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Queensland Raceway

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Queensland Raceway

Just 15 minutes from Ipswich Central, Queensland Raceway is one of Australia's premier permanent race circuits – and the beating heart of motorsport in South East Queensland. Affectionately known as "The Paperclip" for its distinctive layout, the circuit hosts an electrifying calendar of major national events including the Supercars Championship, Australian Superbike Championship and crowd-favourites like Drift Matsuri and Powercruise. But the action isn't just for spectators. Visitors can get behind the wheel with the V8 Race Experience, driving a race-prepared Mustang, Camaro or classic Holden and Ford V8 at exhilarating track speeds under professional guidance. It's a bucket-list moment for revheads and first-timers alike. Queensland Raceway is also home to the Focus Driver Performance Centre, offering race simulators, driver coaching, cognitive training and performance programs for those serious about elevating their driving skills. Whether you're chasing high-speed thrills, major event energy or a truly unforgettable motorsport experience, Queensland Raceway delivers full-throttle excitement just minutes from the heart of Ipswich.

Willowbank QLD

0.1 km away

Ipswich Motorsport Precinct

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Ipswich Motorsport Precinct

Motor racing enthusiasts take note, Ipswich is home to the renowned Ipswich Motorsport Precinct, including the signature facilities of Queensland Raceway (circuit track) and Willowbank Raceway (drag racing). If the smell of gasoline gets your motor running, just get out on the Cunningham Highway and head to Willowbank, 15 minutes from Ipswich Central. Queensland Raceway hosts the V8 Race Experience where you can get behind the wheel of a race-prepared V8 – Ford or Holden, Camaro and Mustang – and feel the buzz of driving with a pro at your side guiding you. Or if you prefer you can take your own street machine, hot rod or import for a spin in Powercruise or one of the other regular driving events. You can also bring the kids along for go karting at the dedicated track. Next door is Willowbank Raceway, which hosts the Winternationals – the largest drag racing event outside of North America, with all the top pro categories including fire-breathing Top Fuel Dragsters. And the regular Test ‘n’ Tunes let you race the clock or your mates with your own car or bike in a safe, controlled environment.

Willowbank QLD

0.1 km away

Willowbank Raceway

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Willowbank Raceway

For more than three decades, Willowbank Raceway has thrilled crowds with a powerhouse calendar of national and international events. The jewel in its crown is the Gulf Western Oil Winternationals — the largest championship drag racing event held outside the United States — where fire-breathing Top Fuel Dragsters and elite professional categories light up the strip each June. But you don't have to be a professional to race here. Regular Test 'n' Tune events give drivers and riders the chance to take their own car or bike down the quarter mile in a safe, controlled environment. Whether you're chasing a personal best or lining up against mates, it's a bucket-list experience for revheads of all levels. Family-friendly, high-energy and unmistakably loud, Willowbank Raceway delivers pure horsepower and heart-pounding excitement just a short drive from Ipswich and 45 minutes from Brisbane.

Willowbank QLD

1.6 km away

Purga Nature Reserve

Natural Attractions

Purga Nature Reserve

For unique nature walks just 15 minutes from Ipswich Central, Purga Nature Reserve is a peaceful getaway. It has the largest protected remnant of Swamp Tea Tree in Australia, and there are short, self-guided walks amid the ghostly, ashen trees. The Swamp Tea-tree is used by Traditional Owners for medicinal purposes. The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties can treat coughs, colds, sore throats, headaches and other ailments. Swamp Tea-Tree are also home to ghost moth larvae (hepialus humuli) also known as witchetty grub or ‘Jebbim’ to Traditional Owners, who used them as a food staple. The reserve has two Class 2 tracks for easy level walking, including the 350-metre wheelchair-accessible Tea Tree Boardwalk Circuit, raised high enough to keep your feet dry even if the wetlands have had rain. The longer Melaleuca Circuit is a fairly short stroll on flat land, and with the native herbs, wildflowers and ground covers in place, it’s an inviting habitat for birds. Keep your eyes peeled for Eastern Grey kangaroos, koalas and echidnas. Purga Nature Reserve’s popular frog pond, depending on the time of year and rainfall, is host to the Green Treefrog, Eastern Sedgefrog and Striped Marshfrog, and you can also see willy wagtails, skinks and rarely, red-bellied black snakes. With picnic tables and compost toilets this Reserve offers a great short nature experience.

