Discover Ipswich Magazine 2019

4. TheWorkshops Rail Museum TripAdvisor Rating from 247 reviews. Tiny train lovers will never want to leave The Workshop Rail Museum with its interactive exhibits, vintage trains and the biggest model railway display in Queensland. Children can drive a train in the Nippers Railway Playground, pedalling their way through ports, cane fields and city stations. The museum also boasts diesel train simulations, a working blacksmith shop and a creativity station for train themed dress-ups. Be sure to check out the impressive collection of restored vintage trains and the working restoration project being undertaken on a heritage steam train fleet. Modern trains aren’t forgotten either, with a tilt train display and the chance to see what driving a tilt train looks like from the driver’s perspective. Don’t miss: The museum’s ever-changing touring exhibitions and children’s activities throughout the year – and the always-popular Day Out With Thomas (the Tank Engine). Cost: Prices start at $11.50 per child, family discounts are available. *More rail on page 15. from 53 reviews. Situated in the centre of Ipswich lies the cultural heart of the city, the Ipswich Art Gallery. Hugely popular with both locals and visitors, this progressive and exciting gallery is one of the most visited regional galleries in Australia. Along with ever-changing exhibitions, this was the first gallery in Australia to have a permanently dedicated space just for children. The hands-on workshops, interactive exhibits and highly engaging performances within the Children’s Gallery are well-known, as are their fun-filled holiday programs. Don’t miss: Fun activations that never fail to delight during every school holiday season. Cost: Free entry, some ticketed exhibitions. 6. Ipswich playgrounds There is no shortage of amazing playgrounds in Ipswich. Whether you have older kids seeking the challenge of a 9.2 metre slide at Tucker Family Park in Bellbird Park; or toddlers seeking the scooter tracks of Grande Park in Springfield, the options are endless. Enchanted Woods at Springfield Rise is a new playground themed around castles and knights and suitably features a metal sword concreted into stone just like King Arthur’s sword Excalibur. It is this unique and thoughtful design approach that Ipswich playgrounds are known for. Don’t miss: Water play is a popular feature of many Ipswich playgrounds, with River Heart Parklands and the adventure park in Ripley both offering free water play equipment. Cost: Free entry to all parks. 5. Ipswich Art Gallery TripAdvisor Rating

7. Haigslea EWE Nique Hobby Farm Did someone say baby goats?!... Encounters with baby goats will depend on the time of year you visit; however, all year round is a good time to feed, cuddle and chuckle at the goats’ antics as well as friendly alpacas and sheep, on this hobby farm. An outing to Haigslea EWE Nique Hobby farm feels just like visiting family as the owners are incredibly welcoming. Don’t miss: Visitors can feed and pet the animals, have a yarn on a bale of hay, and enjoy some local coffee while relaxing to the background sounds of the country. Bookings are essential, as the owners like to keep the crowds to a minimum to maintain the lovely relaxed atmosphere. Cost: $5 per person. 8. Go hiking There are plenty of hiking trails to explore around Ipswich that offer spectacular scenery. White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Estate is only 20 minutes from Ipswich CBD and is a favourite weekend destination for families. For a wetlands hiking adventure just minutes from the centre of Ipswich, the Haig Street Quarry Bushland Reserve is centred around a lake. Don’t miss: Kholo Gardens with its lush gardens and lily ponds. Tree Fern Lane is as peaceful as it sounds, and, at only 400 metres long, it is the perfect walk for families wanting to leave the busy city behind. Cost: Free entry to all nature reserves. *More hiking on page 6. 9. Or mountain biking… If adventure on two wheels is more your thing, grab your mountain bike and head to the Hidden Vale Adventure Park at Grandchester. This 12,000-acre nature refuge has been transformed into an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. Whether you want to walk, ride or run, 110kms of trails will ensure a never-ending choice of adventures. You can even hire bikes if needed and catch the shuttle bus back up the hill at the end of your ride! Don’t miss: Free mountain bike trails can also be found at Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve that caters to riders of all abilities, including those craving a challenging roller coaster experience. Cost: $10 for Hidden Vale Adventure Park, free entry to Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve. *More cycling options on page 16. 10. Ipswich markets Residents and visitors to Ipswich have long been enjoying the mix of eclectic, organic, vintage and craft-filled markets that are on offer. Monthly markets at Orion Springfield Central, Robelle Domain parklands and Ripley are highlights, as are the Handmade Expo markets every month at Bundamba. For more on markets check out the website DiscoverIpswich.com.au. Don’t miss: Take a torch light tour of The Workshops Rail Museum after visiting their twilight markets that run a couple of times a year. Cost: Free entry to all markets. Ipswich Showground Markets have a donation box at entry. *More markets and shopping on page 30.

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