A Weekend in Ipswich: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore

Ipswich might not be the first place that comes to mind for a weekend getaway, but this charming city has plenty of surprises waiting to be discovered.

I recently spent a weekend with my hubby exploring Ipswich and its surroundings while soaking up the energy of CMC Rocks, and I really loved the mix of history, nature, and a growing food scene.

Just a short drive from Brisbane, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed escape. From boutique stays to hidden foodie gems and outdoor adventures, in this guide, I'll tell you how to make the most of a weekend in Ipswich.

Where to Stay in Ipswich

Cumquat House Bed & Breakfast (Where We Stayed!)

We had a cozy stay at the character-filled Cumquat House Bed & Breakfast. This restored heritage home offers charming rooms with modern comforts and welcoming atmosphere. The B&B is located on a quiet street right across from the Ipswich Showgrounds, just a five-minute drive from the CBD.

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Alternative Accommodation

Luxury Stay out of Town: For a secluded, luxurious escape, Spicers Hidden Vale offers a stunning countryside stay with breathtaking views and lots of outdoor activities.

Apartments in Ipswich CBD: For modern comfort, the Oaks Ipswich Aspire Suites are located right in the center of town and offer stylish serviced apartments with modern amenities and a lovely rooftop pool for those hot summer days.

Day 1: Arrival & Dinner Options

If you're in Ipswich on a weekend and arrive on Friday evening, there are a few great restaurants I can recommend you check out for a delicious first-night meal.

Monte Lane: A cozy spot for wood-fired pizza, cocktails, and wine. We tried the Byron Bay burrata and some share plates and we loved the atmosphere.

Hotel Commonwealth: For a good pub meal in a newly renovated space with a lovely, modern interior.

Heisenberg Haus: If you're a fan of German cuisine like I am, this place has a hearty menu featuring pork knuckle and bratwurst. I was really looking forward to dining here, but unfortunately, there just wasn’t enough time on this trip!

That Dumpling Place: This one also looked really good walking past, but we ran out of time to try it. Definitely on my list for next time!

Day 2: Explore the Centre of Ipswich

Morning

We started the day with breakfast at Rafter & Rose, which had a line out the door and seemed incredibly popular. It’s got an inside space as well as some seats in a lovely laneway with lots of greenery, making it the perfect spot for a slow morning. We enjoyed the waffles (definitely a hit!) and the avocado toast paired perfectly with a strong coffee. They also had some tempting pastries on display, like almond croissants and strawberry cheesecake cookies.

For those on the go, Monte Lane Coffee Bar is a great option for a quick coffee. We also had a chance to try Miss Jackson, a café located in a laneway filled with street art. The coffee there was just as good!

As we explored, we passed another cafe called Ellen and Rod, where we noticed lots of delicious-looking food on the tables—this one is definitely on the list for next time in Ipswich.

Afternoon

We spent some time exploring the heritage charm of Ipswich, visiting Top of Town and the new Nicholas Street Precinct.

The weather was a bit mixed—sprinkling rain one moment, then blue skies the next—but it didn’t take away from the charm of the area. We could easily see how it’s perfect for regular events and markets.

We also had the chance to check out the Art Gallery, which is super modern and a great place to soak in some local culture amidst the changing weather. We really enjoyed the Don't Get Too Comfortable exhibition, and the upstairs art workshop space was a fun find—not just for families with kids, but even as a couple, we had a great time getting a little creative.

If you're in the mood for some shopping, you'll find a variety of lovely boutiques along Brisbane Street.

As we continued our stroll, we also stumbled upon some unexpected street art in Bottle Alley, with even more vibrant murals and creative pieces scattered throughout the city. You can find all the street art spots here.

Sure, you can easily explore the heart of Ipswich in a day, but if you have the time, it’s worth staying a little longer to check out the hikes, nature, and seasonal events. There's so much more to see and do than I initially expected!

Evening

For dinner, we headed to The Rusty Nail for tapas located in the Nicholas Street Precinct.

Across the road, you'll also find General Public Ipswich, which offers a fun atmosphere with a bowling alley, darts, and games. The menu has something for everyone, including calamari, arancini balls, burgers, and a classic chicken parmi. We also considered Stony Creek Brewery, which looked like a great option.

Day 3: Things To Do Beyond Ipswich

Morning

If you have another day left, head outside of Ipswich to explore the other hidden gems the region has to offer.

But first, we started with a delicious breakfast at Queens Park Cafe, located just outside the city center. We sat on the veranda overlooking the park and the big breakkie hit the spot. If you’re visiting with family, be sure to check out the nearby Ipswich Nature Centre—it’s free (gold coin donation) and perfect for kids! The park itself is also a lovely place to relax and enjoy a stroll.

If you’re looking for an adventurous and unforgettable experience, a hot air balloon ride with Floating Images is a must! As the closest hot air balloon operator to Brisbane, they offer a breathtaking way to take in the stunning landscapes of the Scenic Rim valleys and the heritage city of Ipswich from above, definitely a bucket list item!

Our tour started bright and early at 5 am with a small group of 10 people. We even got to help inflate the balloon before takeoff! Our pilot, Graeme, has been flying hot air balloons for over 30 years, and his experience and calm made the whole journey really easygoing. Even though I had been in a hot air balloon before, my legs were shaking slightly as we lifted off the ground. But as we floated higher and took in the incredible views, all my nerves disappeared.

We enjoyed a peaceful one-hour flight over Ipswich, and since there was little wind that morning, we didn’t travel too far. However, we had a fantastic aerial view of the air base and even spotted the CMC Rocks festival grounds in the distance.

