1. ATTEND GALVANIZED

Galvanized is the city of Ipswich’s festival of heritage, showcasing the best heritage experiences and events Ipswich has on offer over 11 days from 29 August to 8 September 2024. There are events focusing on heritage, history and culture; as well as workshops, social events, talks and tours.

2. EXPLORE INDIGENOUS HISTORY

Take a drive out to Hardings Paddock to explore First Nations history. Find a Kupmurri cooking area, Aboriginal Totem walk, yarning circle and bush tucker trail designed to enable cultural practice and knowledge sharing.

During Galvanized you can also attend the Indigenous Wild Food and Cultural Festival. It will feature a huge line-up of talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and contemporary talent, bush tucker foods and cooking demonstrations. There will be live cultural performances and workshops, market stalls, food trucks, and tonnes of free family entertainment for the whole family including arts and crafts, games, rides, fireworks and more!

EXPLORE FIRST NATIONS HISTORY DURING GALVANIZED

3. TAKE A GHOST TOUR

Hear about Ipswich’s haunted history on a ghost tour run by historian Jack Sim’s knowledgeable team. With plenty of tours to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The tours run on weekends, or look out for special dates during the festival.

4. VIEW HISTORIC BUILDINGS

At the Cooneana Heritage Centre, you can find a restored homestead built from timber cut and milled on-site. You can also see coal mining displays and a school room where children can experience an olden-day classroom complete with wooden desks and slate boards.

Stroll around the Top of Town to see the Old Flour Mill building, the Old Courthouse and 88 Limestone which used to be a technical college. Head to Timothy Maloney Oval to view the stunning St Mary’s Catholic Church or to the Nicholas Street Precinct to see the oldest Anglican Church in Queensland – St Paul’s – which will also host the Craft and Quilt Display during Galvanized.

5. HAVE LUNCH OR DINNER IN A HERITAGE BUILDING

There are a number of restaurants housed in historic buildings in Ipswich. Indian Mehfil is inside an old bank building. Memories of India is inside the historic Ulster Pub circa 1910, and Bakehouse Steakhouse is in a former bakery dating back to 1870. Sit and sip in a heritage laneway at Monte Lane or Stony Creek Brewing at the old Pumpyard (a historical watering hole and once a Technical College). The Cottage Restaurant is housed inside Darver Cottage, an 1860s house-turned-restaurant. You can also take a drive to explore the historic Spicers Hidden Vale estate and eat at Homage Restaurant.

MARBURG HOTEL - BAKER'S BALL 2023

6. VISIT THE BIRTHPLACE OF RAIL IN QUEENSLAND

Queensland Museum Rail Workshops is an awardwinning museum located at the birthplace of rail in Queensland. The first train to run in Queensland was steamed from the original rail workshops to Bigges Camp in Grandchester. In 2002 a museum opened at the North Ipswich site featuring 15 large exhibition spaces showcasing the social, technical and cultural impacts of rail transport. During Galvanized the museum will host a range of events with everything from Steam & Smoke BBQ to creative glass sand blasting and blacksmithing workshops.

7. VISIT THE HISTORIC TOWN OF MARBURG

Home to the beautiful Woodlands of Marburg estate, the country town of Marburg is full of heritage charm. Visit The Black Museum, Scotland Yard Antiques and Special Branch Collective for antiques and curiosities. Stop in at one of the oldest pubs in the Ipswich Region, the Marburg Hotel, and learn about its history while sitting at the original bar. Walk around the corner to The Soul Nook Collective, housed inside an old church, and grab a coffee or explore the Boutique.

Marburg is also hosting The Baker’s Ball as part of Galvanized, where you can step back in time for a WWII victory dinner dance. The Baker’s Ball is a social night where you are encouraged to dress for the period, so get out your glad rags and practice your jitterbug.

After the party rest your head at Woodlands of Marburg for the night. Set inside a historic estate, there are executive and deluxe suites overlooking the grand 1891-built mansion. You can also book for dinner or breakfast in the restaurant inside the mansion.

SCOTLAND YARD ANTIQUES

8. TAKE A RIDE ON A HISTORICAL TRAIN

The Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway (QPSR) runs restored historic locomotives once a month, alternating between Saturday and Sunday trips. You can book a ticket to ride in heritage carriages along old mining routes and explore the historic station.

Also on the first Sunday of each month, the Grandchester Model Steam Railway is open to visitors. Here you can ride scaled-down versions of steam locomotives, through model stations and over a bridge. The trains are located at the end of the first railway in Queensland, Bigges Camp.

9. EXPLORE MILITARY HISTORY

The RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre has a large collection of military aircraft from years gone by; as well as vehicles, equipment and other military memorabilia to explore. It is open to the public one Sunday a month, and groups can book in during the week. You can also view a collection of military memorabilia at the Ipswich Soldiers’ Memorial Hall Museum. The museum is open to the public on the last Sunday of the month from 9:00am to 3:00pm and for special tours during Galvanized.

10. STAY IN A CHARMING HERITAGE ACCOMMODATION VENUE

Whether you’re headed out for the Galvanized Festival or coming at another time, there are a few charming heritage accommodation offerings in Ipswich. Stay at Cumquat House bed and breakfast, a 1914 Mission Revival house, or Woodlands of Marburg as mentioned previously; or book to stay in the heritage cottages at Spicers Hidden Vale or restored heritage homes with Urban Getaway.

HERITAGE ACCOMMODATION AT CUMQUAT HOUSE

Category: Destinations
Written: Thu 01 Aug 2024
Printed: August, 2024
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