Purga QLD

6.9 km away

RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre

Galleries, Museums and Collections

RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre

Anyone interested in aviation or military history will love a visit to the RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre, near Ipswich. Housed in hangars at RAAF base Amberley, Australia’s largest operating airbase. You can walk around and get up close to the F-111, known for its iconic "dump and burn". There is also a WWII Boston Bomber, Vietnam-era Canberra bomber, Caribou airlifter, Sioux and Iroquois helicopters, and WWII Jeeps on display. There are also Sabre and Mirage fighter jets. The museum focuses on the RAAF’s important role in South-East Queensland in both war and peace times, with exhibits, armaments, aircraft modules, engines and more. Reservists and volunteers act as friendly guides so you can feel free to ask them anything. There’s a gift shop selling model planes, DVDs, books and clothing, plus a sausage sizzle and coffee van during Open Days. The Centre is open every third Sunday of the month, except December. For School and Community groups, by prior arrangement, the centre is open Tuesday and Thursday between 9am and 3pm. Entry is free, however visitors must complete pre-registration to meet the base security access requirements to access the base. Donations are welcome.

Amberley QLD

7.7 km away

Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate

Natural Attractions

Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate

Located 20 minutes drive from Ipswich Central, the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate covers over 3,179 hectares. The conservation estate supports extensive forests and rugged volcanic peaks and slopes including Flinders Peak, Mt Blaine, Mt Catherine and Mt Goolman. A range of recreational activities are on offer to visitors, including bird-watching, hiking, mountain bike and horse riding (BYO bike or horse) and camping. Hardings Paddock and Flinders Plum Picnic Areas are the destination highlights within the estate with each area offering barbecues and public toilets. The campground at Hardings Paddock provides the only bush camping opportunity within the 6,000+ hectares of natural reserves in the Ipswich region. Cultural records on physical artefacts and sites of spiritual significance are documented for this area, such as a former Bora Ring between Mt Blaine and Flinders Peak. Burrumpah/Booroongaph (Flinders Peak) is considered part of The Dreaming landscape. It was also used as a marker to guide visiting clans from other Aboriginal Language Groups. Today, Hardings Paddock features a permanent Kupmurri cooking area and bush tucker trail designed to enable the continuation of cultural practices and knowledge sharing. Please Note - It is recommended visitors check the Ipswich City Council website for the latest information on closures or controlled burns in Conservation Estates before visiting.

Purga QLD

9.6 km away

Henry Lawson Bicentennial Park

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Henry Lawson Bicentennial Park

Henry Lawson Bicentennial Park, located opposite the state school in the township of Walloon, is just 15 minutes drive from Ipswich. The park, home to the Babies of Walloon memorial, is one of the key points of interest on the Cobb & Co Tourist Drive. The striking memorial to the lost Babies of Walloon commemorates the tragic drowning at a local waterhole of two school children, sisters Bridget and Mary Broderick. The tragedy became the subject of a poem by Henry Lawson “The Babies of Walloon”, and the text of this haunting poem is carved in railway sleepers placed around the memorial. The park isn’t just about poetry however, with other facilities including playground equipment, BMX track, skate park, sheltered barbecue areas and public toilets all being part of the fabulous amenities.

Walloon QLD

9.6 km away

Meet our friendly camels — Image credit: Summer Land Camels

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Summer Land Camels

Australia's largest Camel Farm & Dairy. Located within the beautiful Scenic Rim of South East Queensland, Summer Land Camel Farm is only 45 minutes from Brisbane and just over an hour from Toowoomba and the Gold Coast. Meet their gentle camels, feed them, take photos and learn about the anti-aging and immune health benefits of Camel Milk. See their products being made and experience the freshest products straight from the farm. Enjoy country fare in their cosy Café, taste delicious camel milk, gelato, their amazing cheeses, cakes and their famous camel-cino. Try their anti-aging skin care products and learn why camel milk is the ultimate ingredient for skincare.

Harrisville QLD

11 km away

Lobley Park

Parks and Gardens

Lobley Park

If you'd like to give the kids a park experience to remember while you're in Ipswich, the award-winning Lobley Park will make you very popular with the younger members of the family. The park has an aviation theme, earning its nickname of 'the aeroplane park', so budding pilots' or flight attendants' spirits will be in the clouds. The nearby RAAF base at Amberley gets a nod with the walk-in equipment resembling an RAAF cargo plane with mock cockpit, plus there's an air-traffic control tower with x-ray machine and radar screen. Blue pathways painted with clouds connect different play areas and make Lobley Park a great place to bring a scooter or bike. There's also an interactive flower garden and 'parachute' swings among other attractions. Lobley Park has disabled access and covered electric barbecue areas and toilets, and as it's lit up at night, it's tempting to stay for an evening sausage sizzle and continue exploring Ipswich the next day. No wonder it's become popular for birthday get-togethers and is a winner of a Parks and Leisure Australia State Award for Regional Playspace and Parks.

