Discover Ipswich Magazine 2022

ADVENTURE

A weekend in the 'Swich for fun-seeking families

You will be pleased to know there’s a South East Queensland destination you can reach from Brisbane, Toowoomba, the Gold and Sunshine coasts without a monotonous long haul drive.

Say g’day to Ipswich, the historic city with a big country heart. Packed with fun things for adventurous families to do. Pack the car Friday night because we’re leaving early to arrive for breakfast in a cafe in the heart of Queensland’s oldest designated public parkland, Queens Park . Give the kids a run around the adventure playground before heading into Queens Park Cafe for breakfast. The cafe has spacious seating, smashing coffee for mum and dad, and a big menu of crowd pleaser favourites from eggs Benedict to a cheesy beef nachos and assorted fresh baked cakes in the cabinet. From here it's just a short wander to the Ipswich Nature Centre , the only free zoo in south-east Queensland, where you can see quolls and rock wallabies, a wombat named Milly, strutting peacocks and a range of farm animals.

If this has whet the kids’ appetite for animal encounters you might like to jump in the car and visit one of the region’s farms, all within a short drive from the city, where you can feed sheep and alpacas, walk with a llama, sample goat milk gelato and even ride a camel. Book ahead for your visit to EWE Nique Hobby Farm , The Llama Farm , Naughty Little Kids or Summer Land Camels . If you’d rather stay in the city, take a walk in the Nicholas St and Top of Town precincts along Brisbane Street with its eclectic array of shops, including a fourth-generation hobby shop, CJ Vogler and Sons, that has been selling model cars and trains since 1877. Then check into your spacious family room at Quest Ipswich . The kids will love the pool here complete with inflatable toys and gaming options for your room too. If time permits, check out the Ipswich Art Gallery in d’Arcy Doyle Place, which always has plenty on offer for children, including touring interactive exhibitions and fun events.

Ipswich Nature Centre

The Llama Farm

EWE Nique Hobby Farm

Queens Park Cafe

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