There is mayhem and magic, secrets and science in the mystical realm of the Wizards and Witches Express.  Learn about the unexplained and the spooky and be dwarfed by the magical creatures residing at The Workshops Rail Museum during the holidays.  Activities are FREE after general Museum entry, which is Adults $19.00, Concessions $16.00, Children (under 3) FREE, Children (3 to 15) $11.00, Family (2 Adults and up to 4 Children) $57.00.   Open daily 9:30am to 5:00pm.

It's Winter again and time for Christmas in July

On arrival, settle into the Mansion Dining Room with your complimentary glass of Estate wine and enjoy our superb Christmas selection and the friendly service of Woodlands.
Our Christmas in July menu will be available every Friday and Saturday evening from 6pm for Dinner and every Sunday from 11:30am for Lunch throughout July. Bookings are essential. 

For those of you with parties of 25 people or more, we would be happy to arrange another day for your functions. Please email us at bookings@woodlandsofmarburg.com to arrange this.

Dress up as your favourite spooky character and come along for a day of family fun!  Learn more about the science behind the magic with demonstrations and hands-on experiments for the budding wizard.  Picnic hampers are available on this day and can be pre-ordered from the Trackside Cafe.   Activities are FREE after general Museum entry, which is Adults $19.00, Concessions $16.00, Children (under 3) FREE, Children (3 to 15) $11.00, Family (2 Adults and up to 4 Children) $57.00.  Open daily 9:30am to 5:00pm.

This special trip will celebrate the anniversary of the first train journey taken in Queensland, which occurred on 31 July 1865. The trip will depart from The Workshops Rail Museum, retracing the same journey to Grandchester as that taken in 1865, and includes a roast lunch and dessert. Bookings are essential. Prices from: Adult $59.00 Concession $56.00 Child $51.00

Metro Hotel Ipswich International presents... 'Hollywood Scandal'.  At 6:30pm on Thursday the 29th of July, join us at the Metro Hotel Ipswich International for a 2 course Murder Mystery dinner that will intrigue the mind and tantalize the taste buds.  Contact Laryssa Hunt to book.  Book a table of 6 and oly pay for 5.
   - Cost: $50.00 per head
   - Ticket price includes house wine, local beer & soft drinks
   - Dress: As your favourite Hollywood star
BOOKINGS & PRE PAYMENT ESSENTIAL

Final Gauge records the end of an era and documents through words and images the history and culture of the Ipswich Railway Workshops. This photographic exhibition is part of our Ipswich 150 celebration and was put together by Ipswich locals Robyn Buchanan and Lyle Radford.

Exhibition is free after Museum entry, which is Adults $19.00, Concessions $16.00, Children (under 3) FREE, Children (3 to 15) $11.00, Family (2 Adults and up to 4 Children) $57.00.  Open daily 9:30am to 5:00pm

The Handmade Expo Market is a handmade only market of up to 100 stalls of lovingly handmade wares from childrens clothing and accessories to jewellery, country craft, timber work, soaps, adult clothing and much more. Now incorporating gourmet fresh section which includes cupcakes, coffee, jams & pickles, fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, gelati and soooo much more. Free entry and parking. Open from 8am to 2pm. Now incorporating the Pioneer Steam Train rides running in conjunction on the day of the market. New stallholders always welcome.

Neville Bonner AO is celebrated for his social and political achievements as the first Indigenous Australian to sit in Federal Parliament as a Senator. Bonner made strong contributions to the people of Australia and was strongly outspoken against racial discrimination.

Born on  Ukerebah Island at the mouth of the Tweed River, Bonner relocated several times  during his youth and childhood and received only a limited education. He met and married Mona Banfield in 1943, together they have five sons and two foster daughters. Mona and Neville lived on Palm Island for a number of years before moving to Ipswich in 1960.

With the referendum of 1967, Indigenous Australians were finally granted the right to vote and to be counted in the census. That same year, Bonner decided to enter politics and joined the liberal party. Bonner devoted himself to Indigenous rights and to changing the racist attitudes of the time. He is quoted as saying “You’ve got to get into the system, work through the system and make the changes. If you say the law is a bad law, you don’t break it, you try to change the law”.

In 1971, Bonner was sworn in as Australia’s first Aboriginal Senator, chosen as Australian of the year in 1979 and went on to be awarded the title of Officer of the Order of Australia in 1983. Bonner passed away in Ipswich in 1999.  Mr Jason Sondorp generously donated a portrait of Neville Bonner to the Ipswich Art Gallery  in 2009. As well as unveiling the donated portrait, this exhibition highlights Bonner’s significant achievements and his strong connection and commitment to the Ipswich region.

THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND GALLERY
Early Queensland Architect William Martin Haenke began his career in Ipswich, then worked in Melbourne before returning in 1900. He made a significant impression on the local landscape through his unique approach and by introducing the Californian bungalow style to this region. Many of his buildings remain standing in Ipswich today. The charm of Haenke's beautiful hand-drawn designs featured in this exhibition is a reminder of the talent of the architectural draftsman and the enchanting detail of Ipswich buildings of the early 20th Century. Proudly presented by the Ipswich Art Gallery and The University of Queensland, Ipswich campus.