NICK JR.’s Dora the Explorer LIVE! Ipswich Events

NICK JR.’s Dora the Explorer LIVE! Ipswich Events


Need Accommodation in Ipswich? Metro Hotel Ipswich International

The Workshops Rail Museum wins at the Australian Tourism Awards

Congratulations to The Workshops Rail Museum for taking out the top gong in the heritage and cultural tourism category at the 2011 Australian Tourism Awards.

According to Brisbane Marketing Chief Executive Officer John Aitken, the award was a well deserved recognition for the museum.

“The Workshops Rail Museum is an outstanding attraction for Ipswich and the Greater Brisbane and this award is a credit to the staff and volunteers for their hard workd and dedication,” Mr Aitken said.

Arts Minister and Ipswich Member Rachel Nolan congratulated The Workshops Rail Museum after it took out the coveted award.

“Now the rest of Australia knows what we already did – The Workshops Rail Museum is a winner,” Ms Nolan said.

“It already won national recognition in 2007, taking out the prestigious Best Heritage and Cultural Tourist Experience, and now staff will have to make room on the mantelpiece for another trophy.”

The Ipswich museum beat Fremantle Prison (WA), Venture North (NT), Museum of Australian Democracy (ACT), Old Melbourne Gaol (VIC), Innamincka Hotel (SA), Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre (TAS), and the Temora Aviation Museum (NSW) to take out the award in the heritage and cultural tourism category.

“This award is testament to the dedication of staff and volunteers, as well as those at the adjacent Queensland Rail workshops,” Ms Nolan said.

“Each and every one involved in the museum is a winner.”

The Australian Tourism Awards are the most prestigious tourism event in the country and showcase the wealth of fantastic tourism product Australia has to offer.

“Local, state and national tourism awards are a great tool to help operators improve their business,” Ms Nolan said.

“In these tough economic times, every bit of promotion helps our tourism industry and money cannot buy this sort of publicity for The Workshops Rail Museum.”

Set at the birthplace of rail in Queensland, The Workshops Rail Museum features 15 hands-on exhibitions for visitors to explore.

The exhibits include historic carriages, a model railway, stories about the future of rail, and treasures such as the Vice-Regal carriage and Australia’s oldest working steam locomotive.

Visitors also get to meet some true Aussie characters when they step into a real heritage railway workshop and see it in operation.

The Workshops Rail Museum is part of the Queensland Museum. For more information visit www.theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au or call 07 3432 5100.

Brisbane's Backyard - Beautiful Ipswich

Brisbane's beautiful backyard, which includes the Scenic Rim, Country Valleys and Ipswich, is the focus of a campaign run by Brisbane Marketing designed to attract visitors to the region.

The campaign features hotels, B&Bs and retreats in the region - a leisurely one hour drive west of Brisbane- offering great accommodation deals until March 28.

Brisbane Marketing Leisure Tourism Director Cathie McBean said the depth and breadth of tourism products and experiences in the Scenic Rim, Country Valleys and Ipswich regions are perfect for people to explore over the Easter long weekend break.

"This campaign is timely, while only two months since the floods it is important we send out a very clear message - the Scenic Rim, Country Valleys and Ipswich- Brisbane's beautiful backyard- is open and ready for families and visitors to enjoy," she said.

"We want to educate people in Brisbane about the amazing country experiences to be had right on their doorstep.

"In the Ipswich region people can explore historical landmarks like the Ipswich Heritage Trail, or the award-winning Workshops Rail Museum; or adrenalin lovers can get their fill with skydiving, hot air ballooning or driving a V8 Supercar at the Queensland Raceway.

Need Top Quality Ipswich Hotel and Apartment Accommodation, then look no further than Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Shane Watson returns to home town of Ipswich to help lift locals' spirits

SHANE Watson has revealed plans to finish his career as an opener as Australian cricket's golden boy returned to home town Ipswich yesterday to apply his Midas touch to the flood-ravaged community.

Putting an end to debate over his long-term role in the Australian set-up, Watson scuppered suggestions of a shift down the order after blasting a majestic 161 not out to sink the Poms in the one-day series opener at the MCG on Sunday night.

Less than 14 hours after his 150-ball masterpiece, Watson arrived in Ipswich, reaching out to his people as he surveyed the wreckage of Queensland's worst natural disaster in 37 years.

Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale said Watson's presence underlined the region's solidarity and the 29-year-old is determined to be the backbone of Australia's top order for as long as he wears the baggy green.

"Absolutely, I love being an opener," said Watson, who made a guest appearance at Bunnings in Booval yesterday to sign autographs for locals.

"It's such a great challenge, whether it's day one when it's swinging and seaming with the bowlers nice and fresh, or day three when you can take them down. I want to stay there for good. It's the challenge I want."

Watson began his Test career in the middle order but the blond all-rounder has emerged as one of Australian cricket's finest openers.

Since being elevated to the apex of the order against England in July 2009, Watson has hammered 1696 Test runs from 36 innings at the world-class average of 49.88.

But his one-day pyrotechnics show on Sunday night is evidence of how much more he can offer in the Test arena. "It's one big score, it's nice to do it but I don't think it will put an end to it [criticism of his struggle to convert starts into huge Test scores]," said Watson, who failed to score a century during the Ashes despite getting a start in nine of his 10 innings.

"I will have to do it consistently over a period of time to know that I'm doing the right things mentally and technically. It's a nice step but I have to do it consistently."

Watson toured parts of Ipswich with Pisasale yesterday and paid tribute to the toughness of the locals.

"It's humbling. All I wanted to do growing up was emulate someone like Allan Langer, who was playing for the Broncos, and also Craig McDermott [former Test bowler], who'd been through the same system I'd been through," Watson said.

"Ipswich people are tough people. There's no doubt it is a hard time but I know everyone will come together to help out.

"I've been very lucky to grow up in Ipswich and get the grounding in life and cricket. They are a resilient society so it's nice to be able to help the people."

See source article by daily telegraph

Images by Getty

Nominations URGENTLY sought - the 2011 Ipswich Australia Day Awards

Nominations URGENTLY sought for the 2011 Ipswich Australia Day Awards.

Help us to recognise the many outstanding achievers in the Ipswich community for the 2011 Ipswich Australia Day Awards.

Nominations close 3 DECEMBER 2010.

Visit the online nomination form and submit online or print the form and submit by mail.

28/10/2010 Ipswich – the perfect destination for business or leisure

Named the world’s most liveable mid-sized city* just three years ago, Queensland’s oldest provincial city Ipswich is an exciting destination to visit for both business and leisure, offering all the attractions and facilities of a progressive city.

Ipswich offers visitors plenty to see and do including visiting the Ipswich Art Gallery, the Workshops Rail Museum, steam trains, more than 500 parks, wineries, cafes, restaurants, cinemas and shopping centres.

The city hosts regular national and local festivals and events such as the Queensland Open Golf Championships, Ipswich Cup - the city's annual major horse race, drag racing's finest at the Winternationals held at Willowbank Raceway, Queensland 400 V8 supercars at Queensland Raceway, Ipswich Festival and Ipswich Show.

Read Full article at Metro Hotels press releases

Things to see and Do at Ipswich, QLD Image Collection

The Ipswich nature Centre is just one of many exciting and Free tourism attractions in Ipswich, Queensland. A great holiday choice for a family or nature lover.







See Metro Hotel Ipswich International Website