, or bring a larger group for a birthday celebration, school or community outing, corporate event or team-building experience.
Located in North Ipswich, Spec Ops Paintball offers an action-packed experience for visitors looking for something different to do in Ipswich.
Cunninghams Knoll sits at a prominent gateway to Ipswich, opposite Queens Park, and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's early European exploration and convict past.
Originally established as a convict station, Ipswich played a vital role in mining limestone used to produce mortar for the buildings of the Moreton Bay Penal Colony - what would later become Brisbane. This important chapter in the city's history is remembered at Cunninghams Knoll through a preserved limestone kiln and a striking pyramid of limestone. Constructed during the 1930s as part of Depression-era relief works, the pyramid stands as both a historical marker and a symbol of resilience.
At the summit of the knoll is where the site's namesake, renowned botanist and explorer Allan Cunningham, is believed to have identified a route across the Great Dividing Range. That discovery would later become known as Cunningham's Gap, a key passage linking Queensland's coast to the inland.
Today, Cunninghams Knoll is a peaceful place to pause, reflect, and connect with Ipswich's layered history. With its central location and close proximity to Queens Park, it's an easy and rewarding stop for visitors curious about the stories that shaped the city.
For a park with the true trademark heritage feel of Ipswich, you can't go past Queens Park. One of the oldest parks in Queensland - a monument there was erected in 1864 - you can sense the history in the rocks beneath your feet and in the grand, established shady trees.
As you descend the hill entering Ipswich Central from the east, you can't help be impressed with this gracious, green expanse. The playground alone is worth a stop - with the city's coal mining history as its inspiration, the impressive design features a flying fox, fixed model train, Liberty Swing for people in wheelchairs to enjoy a ride and water pumps to cool off. You won't be able to drag the kids away.
The Environmental Education Centre is connected to the indoor-outdoor Queens Park Café, where you can satisfy your hunger cravings before heading off to the renowned Ipswich Nature Centre (opened in 1936) to view cute and furry animals such as wombats, bilbies and quolls. Nearby is the heritage-listed Incinerator Theatre, designed by Walter Burley-Griffin and home to the Ipswich Little Theatre. To complete your visit, stroll around the beautiful and relaxing Japanese Nerima Gardens.
