One of the oldest parks in Queensland, Queens Park boasts enormous, shady trees dotted around the picturesque green expanse on the hill at the eastern entrance to the city. A perfect place to spread out the picnic rug, fire up the barbie and spend a pleasant few hours. If you're not such a BYO person, the indoor-outdoor Queens Park Café offers everything for the hungry park-goer, including a special Kids' Menu. Next door to the Café, is the Environmental Education Centre with some fun interactive displays. Queens Park's playground was inspired by Ipswich's coal mining history, with an impressive design incorporating a flying fox, fixed model train, Liberty Swing for people in wheelchairs to enjoy a ride, and water pumps. And if that's not enough, there are two more amazing, free attractions - the Japanese-themed Nerima Gardens, and the Ipswich Nature Centre which has been delighting visitors since 1936. Enter the Ipswich Nature Centre through the historical rotunda and be charmed by wallabies contentedly nibbling or dozing, and other native animals such as wombats, emus, bilbies and water birds in their authentic habitats. Then there's the barn where the younger ones won't be able to resist farm animals such as pigs, calves, guinea pigs and lambs. Nerima Gardens was designed in consultation with Ipswich's sister city in Japan. A model traditional Japanese tea house, constant sound of flowing water, winding paths and charming gardens make this a tranquil and calming space. A unique factor is that Australian native plants have been used, with some being indigenous to Ipswich.

All aboard for a wholly interactive authentic heritage and cultural experience located at Australia’s oldest railway workshops still in operation.

Experience a walking, riding or horseback adventure back to the late 1800s along the old Brisbane Valley railway line from Wulkuraka in Ipswich to Yarraman. Escape to a 161km off-road adventure trail brimming with breathtaking countryside, unique country towns, local attractions, old train stations and carriages, heritage-listed sites, and rich history of early settlers just 47km from Brisbane. It doesn't matter whether you have one day or a whole week, the BVRT has something to suit everyone – choose your own adventure! With the final link between Toogoolawah and Moore completed in 2018, the BVRT is the longest rail trail in Australia, spanning 161 kilometres. Most of the trail is now an excellent compounded gravel grading that provides a relatively smooth run, although there is the odd rocky section and you should always remain vigilant on rougher areas.

Tucked away in Ipswich's gracious and historical Queens Park is Nerima Gardens - Japanese gardens designed in consultation with Ipswich's Japanese sister city, Nerima. This idyllic retreat is a wonderful way to wind down your visit to Queens Park or take a break between enjoying its other numerous attractions. The picture-perfect self-contained gardens sit behind the historic caretaker's cottage and feature a series of winding paths through fir trees and Australian native plants - some of which are indigenous to Ipswich. There, you'll really appreciate the serenity and aesthetic beauty of the pretty flowers, and experience a model traditional Japanese tea house and a small verandah overlooking a stream. There are also boardwalks over an ornamental lake where you can feel the tranquillity of being serenaded by constant running water.

Robelle Domain’s expansive green lawns, bike tracks, tree top walks and shady picnic areas are great for all the family. Add to this the Family Water Play complete with a huge tipping bucket and water jets, and the public, lagoon-style pool (opening September 2015), the kids will absolutely love this place – parents can also grab a coffee and lunch in the Robelle Cafe.

Welcome to the Nicholas Street Precinct - a destination with possibilities and opportunities. This new heart of Ipswich is an eclectic marketplace that brings the community together through culture, arts, events, restaurants and retail. With an exciting mix of cafes, and restaurants serving traditional Australian, Japanese, Mexican, Indian and Vietnamese cuisine, this is Ipswich's new dining destination, delighting visitors with flavours from across the globe. Think small plates, tapas, cocktails and wine tasting at The Rusty Nail, get your curry fix from Indian Mehfil, and try some of Janet’s handcrafted pork and chive dumplings from That Dumpling Place that will instantly transport you to streets of Shanghai. While you're here, drop into Sofia Nails and Spa, and Austhetica Oasis’ beauty and wellness suites, and be pampered. With HOYTS and The Commonwealth Hotel by Aushotels opening in 2024, Nicholas Street Precinct will soon become an entertainment hub for locals and tourists!

This accredited Visitor Information Centre offers a one stop shop for travel information including maps, brochures, and itineraries. Staffed by skilled and knowledgeable locals, the Centre offers a free booking service for accommodation and tours, a great selection of souvenirs and local arts and crafts, and provides advice on the things to see, things to do and where to eat in Ipswich. Discuss with the friendly staff your travel plans and they will be happy to offer their assistance and advice.

Join more than 100,000 visitors per year to view an ever-changing program of exhibitions and heritage displays. Families can get involved in interactive creative activities in Australia's first permanent Children's Gallery, designed especially for kids under 12. Located in the heart of Ipswich, the gallery is housed in a heritage listed 1861 child-friendly building.

Ipswich Nature Centre in Ipswich's historical Queens Park offers a magical opportunity to get up close and personal with Australian native wildlife. For 80 years, locals and visitors have been able to see animals on this site, and the twenty-first century version is up there with the best wildlife refuges. And to make the cute and furry animals feel as at home as possible, there are lush landscaped gardens and exhibits that have been recreated to represent local bushland and flora communities. A handsome rotunda built in 1891 is the entrance to the Centre, which asks for a donation of a gold coin as entry fee to help with the upkeep of the animals. From there, you stroll on shady walkways and enjoy the cute native residents such as wombats, wallabies, emus, quolls, and a nocturnal bilby exhibit. A vibrant rainforest bird aviary is alive with colour and sound, and youngsters will have a ball in the barn which has calves, lambs, pigs and guinea pigs. Open six days a week.