Churchill QLD

11 km away

Coominya Railway Station — Image credit: State of Queensland

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is a recreational adventure trail stretching 161 kilometres. Visitors can go on a walking, bike riding or horseback adventure back to the late 1800s along the old Brisbane Valley Railway Line from Ipswich to Yarraman. Escape to a trail brimming with breathtaking mountain scenery and tranquil waterways, old train stations and carriages, and a rich history of early settlers along the old Brisbane Valley Railway Line. Discover rich history and heritage-listed sites like Lockyer Creek Railway Bridge and Yimbun Railway Tunnel. Explore through some of Queensland's most unique country towns with a wide range of accommodation, food, museums, galleries and attractions adding so much variety to your adventure.

Wulkuraka QLD

12 km away

Raysource Road

Natural Attractions

Raysource Road

If you’re an avid watcher of our feathered friends, you’ll delight in ‘discovering’ this quiet, rural bird watching hot spot. Get to the corner of Kamp Road and Raysource Road in rustic Walloon - about 14 kilometres from the Ipswich Central Business District – and bird-watch where the locals in the know go! Park at the junction of Raysource Road and Haigslea Cemetery Road and walk west on Raysource Road (flat graded road that changes to bush track) and south on Kamp Road. You’ll spot a range of bush birds along the way – from Grey-crowned babblers, Speckled warblers, Wrens, Owlet-nightjars, Brush and Fantail cuckoos, Fuscous honeyeaters and more. When on the western walk along Raysource Road, which changes from a flat, graded road to bush track, look out for Nankeen night herons and other waterbirds at the nearby dam. Please be cautious of passing traffic when parking and walking on these roads and note that the surrounding properties are privately-owned with no access permitted – which also means there are no public toilets nearby.

Haigslea QLD

12 km away

Shapcott Park

Natural Attractions

Shapcott Park

This park in Coalfalls is an unexpected, hidden little treasure along a narrow, shady section of the Bremer River. Idyllic and calm, it’s a good spot for a relaxed family picnic on the grassy stretches or at the undercover picnic table. The shaded playground boasts net swings, a spring rocker, spinning wheel, slides and a climbing rope and a rock climbing wall to keep little clamberers actively busy and happy. Birdwatchers will delight in the abundance of feathered beauty and water babies will enjoy easy canoe and kayak ramp access for some calm fishing from the river. There is drinking water onsite and car parking available, so all you have to do is grab the family and pitch up for a perfect day out.

Coalfalls QLD

13 km away

Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve

Natural Attractions

Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve

It's not often you get an unspoiled natural wonderland in the heart of a city, but Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve in Ipswich Central is an idyllic environmental gem. This hideaway for nature lovers offers a choice of bush walking loops that range from 200 to 800 metres. Once you descend the walking tracks amid huge native trees, you completely forget that you're just a few minutes away from the city's main streets. It's a popular place for bird watchers, with owls, kookaburras, wrens, finches, and others making their homes here. The 11-hectare site was established as a reserve in the 1880s. It features picnic facilities, a nature-based playground, and a totem landscape art feature to recognise the connection and cultural significance to Traditional Owners. One of the cultural uses was sending communications through smoke signals. The messages would have included arranging meetings, ceremonies, trade and marriage, or seeking permission to enter or traverse through Traditional Lands. In the 1890s the site gained international fame when Triassic period insect and plant fossils were found. In 1912 a coal seam was found, and the site was mined until about 1950 leading to the reserve now sitting above closed-off mine tunnels. Part of the walking trails follow the former coal-skip tramway. Please note: public access to the water tower has been closed indefinitely by Queensland Urban Utilities.

Ipswich QLD

13 km away

Studio 188

Entertainment Venues

Studio 188

Ipswich City Council has transformed the historic Old Baptist Church into the intimate, well renowned performing arts venue, Studio 188. Offering a year-round program of art, culture and entertainment in the heart of Ipswich, Studio 188 boasts a flexible space, regular live music gigs, artist residencies and creative development workshops where big ideas are hatched and people come together in ways that connect and inspire. Studio 188 is the home for local artists and community folk to foster industry connections, gain exposure and develop new works, with regular free workshops and programs. Studio 188. Perform. Promote. Produce.

Ipswich QLD

13 km away

The Soul Cauldron

Shopping and Markets

The Soul Cauldron

The Old Flour Mill, one of the better known landmarks of the Top of Town in Ipswich, is where you'll find the charming and quite magical, Soul Cauldron. The building includes remnants of the old mill that once ground Darling Downs wheat into flour to be sent on by rail to market in Brisbane. Soul Cauldron specialises in books on quite diverse subjects relating to the mind, body and the metaphysical. You'll find tomes on the faerie world, buddhism, positive affirmations and wikka, and everything in between. Adding to mystical, magical ambience is the scent of incense in the air (and for sale) as well as candles, crystals, jewellery and, yes, even little steel cauldrons.

