08 March 2023
Flavours, heritage, adventure, country and culture are the five themes highlighting Ipswich’s growing $270 million tourist industry, according to the 2023 Ipswich Visitor Guide.
The guide features more than 100 Ipswich tourism businesses, including award-winning restaurants, grand buildings, nature escapes, places for family fun, thrilling tours, luxury retreats, secret escapes and all the major events the city has become well known for.
Ipswich City Council Economic and Industry Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Nicole Jonic said tourism remained an important pillar in the Ipswich economy.
“This year’s guide showcases the many things to see and do in Ipswich including world-class events like Australia’s largest international country music festival CMC Rocks QLD, drag racing championships the Winternationals and our 11-day arts and culture festival SPARK Ipswich,” Cr Jonic said.
“I invite you to spend time exploring our historic city with its heritage buildings, unique shopping experiences and beautiful nature trails.
“I would also encourage residents to share the visitor guide with their friends and family to showcase the amazing experiences we have to offer right here in our own backyard.”
The guide will be distributed to 200 cafes throughout Ipswich, Brisbane, Toowoomba and the Gold Coast, as well as accommodation houses and visitor information centres throughout Queensland.
Award-winning gin, rum and brandy distillery Imbibis Craft Distillery is featured on the front cover, another local success story.
Imbibis recently distilled the first rum in the heritage city for 137 years (since it was last made at the Marburg rum distillery in 1886) and has opened a tasting room in Bundamba.
They have won silver and bronze awards in the 2022 London Spirits Competition and Small Business of the Year at the 2022 Ipswich Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.
This year’s guide also includes tips from locals on their favourite places, as well as information to help visitors with accessibility needs to plan their trip to Ipswich.
Cr Jonic said Tourism Research Australia data showed a recent increase in people staying overnight in the city.
“The stats show a recent uptick in visitor nights to above pre-covid levels, and through initiatives like the guide we continue to help grow visitation to the city,” Cr Jonic said.
“We are an inclusive community and are working to ensure people of all abilities can navigate our city in 2023, which is the year of accessible tourism.”
You can order a copy of the guide through the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre or visit www.discoveripswich.com.au/magazine to view the digital copy or order your hard copy.