About the park
Queens Park
Queens Park contains significant cultural heritage values not only for Ipswich but for Queensland. Queens Park was the first park to be developed in Queensland, first being surveyed in 1842. Its original architectural design dates back to 1862 and is perhaps Ipswich's most well know landmark. Visitors to the park will experience old world charm with modern day conveniences. Features of the park include extensive formalized garden beds, Nerima Gardens (a Japanese-styled garden), the Ipswich Nature Centre, children's play facilities, Bush House, Bush Chapel, Queens Park Croquet Hall, Ipswich Bowls Club and Environmental Education Centre.
Nature Centre
Ipswich Nature Centre in Ipswich's historical Queens Park offers a magical opportunity to get up close and personal with Australian native wildlife. For 80 years, locals and visitors have been able to see animals on this site, and the twenty-first century version is up there with the best of wildlife refuges. And to make the cute and furry animals feel as at home as possible, there are lush landscaped gardens and exhibits that have been created to represent local bush land and flora communities.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday – 9:30am-4:00pm
School Holidays Open 7 Days – 9:30am -4:00pm
Public Holidays – 9:30am- 4:00pm
Closed Christmas and Good Friday.
Nerima Gardens
Nerima Gardens are the Japanese Gardens of Ipswich and has a cost-free entry.
The first stage of Nerima Gardens was opened on 17 May 2001 by former Ipswich Mayor John Nugent and Mayor Saburo Iwanami of Nerima to commemorate the Sister City Relationship between Ipswich City and Nerima City, Japan. Nerima Gardens has been designed in consultation with Ipswich City's sister city Nerima. The philosophy of the garden is to create a place of peace and tranquility, a place to meet nature and calm the spirit.
The garden is designed to take advantage of the existing vegetation and landform of Queens Park in such a way that the visitor is taken on a journey of discovery, where the perspective of the garden changes and lightens the heart. Nerima Gardens seeks to capture the elements of a Japanese style garden whilst retaining a distinctly Ipswich identity through the use of local plants including rare and endangered species.
Summer Opening Hours
(start of September school holidays until end of Easter school holidays):
Tuesday-Friday- 9:00am-3:45pm
Saturday-Sunday & Public Holidays- 9:00am – 5:45pm
Winter Opening Hours
(end of Easter school holidays until start of September school holidays):
Tuesday- Friday- 9:00am -3:45pm
Saturday-Sunday & Public Holidays- 9:00am-4:30pm
Closed Mondays except during School Holidays and Public Holidays.
Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Environmental Education Centre
The Queens Park Environmental Education Centre is housed next to the Queens Park Cafe in the centre of the city's premier parkland. The centre has many environmental education exhibits which showcase Ipswich's unique natural environment and waterways. The interactive displays connect you with nature in your home and around the city.
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00am -5:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am- 4:15pm
Public Holidays: 9:00am-4:15pm
Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday.
Ipswich Council Nursery
Ipswich residents can purchase plants from the Queens Park Nursery provided proof of current residential location is confirmed at the time of purchase (e.g. driver licence). Customers not resident in the City of Ipswich cannot purchase plants from council nurseries. Payment methods accepted are EFTPOS, credit/debit card or cash. The Ipswich City Council also offer a Free Plant Program to those who live locally. For more information and the required documents please visit www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/about_ipswich/beautiful-ipswich/free-plant-program
Opening Hours:
Wednesday and Thursday- 7:30am-12:00pm and 12:30-3:00pm
Saturday- 8:00am-12:00pm
Closed all Public Holidays.
Ipswich City Visitor Information Centre
Ipswich City visitor information centre is located on the outskirts of Queen’s Park, with driveway access off Chermside Road or Queen Victoria Parade. The Ipswich Visitor Information Centre is an award-winning tourist centre and is home to passionate volunteers who have over 950 years combined experience living and working in Ipswich. They know Ipswich better than anyone and are available seven days a week to assist visitors to our region.
The centre provides free booking services for tours and accommodation, free maps, brochures and WIFI access. It also stocks a wonderful selection of local and regional art, hand-made gifts, produce and products. The centre can also assist you with your event ticketing needs and are agents for Ticketek and Ticketmaster.
Opening Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm
For more information please contact the Visitor Information Centre on 3281 0555.
Bush Chapel
Queen’s Park Bush Chapel is a popular open-aired location within the park, that can hold up to 120 people. It offers a casual wedding and reception venue but its surrounding parklands serve as a peaceful ceremony setting. More information on applying for a permit to use the Bush Chapel or holding any other large ceremonies within Queen’s Park can be found at www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/parkpermits or
alternatively contact the council on 3810 6666.
Ipswich Croquet Club
The Ipswich Croquet Club is located in the heart Queens Park, adjacent from the café. For more information on the Croquet Club please contact: ipswich@croquetqld.org
President: Jannene Wall
The Croquet Hall is also available for hire through Ipswich City Council. For more information on hiring the club please contact Ipswich City Council on
3810 6666.
Ipswich Bowls Club
The Ipswich Bowls Club in Queens Park is Ipswich’s oldest bowling club. It contains two greens for bowls and is great for all ages. For more information on The Ipswich Bowls Club please contact 3281 1420.
If you have further questions about any of Queen's Park facilities, please contact Ipswich City Council on 3810 6666.