Ipswich QLD

13 km away

Embers and Twine

Shopping and Markets

Embers and Twine

Beautiful scented candles and personalised gifts are the domain of Embers and Twine, another of the unique businesses you’ll find in Ipswich’s Top of Town stretch. The shop specialises in gifts with an emphasis on personalised, customised items. Framed art featuring family names or photographs and stylised text are among the unique offerings here. You can take in your own treasures photos and have them rendered in a water colour effect and framed as a beautiful keepsake to be treasured. These can be custom printed to mark a special occasion or event, such as a birthday, an anniversary, a new baby or a trip overseas - the list is only limited by your imagination. Owners Narelle and Alicia also offer their own range of divine scented soy and coconut wax candles in an array of glorious fragrances, kokedama string gardens and handmade jewellery. This really is a one-stop gift shop!

Ipswich QLD

13 km away

The Old Flour Mill building — Image credit: Pam Hart photography

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

The Old Flour Mill

Standing proudly on Brisbane Street, The Old Flour Mill is a heritage building with historical significance. Originally constructed in the early 1900's it was designed by George Brockwell Gill. This striking red-brick structure played a vital role in the region's industrial past, serving as a flour processing mill that supported local agriculture and trade. Over the decades, the Old Flour Mill has transformed from an industrial hub into a vibrant precinct, now home to an eclectic mix of boutique shops, cafés, and creative spaces. While its function has evolved, its character remains unchanged, boasting original architectural features, rustic charm, and a timeless elegance that tells the story of Ipswich's rich past. Today, this landmark is a destination for visitors and locals alike. Whether enjoying a relaxing coffee, browsing specialty stores, or admiring the craftsmanship, the Old Flour Mill continues to be a cultural cornerstone. A perfect blend of heritage and modern creativity, it serves as a living testament to the city's ability to embrace both progress and tradition. It showcases historical ingenuity with its simple loading-platform in arms reach from the railway. While it is safely blocked from access, visitors can enjoy the passing trains and scenery from the rear roller door of the building. For those who appreciate history and unique experiences, The Old Flour Mill remains a must-visit location.

Ipswich QLD

13 km away

Top of Town

Shopping and Markets

Top of Town

If you love discovering something a little different and eclectic when you're shopping, Ipswich's Top of Town fits the bill. This historical stretch of Brisbane Street bordered by Ellenborough and Waghorn Streets, has cafés, restaurants, vintage stores, clothing boutiques, a luxury massage/spa, homewares and collectibles on offer. You'll be impressed by the original shop façades and heritage buildings such as the Old Flour Mill Building, designed by renowned architect George Brockwell Gill. For sustenance, choose from Rafter and Rose Café, St Shoebill, The Retro Diner, UB's Milkbar, Heisenberg Haus or Fourthchild Café and Restaurant. Stony Creek Brewing at 88 Limestone Street is the local place to be with its funky industrial décor and onsite-brewed craft beers. Fashionistas will be obsessed with Obsession Shoes, which carries overseas cult brands, while Oh! JoJo Boutique stocks fashion, accessories and jewellery from an eclectic assortment of hard-to-find labels. Other specialty shops are C.J. Vogler and Son – a hobby and model store that opened in 1877; Cute to Boot - a baby and toddler boutique; Arttime Gallery and Fine Art Supplies who supply art materials of every kind; Dark Magician Pop Culture - full of collectables and gaming products.

Ipswich QLD

13 km away

Drift & Stone

Shopping and Markets

Drift & Stone

Drift & Stone is a creative studio, retail space and workshop hub in Ipswich's historic Top of Town precinct, specialising in terrariums, aquascaping and Australian nature-inspired designs. Part gift store, gallery, part workshop space. Drift & Stone invites visitors to slow down and get hands-on with plants, water and stone. Join a guided workshop to create your own moss or mushroom terrarium, beginner aquascape or snail garden, or browse the thoughtfully curated retail range of plants, materials, tools and equipment to continue creating at home. The space also offers unique, nature-inspired giftware perfect for curious makers and creative souls. To complement the experience, Drift & Stone offers barista-style coffee and refreshing iced teas, including distinctive native flavours such as strawberry gum and Gumby Gumby within the space. Drift & Stone is co-located with Rhan Hooper - Didgeridoos n aboriginal artifacts, adding another layer of cultural depth to the space. Rhan, an indigenous artist-in-residence, regularly works onsite, creating and sharing their art, alongside workshops that offer visitors meaningful opportunities to learn, engage and create. Supplying native bush foods and indigenous products. Drift & Stone offers a uniquely hands-on Ipswich experience in collaboration with indigenous and Australian business owners and artists and Acknowledges the traditional owners the Jagera (Yuggera) and Ugarapul peoples.