After landing, we wrapped up the morning with a delicious breakfast at Fourth Child, a charming café in the city center with a cozy atmosphere and great food.

Afternoon

If you love the outdoors and hiking, White Rock offers stunning views and a few different treks just 20 minutes outside of Ipswich. Due to recent ex-cyclone Alfred many trails are currently closed so make sure you check when they reopen!

For something a little more unique, we visited Imbibis Craft Distillery, just a 15-minute drive from Ipswich city center. We had the opportunity to take a 1-hour distillery tour with chief distiller Jason, whose passion for gin-making was truly inspiring. He gave us a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the process, and we got to sample a variety of unique gins along the way.

My favourite was the Jacaranda Gin, absolutely delicious! The distillery offers tours and tastings every Friday, great for gin lovers and simply a good time.

We also ventured to Marburg, a charming small town nearby, known for its antique shops along Edmond and Queen Streets. Stepping into Scotland Yard Antiques Marburg truly felt like travelling back in time, and the owner's appearance perfectly matched the nostalgic vibe of the shop. The store is filled with fascinating relics, perfect for anyone who loves unique finds.

Around the corner, you'll find The Soul Collective Nook, run by a wonderful couple and their three little children who we saw biking around their sprawling property, which features a beautifully renovated church at its center.

We were treated to a picnic setup like no other—inside a hanging teepee! Now that's something unique, and definitely a first for us. Suspended from a giant tree, we crawled into the cozy teepee to enjoy a delicious spread of sandwiches, cheese, crackers, and that irresistible brownie! The setup was absolutely stunning—perfect for a special occasion, like an anniversary, birthday, or even an engagement. We absolutely loved it!

For something completely different that's also super family-friendly, I recommend visiting Summer Land Camels. The beautiful Homestead Café overlooks stunning scenery, with a picturesque backdrop of Flinders Peak in the Scenic Rim region.

Entrance is free, and there’s a small fee if you'd like to feed the camels. They offer farm tours and various camel rides, including both short and longer options, like a sunrise ride.

At the café, we tried a range of products made with camel milk, including camel cappuccino, camel feta, and camel salami. While I’m not sure I’d switch to camel milk full-time, I can confirm that the camel salami was actually my favourite! It was a fun and unique experience, perfect for anyone looking to try something new.

To wrap up the day with a bang, we headed to Rage Cage Smash Rooms Ipswich for a session in the rage cage and some axe throwing—both adrenaline-fuelled activities that were the perfect finale to our action-packed day.

I have to admit, I wasn’t the best at axe throwing, but it was a fun experience and trying something I’d never done before. As for the rage cage, we had an absolute blast! We got to destroy a printer, and my hubby really got into the fun, letting loose and embracing the chaos.

Festival Time – CMC Rocks Experience

We visited Ipswich in March, in time to check out CMC Rocks, which is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest country music festival. Held annually, this event attracts top country music stars from around the world, an experience filled with live music, dancing, and plenty of country charm.

Be sure to plan ahead as tickets can sell out quickly and the festival usually features camping options for those who want to stay close to the action. We stayed in town and I personally prefer this option. There's a bus that runs from town to the festival every hour and also gets you back in the evening, which was perfect.

Although we’re total beach bums from the Gold Coast, we had an absolute blast getting into the spirit with our cowgirl and cowboy outfits for a few days at CMC Rocks. Just a heads up—don’t forget the sunscreen, it can get pretty hot and sunny! Whether you're a die-hard country music fan or just looking to try something different, CMC Rocks is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Ipswich during the event!

Ipswich Weekend Itinerary – Travel Tips

Getting to Ipswich

Ipswich is easily accessible from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, making it a convenient weekend getaway.

By Car

The fastest and most flexible way to get to Ipswich is by driving. We came from the Gold Coast, which takes around an hour and a half, depending on traffic.

From Brisbane, it's about a 40-minute drive via the M5 and M2 motorways. If you're staying overnight, most accommodations offer free parking. If you're just visiting for the da

By Train

Queensland Rail operates regular services from Brisbane to Ipswich on the Ipswich-Rosewood line, with a journey time of around 50 minutes. Trains run frequently, making it a hassle-free option.

By Air

If you're coming from further afield, Brisbane Airport is the closest major airport, about an hour’s drive from Ipswich. You can rent a car or take the Airtrain into Brisbane and transfer to a train.

Best time to visit Ipswich

We visited Ipswich in March for CMC Rocks, and it was such a great experience! The festival brought some fantastic country music performances, and it made for the perfect reason to explore the area. If you’re a fan of live music and vibrant festivals, March is definitely the time to go!

Apart from CMC Rocks, Ipswich hosts several other festivals throughout the year, which you can all find here. Whether you’re into music, arts, or sports, Ipswich has something on every season.

A Weekend in Ipswich – Final Words

A weekend in Ipswich offers an unexpected mix of adventure, history, and food. From the stunning hot air balloon ride over the Scenic Rim valleys and Ipswich City to exploring the local heritage at Top of Town and the new Nicholas Street Precinct, there’s something to see and do for everyone.

If you have time to explore beyond the city, don't miss the opportunity to visit one of the many nearby farms like Summer Land Camels where you can try camel milk products and enjoy breathtaking views of Flinders Peak.

Whether you’re looking for relaxation or a bit of thrill, Ipswich offers a refreshing escape just outside of Brisbane blending natural beauty, family-friendly activities, local culture and seasonal festivals.

This post was created in partnership with Discover Ipswich.