Adrenaline-charged long weekend for Ipswich’s Planes, Trains and Autos 2023
14 March 2023
Astounding horsepower, heritage locomotive treasures and warbird flyovers will take place over Ipswich across four huge days as Planes, Trains and Autos returns bigger and bolder from 28 April to May 1.
The festival will again celebrate all things aviation, rail and automotive, and promises to be a series of adrenaline-charged low-cost events for the whole family and all-ages to explore.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the 2023 festival will be the event’s biggest to date with a full long weekend of fun and unique horsepower experiences for the Ipswich community and visitors.
“Now in its third year, this fantastic festival over four huge days will pay tribute to our city’s rich history as the heartland of Queensland’s industrial development, while celebrating our present and future as a hub for defence, logistics and advanced manufacturing,” Mayor Harding said.
“The city’s premier adrenaline-charged festival also celebrates the region’s deep connection to the men and women who have served the nation.
“Ipswich is home to Australia’s largest operational RAAF base at Amberley, and we are a proud defence city that appreciates the service and sacrifices made by the men and women of the Australian Defence Forces.
“Planes, Trains and Autos is one of Ipswich’s favourite festivals with a huge range of exhibits and activities, so come revel in the beauty and power of hundreds of incredible Queensland machines.”
Mayor Harding said more than 8,300 people attended the 2022 main event, and the 10,000 available tickets this year are expected to sell very quickly.
“There will be spectacular high-energy aerobatic displays by reigning Red Bull Air Race world champion and former RAAF top-gun pilot, Matt Hall, so the main event can be heard, seen and enjoyed by residents all across Ipswich,” Mayor Harding said.
Economic and Industry Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Nicole Jonic said the festival’s centrepiece will be atThe Workshops Rail Museum on 29 April with an exciting line-up of military displays, interactive family-friendly activities and a huge variety of awe-inspiring machinery.
“The museum grounds will be packed to the brim with roving entertainment, passionate exhibitors sharing their love of all things aviation, rail, cars and bikes, and aircraft will perform thrilling aerials displays over North Ipswich,” Cr Jonic said.
“Visitors and families can look forward to seeing Australia’s oldest working steam locomotive as well as lovingly-restored and maintained muscle cars and pre-1919 motorcycles.
“To complete your experience, you can even enjoy a 30-minute vintage diesel hauled train ride with Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway.”
The long weekend kicks off with the Australian Superbike Championships returning to Queensland Raceway from 28 April for a three-day smorgasbord of two-wheeled racing action.
The Queensland Auto Spectacular will take over Willowbank Raceway on 30 April and will feature a huge swap meet, car club displays from historic to muscle, the Australian Rocker Cover Racing Championships and quarter-mile test and much more.
The pace will then slow on the Labor Day public holiday for the festival’s final event, Retro Picnic at Evan Marginson Park in Goodna on 1 May.
Councillor Jonic said the picnic will be a great social outing for people who celebrate the Kustom Kulture combining hot rods, muscle cars and bikes along with amazing street food and live music.
“We encourage you to bring a picnic blanket or camping chair and relax on the green,” Cr Jonic said.
Tickets for the Saturday 29 April event start at $5 for children, with family passes from $20, and are available online from 10am AEST, Thursday 16 March at www.planestrainsautos.com.au
The 2023 Planes, Trains & Autos event is Presented by Ipswich City Council with support from Tourism and Events Queensland, The Workshops Rail Museum, Royal Australian Air Force, Bekaa Air, Brisbane Airport Corporation, TAE Aerospace, RDO Equipment, Bremer Ford and 9 News Queensland.