Located 25 miles (40) kilometers) west of Brisbane, Ipswich blends rich history with modern charm. The oldest provincial city in Queensland, Australia, is well-known for its 6,000-plus heritage–listed buildings, but it also offers stunning natural landscapes in spades, thanks to its more than 550 parks. Things to do in Ipswich include exploring the Queensland Museum Rail Workshops, hiking at White Rock–Spring Mountain Conservation Estate, and taking in the city’s architecture through heritage walking tours.
Ipswich is enjoyable year-round, but the best time to visit is during the cooler fall and winter months, between May and August, for outdoor activities like hiking. For a livelier experience, plan your trip during one of the city’s many festivals, including March’s CMC Rocks QLD, Australia’s largest country music festival, or May’s Planes, Trains, and Autos Festival, which highlights the city’s role as a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) base and auto manufacturing center.
Public buses and trains connect Ipswich to Brisbane and the surrounding suburbs. Within Ipswich, walking and biking are both pleasant ways to explore the historic city. For more flexibility, car rentals are available, and they’re handy for visiting nearby national parks and attractions including White Rock–Spring Mountain Conservation Estate and Kholo Gardens. Just be sure that you’re comfortable driving on the left side of the road!
Llamas may not be the first animal to come to mind when you think of Australia, but the Llama Farm is home to Queensland's largest herd of the shaggy mammal. Located on the outskirts of Ipswich, this working farm offers basic tours, guided llama walks, and programs for children during school vacations. If you’re crafty, the farm also sells whole fleeces for carding and spinning—a perfect way to commemorate your time.
