Gravity defied as Planes, Trains and Autos turns five
21 March 2025
Ipswich’s annual Planes, Trains and Autos festival returns in 2025 as the city celebrates the things that make us move, with thrilling aerobatics displays by pioneering stunt pilots among the many drawcards.
The skies, roads and tracks of Ipswich will come alive for the fifth year of the much-loved festival over the Labour Day long weekend on 3-5 May.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said this year’s packed program across multiple sites will let visitors of all ages get up close and personal with the coolest vehicles.
“Planes, Trains and Autos is an enthralling showcase of transportation, attracting more than 15,000 attendees ready to celebrate Ipswich’s proud history as a leader in industrial development and defence in Queensland,” Mayor Harding said.
“The festival’s marquee event Fully Charged at the Queensland Museum Rail Workshops on Saturday 3 May will feature unique displays, demonstrations, performances and play spaces.
“This is a highly interactive event, with visitors able to partake in guided hands-on activities such as skateboarding workshops featuring pro skater Tommy Fynn, emergency service vehicle tours and waste services truck demonstrations.
“Heads will turn skyward when former RAAF pilot and Red Bull Air Race world champion Matt Hall and his protégé Emma McDonald perform their breathtaking solo and formation aerobatic displays.
“Emma is a rising star in aerobatics and one of the country’s few women to participate in the sport.
“After a career as a diesel fitter, she achieved her commercial pilot licence before turning her attention to aerobatics and racing, while also encouraging girls and young women to get involved in the aviation industry.
“I can’t wait to see Emma and Matt tear up the skies over Ipswich.”
Mayor Harding said other events throughout the weekend will give attendees the chance to socialise and appreciate timeless transport.
“Park and Pose at the Nicholas Street Precinct, a Mustang Car Show at Hotel Commonwealth and the popular Retro Picnic at Evan Marginson Park in Goodna are all about the classics, bringing together lovers of muscle and retro cars and motorbikes,” Mayor Harding said.
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said the festival would also pay homage the region’s rich rail heritage.
“The beautifully restored Swanbank Collier will take passengers on a scenic journey through lush bushland and picturesque suburbs, passing by historic coal mining sites,” Cr Augustine said.
“Train lovers young and old can also have the experience of riding a scaled-down version of the historic Grandchester coal-burning steam engines at the recreated country railway loop.
“Planes, Trains and Autos truly delivers an incredible line-up of events and it’s little wonder why it has pumped millions of dollars into the Ipswich economy since 2021.
“It’s one of many major festivals delivered by council each year that provide a host of economic and social benefits to our community, ensuring Ipswich remains one of the premier destinations for tourism and events in South East Queensland.”
Almost 18,000 people attended Planes, Trains and Autos in 2024, including almost 7,000 at the Fully Charged event.
“We hope to surpass those numbers this year, with 10,000 tickets being made available for Fully Charged this year, which are sure to sell fast,” Cr Augustine said.
“One of the best things about this festival is that it’s low cost. Family passes admitting two adults and three children to Fully Charged start at $20, which has not changed in years despite the cost of living going up.”
Tickets and more information about the festival are available at Ipswichfestivals.com.au/planes-trains-autos
The 2025 Planes, Trains & Autos event is Presented by Ipswich City Council with support from Tourism and Events Queensland, Queensland Museum Rail Workshops, Alstom, Brisbane Airport Corporation, Defence Health, Bremer Ford, GCE Contractors, 9 News Queensland, Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway, Ipswich Waste Services, Ipswich Art Gallery, Nicholas Street Precinct, Hotel Commonwealth and Fonzie Abbott.