Family Day Trip to Ipswich from Brisbane

When the weekend rolls around or the holidays are upon us, we are often left searching for inspiration to entertain the family. Visiting a playground, exploring a museum, a picnic among the trees or a gentle bushwalk are just some of the many activities which can be enjoyed on a family day trip to Ipswich.

Family Fun in Ipswich

Whether you are visiting for a few hours or staying the whole day, the following Ipswich venues offers loads of fun, family-friendly entertainment.

Queensland Museum Rail Workshops

All aboard the fun train at Queensland Museum Rail Workshops. It’s easy to spend a few hours at this fun filled museum which houses an array of vintage trains, hands-on activities, play areas, train simulators, and even a railway Science Centre.  

Special events are held throughout the year, particularly during the school holidays and often include the popular Day Out with Thomas where visitors can meet Sir Topham Hatt, partake in some art and craft activities, and enjoy carnival rides.

Families can grab a bite to eat in the café, browse the merchandise in the shop or just wander the museum uncovering the many gems which lie around every corner. This venue is mostly indoors, so even if the weather is wet, a visit to the Queensland Museum Rail Workshops can still be on the cards.

The Queensland Museum Rail Workshops is open 9.30am – 4pm, seven days a week with admission starting from just $11.50. Annual passes are also available.

Queens Park

The sprawling Queens Park in Ipswich is a one stop destination for hours of free, family fun. Pathways snake through lush green lawns, under shady trees, and beyond. The Nerima Garden is a Japanese-style garden which is a tranquil spot to explore before moving on to discover the rest of the park.

The large children’s playground is a popular spot to let off steam, and features a flying fox, large climbing net, slides and water play.

If you want to sneak in some learning, The Queens Park Environmental Education Centre offers visitors hands-on, interactive activities to assist in teaching visitors about the surrounding environment. Oh and there is a café there too!

Queens Park is open 24/7, though some areas have specific opening times, so it is best to check ahead. The Queens Park Environmental Education Centre is open 9am – 2pm Tuesday to Saturday, and Monday to Saturday during school holidays. Nerima Gardens are open Tuesday to Sunday (hours vary depending on season) and seven days a week during the school holidays and on public holidays. Queens Park Café is open seven days a week, 8am – 4pm.

Ipswich Nature Centre

It is not often you have the opportunity to visit animals in a lovely natural setting for just a gold coin donation. At Ipswich Nature Centre you can do just that. Nestled on the edge of Queen’s Park, the Ipswich Nature Centre is home to a variety of farm and native animals.

Visitors can amble through the grounds on the wooden boardwalk, glimpsing emus, wallabies, quolls and even the endangered bilby. There is also farm animals to interact with and a glorious walk-through bird aviary.

Don’t just look down though, scanning the trees above, you will see (and hear) the bats (flying foxes). 

The Ipswich Nature Centre is open from 9.30am – 4pm Tuesday to Sunday, but during the school holidays is open seven days a week. Admission is free though gold coin donations are gratefully accepted.

Ipswich Art Gallery

Soak up the culture when you visit the Ipswich Art Gallery. Families can explore the latest exhibitions and browse the gallery displays in the modern gallery, which is housed in the restored old town hall, in the heart of Ipswich.

The younger members of the family are well catered for with the addition of The Children’s Gallery which boasts a variety of hands-on, creative activities which link to the current exhibitions and extend the learning and play opportunities.

The gallery is open seven days a week, 10am to 5pm with free admission, though some exhibitions may require paid tickets.

Ipswich Children’s Library

While you many not usually consider a visit to the library fun, think again. The Ipswich Children’s Library is Australia’s only stand-alone public Children’s Library and is perfectly situated in Ipswich’s Nicholas Street Precinct.

From suspended sculptures of Plesiosaurs to multiple interactive elements encouraging children to touch, play and learn the Ipswich Children’s Library is engaging as it is fun.

Cosy reading nooks can be found among the walls of this seriously cool building but the main feature has to be the floor-to-ceiling reading tree, which invites kids to relax and read their favourite book.

The Ipswich Children’s Library is open to the public seven days a week from 9am (closing time varies between 2pm – 8pm). While library membership is required to borrow books, you can visit the library and browse the books without a membership.

RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre

Plane enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre Detailing the aviation history of the RAAF’s Amberley base, the centre is full of fascinating stories and magnificent planes including Sabre and Mirage fighter jets, a WWII Jeep, Sioux and Iroquois helicopters, and a Caribou airlifter.

As you are travelling in the Amberley area it always pays to keep your ears and eyes open, you just never know what you will see in the sky!

The RAAF Amberley Heritage Centre is open 9am to 3pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and the third Sunday of each month (excluding December). Entry is free, though strict pre-registration documentation is required at least seven days prior to visit.

Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway

Step back in time aboard the heritage carriages of the Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway at Bundamba and relax as you ramble along the old industrial train line through the Ipswich countryside.

The carriages were built between 1885 and 1950 and have been lovingly restored. Volunteers are on hand to answer questions about the railways past as you take in the views from the train’s windows.

The Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway runs services on specific weekend days each month (usually Saturdays). Trips last between 30min to 90min, depending on the trip booked. Special events are also held throughout the year.

Playgrounds to Visit in Ipswich

If you are looking to fill in some time when you are exploring Ipswich, whether it be before lunch, between museums, or to stretch your legs after the car drive, we always recommend a visit to one of the following awesome Ipswich playgrounds:

• River Heart Parklands – Ipswich City
• Whiterock Adventure Playground and Splash Pad – Whiterock
• Faye Carr Park – Ripley
• Splash and Play Adventure Park – South Ripley
• Leichardt Park – One Mile
• Orion Playground – Springfield Central
• Robelle Domain – Springfield Central

Of course, this is just a few of the amazing parks and playgrounds dotted around the Ipswich area, so be sure to check out Best Parks in Ipswich for Kids for further suggestions.

Making the Most of Your Day Trip to Ipswich

Day trips are a fun way of exploring new areas while still having the comfort of your own bed at night. To ensure all members of the family have the best time on your day trip to Ipswich we recommend the following:

• Pack the car with all the things you need for a day out – snacks, water, change of clothes, protection from the elements etc.
• Do your research before you embark on your day trip – what attractions do you want to visit, which order will you visit them in, what time do they open?
• Settle on one or two main attractions to explore, and then maybe visit one or two other places to make the most of your day out.
• Take plenty of photos of your day out in Ipswich and share with your friends to encourage them to visit too.

Benefits of a Family Day Trip to Ipswich

Travelling further afield from home often presents new experiences, changing vistas and a raft of memories. A Day trip to Ipswich is no exception and has many benefits including:

• It is less than 45km from Brisbane
• You can catch a train from Brisbane to Ipswich
• Ipswich is a combination of heritage charm and modern conveniences
• Attractions are usually less crowded
• Admission prices are generally more reasonable than bigger cities

How to Get to Ipswich

The town of Ipswich is located approximately 40km south-west of Brisbane.

If driving to Ipswich, you can expect the trip to take about 40 – 50 minutes, but this will vary depending on traffic, if you utilise toll roads or if you choose to detour or stop along the way.

Alternatively, to extend your Ipswich adventure, why not consider catching the train. Services run from Brisbane to Ipswich on the Ipswich/Rosewood Line, with the average travel time being 60 minutes.

For six months from the 5^th of August 2024, all Translink fares have been slashed to just 50c, which means you can catch the train from Central Station to Ipswich for just 50c!