If you're into local history and traditional craftsmanship then put a visit to Ipswich's historic Cooneana Homestead on your itinerary.
Home to the Ipswich Historical Society and several other groups, Cooneana Heritage Centre contains historical photographs, artifacts, traditional crafts, and coal mining displays that showcase the rich and diverse history of Ipswich – Queensland’s oldest provincial city.
Cooneana Homestead displays the early days of Ipswich.
Jim Donald House is a fine example of a Miners Cottage of the 1890s to early 1900s . See coal mining displays and videos inside.
In the schoolroom children can experience an olden days classroom complete with “engraved” wooden desks and slate boards – a great experience for school groups. Ipswich Historical Society blacksmith shop is where you can find the blacksmiths working at their forges.
The Spinners, Weavers, Fibre Artisans of Ipswich welcome visitors on Monday and Thursday from 9am, and the first Saturday of the month.
Ipswich Genealogical Society opens on Mondays and Thursdays 9.30am – 2.30pm and Saturdays 9am – 12 noon.
Historical Motorcycle Club of Queensland, Ipswich Area has a clubhouse on site and is happy to display their vintage and veteran motorbikes for events.
Queensland Metal Artisans Collective have a workshop where they work on making metal items such as knives, axes and sculptures.
Ipswich Mini Crafters meet on Wednesdays from 7pm.
Cooneana is open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and the second and fourth Sundays of each month (March to November) from 10am – 2pm.