Ipswich QLD

13 km away

Interior View — Image credit: Ipswich Antique Centre

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Ipswich Antique Centre

If you're looking for antiques and other collectibles and memorabilia, you can't go past Ipswich Antique Centre in the Ipswich Central Business District. Occupying the Heritage-listed Uniting Church Central Memorial Hall, built in 1895 and designed by renowned architect, George Brockwell Gill, the atmospheric retail centre is a treasure trove for antique lovers. As a bonus, it's air-conditioned and has a large, free carpark. After a year-long restoration, the thriving antique hub now lures visitors from near and far who can't resist the "city antiques at country prices" ethos. Many Brisbane residents make the 40-minute trip to Ipswich especially to nab the unbeatable bargains. A towering exposed roof and stained glass windows set a conducive ambience as you stroll around looking for the ultimate buy, and there are around 20 regular, plus unique mini-mart dealers where anyone can hire a square metre or larger to show their approved wares. Whether it's vintage or estate jewellery, pottery, collectables, bric-a-brac, restoration products and paints, kitsch 1950s and '60s items, or larger items such as Australian Colonial or Victorian English furniture, you can be guaranteed to find that special something at Ipswich Antique Centre.

Ipswich City QLD

13 km away

Rack 'em up — Image credit: Michelle Wong

Entertainment Venues

CU@N8s

Located in one of Ipswich's beautiful Heritage Listed locations, CU@N8s is an above average Pool Hall. Open seven days a week till late. Offering eight 9" American Nine Ball tables as well as gorgeous views on the deck. Play a game or two, have a bite and a drink or two. Or just watch the world go by on the beautiful deck!

Ipswich QLD

13 km away

The Tap Pack at Ipswich Civic Centre

Entertainment Venues

Ipswich Civic Centre

The Ipswich Civic Centre provides dynamic venues that not only deliver captivating performances but also serve as platforms for community events, performances, and functions that empower individuals and organisations to take ownership of their artistic expression and event planning, providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed. Through comprehensive hospitality and technical services, the Ipswich Civic Centre offers turnkey event delivery, providing our community with opportunities to come together, connect, and celebrate in meaningful ways. At the heart of everything they do lies a strong belief in the transformative power of the arts and the boundless potential of community engagement. They celebrate the richness of artistic expression and the power of human connection by fostering and investing in a community who gather, support, engage and celebrate the arts and live entertainment through experiences and events.

Ipswich QLD

13 km away

Goleby's — Image credit: Arttime Gallery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

ARTtime Gallery & Fine Art Supplies

ARTtime Supplies is the creative hub of the heritage Top of Town precinct. This shop not only supplies art materials of every kind but includes a gallery and retail space showcasing a diverse range of quality artisan works from textiles and ceramics and jewellery and a myriad of homewares. Pastels, pencils, inks, paints and dyes of every kind are available to purchase here, as well as artists' papers, canvasses and even easels. The business is one of the many specialist outlets in the heritage Top of Town precinct, this is a truly a creative corner of Ipswich. Keep an eye on their full calendar for upcoming exhibitions, art competitions and special events throughout the year

Ipswich QLD

13 km away

Dark Magician Games

Shopping and Markets

Dark Magician Games

Do you have a Yu-Gi-Oh or Disney fan in the house or a fiercely competitive Warhammer warrior? Or maybe someone who simply loves pop culture. Well, there’s a destination in Ipswich, Queensland, that they may just want to check out. Dark Magician Games, named after a Yu-Gi-Oh character, specialises in a variety of tabletop games and hosts regular tournaments. It’s a shop that attracts all age groups. Youngsters come in to sift through cards for their collections, available from a few cents a piece, while more seasoned gamers stock up on paint for intricate Warhammer pieces. The shop opens through to Rare & Pretty Dolls with its own colourful array of new and vintage dolls and collectable Pop Vinyls. The two shops are run by husband and wife Shaun and Cassie who love sharing their hobbies with visitors. Tournaments bring crowds to town to compete in their new Gamers Guild Hall a medieval themed Magical place to play games with friends. There’s even a special menu on offer that players can choose from, delivered from the nearby Restaurants at a discount.

Ipswich QLD

13 km away

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