Ipswich’s burgeoning reputation as a destination of choice is being fuelled by the highest number of day-trippers to the region since the COVID-19 outbreak.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the latest data released from Tourism Research Australia showed day trips to the region were up 15.3 per cent year on year, with only 2019 reporting higher numbers.
“The number of day-trippers coming to Ipswich is really encouraging,” Mayor Harding said.
“Day trips are up considerably in 2023 to nearly 1.5 million visits, so the word is spreading that Ipswich has something to offer for just about everyone.
“Ipswich is a vibrant, accessible and scenic city, offering everything that visitors could want from a short break or day trip.
“Scenic journeys through our beautiful rural towns such as Marburg and Rosewood are enticing more people to venture out to the city limits and enjoy a pub meal or a spot of antiquing.
“In our city centre, boutique shopping in the Top of Town is topped off with our incredibly popular school holiday activities, world-class libraries and dining options in the Nicholas Street Precinct.
“We can’t wait for the next exciting attraction for day-trippers and residents alike, when the new HOYTS cinema and complementing entertainment options open in the Venue building on the corner of Brisbane and Ellenborough streets.
“Ipswich is the place to be for everyone from young families to retirees, offering a relaxing getaway, connections to nature in our nature reserves like Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate, or places to learn like The Workshops Railway Museum.
“Thousands of visitors are coming to Ipswich for our festivals and events, including the always popular Planes, Trains and Automobiles next month, the Festival of Horsepower in June, and cultural celebration SPARK Ipswich in July.”
The Tourism Research Australia data also included international visitor numbers for the first time since COVID showing promising green shoots for local tourist operators.
“International tourism is up 1.5 per cent on the previous figure prior to the COVID-19 shutdown period, but what is more encouraging was they are staying longer and spending more. Spending by international tourists was at $45 million in 2023, which was 7.5 per cent higher than before COVID-19,” Mayor Harding said.
“Tourism is a crucial driver of the Ipswich economy and a key focus for council. Our city is flourishing and council remains committed to doing all we can to help grow the industry further.
“Encouraging more visitors, visitor nights, length of stay and visitor expenditure have all been targets of council’s Destination Management Plan and City Events Plan in recent years and this looks to be paying dividends.”
Most international tourists visiting Ipswich last year were from New Zealand ahead of Asia with the vast majority returning visitors to the city.
Inspiration for planning a visit to Ipswich can be found on council’s dedicated website at DiscoverIpswich.com.au
For more information on council’s Destination Management Plan and City Events Plan visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au
Visitation data has been provided by the Australian Government’s Tourism Research Australia and is derived from the National Visitor Survey.
