Discover Ipswich Magazine 2023

Blast

past from the

Cooneana Heritage Centre

As one of Queensland’s oldest cities, Ipswich features a stunning array of preserved buildings and parklands just waiting to be explored and admired.

Pockets of Ipswich’s rich past can be found everywhere – from the outer suburbs that pay homage to the region’s coal mining and rail construction eras, to the thriving Top of Town precinct where a blend of heritage and modern

Cooneana Heritage Centre is home to Ipswich Historical Society and five other groups. Visitors are able to enjoy a walk through the 154-year-old Cooneana Homestead, see displays in the old buildings and learn about the traditional craft of blacksmithing. Back in Time Family Fun Days offer many activities for adults and children to share. Coal mining formed part of the establishment of industry in Ipswich. See the range of displays and videos in Jim Donald House and huge coal mining equipment in the beautiful grounds. envelope ipswichhistoricalsociety@gmail.com Another fantastic historical attraction is The Workshops Rail Museum in North Ipswich. This is the birthplace of Queensland’s rail history, with more than 200 steam locomotives built here. Many of the original structures like the Timekeepers’ Building and the old boiler shop are still standing. In 2002, the site was transformed into a rail museum with 15 permanent exhibitions and a new Sciencentre . Families can discover full-size locomotive train engines and carriages, a model railway and enjoy the many hands-on activities. As you head into the heart of Ipswich, drop by Queensland’s oldest park. Queens Park was first surveyed in 1842 and has remained a popular spot for families.

architecture define the city’s skyline. Start your journey back in time at the

Cooneana Heritage Centre in New Chum, as it showcases what life was like before modern technology. Run by the Ipswich Historical Society, you will find a range of properties that date back generations, including a miner’s cottage from the 1800s. Visitors can also peruse the coal mining displays, videos and artefacts, and witness traditional crafts such as blacksmithing.

Quirky heritage feel in the Top of Town

Cooneana Heritage Centre

phone (07) 3282 0358 open days ARROW-POINTER Ipswichhistoricalsociety.com

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