WaterFest 2026 is your chance to explore, protect, and celebrate Ipswich’s stunning waterways. From free family-friendly fishing competitions and kayaking to platypus conservation walks and school holiday activities, there’s something for everyone across April and May 2026.
Be inspired to get outdoors and discover the Bremer River, Brisbane River, and the many creeks winding through our catchment – while learning about sustainable recreation and environmental initiatives making a real difference in our community.
WaterFest 2026
WaterFest 2026 will bring into focus the many ways you can be involved in sustainable water-based recreation and ways to improve the health of our waterways.
The WaterFest program 2026 includes the following events:
Catch, Snap & Win Fishing Competition
Hosted by Ipswich City Council and 2 Bent Rods, join in this fun fishing competition. Use the app to log your catches and compete across three categories – Open, Youth (12–25), and Child (up to 11).
A total prize pool worth up to $2,500 is up for grabs, including a kayak!
When: Monday 23 March – Sunday 19 April 2026
Where: Across waterways within the Ipswich local government area (some exclusions apply)
Cost: Free
More information via 2 Bent Rods Humanitix
Learn to Fish (Active and Healthy Program)
During the school holidays, join in a fishing activity with Council’s Active and Healthy program. Learn knots, baiting, casting, and sustainable practices.
When:
Tuesday 31 March, 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Thursday 2 April, 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Family Sessions: 11 April (Colleges Crossing), 18 April (Joseph Brady Park), 19 April (Colleges Crossing)
Kids Sessions: 13 April & 17 April (Joseph Brady Park)
More information: Sign up to the Active and Healthy program and register for this activity at Ipswich.qld.gov.au/activehealthy
Waterbugs in Tulmur Place
During the school holidays, drop in and discover the fascinating world of real waterbugs! Also look out for the “Agents of Discovery” digital mission running throughout the April holidays.
When: Tuesday 7 – Friday 10 April 2026, 10:00am – 2:00pm daily
Where: Tulmur Place, Nicholas Street Precinct
Cost: Free (no registration required)
More information here
Queens Park Environmental Education Centre Activities
Visit the Queens Park Environmental Education Centre for a range of nature-themed activities these school holidays.
Regular hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00am – 2:00pm
Special events (registration required):
Creatures of the Creek Animal Show – Saturday 11 April, 10:00am
Terrarium Building Workshop – Tuesday 14 April, 11:00am
Rodney the Rainbow Fish Reading – Thursday 16 April, 10:30am
Cost: Free
Find more event information here
Community Planting & PlatypusWatch Walk
Help improve waterway habitat and learn about platypus conservation with Dr. Tamielle Brunt. Free lunch included — come along and make a difference for Ipswich’s waterways!
When: Saturday 18 April 2026, 2:00pm
Where: Bundamba Creek
Cost: Free, registrations required
Register at conservationvolunteers.info/WaterFestPlanting2026
Agents of Discovery
During March and April there is a special Mission at Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve that celebrates the Brisbane river and our valuable waterways. Download the free Agents of Discovery app for nature-approved screen time!
Simply use the app on your smartphone and walk around the reserve to unlock fun games and challenges. Suitable for children with adult supervision, Mission takes less than an hour to play.
See more about Agents of Discovery.
Trees for Mum
Plant a tree to honour and celebrate Mum and the special women in your life, with council’s Habitat Connections program. Pack a picnic rug and enjoy activities on the day while helping revegetate an Ipswich waterway and improve habitat for native species.
When: Sunday 10 May 2026
Where: 36 Mill St, Goodna
Cost: Free, registrations required
Find more information at here
Plan your vist
When: March – May 2026
Where: Various Ipswich parks and waterways
Cost: Free- some events require bookings
More information here
