What's On Ipswich

Ipswich is Queensland's oldest provincial city and offers an alluring blend of heritage charm, metropolitan sophistication and expansive green spaces. Early colonial buildings stand proud in the city centre, lovingly restored Queenslanders perch on hills and quaint townships dot the surrounding countryside.

Just 40 minutes west of Brisbane and an hour from the Gold Coast, Ipswich combines rich heritage with the energy of being the hub of today's growth region in South East Queensland. Whether you’re looking for family friendly fun, outdoor adventure, adrenalin action, pure indulgence or a glimpse back to bygone days … come and Discover Ipswich.



What's On Ipswich

What's On Ipswich: Melbourne Cup at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Where better to see the latest fashions for the track then at the Metro Hotel Ipswich International on Melbourne Cup day fashion parade by The House of Amy Ipswich.

Be charmed by key trends hitting our racetracks this Spring.

How better to describe classic and quality than the word LACE. Antique style lace returns in all its glamour and will be a prominent feature through Spring 2011 and Winter 2012. Traditional needle or bobbin lace stealing the limelight, wider nets, unique patters and sturdy fabrics are featured in skirts, dresses, tops. Shapes are simple and elegant.

The 60’s lady – Miss Dior silhouettes are still a strong focus this season. Fuller skirts, long midi length pencil skirts that taper to the calf. Forget the mod 60’s we are not doing miniskirts and tiny shift dresses. This look is elegant. Bright fresh colours and pastels, prints such as floral and stripes that are bold and fruity will be seen. The House of Amy has already ordered ranges for next year’s Ipswich Cup and we have this look covered!

Luxury Trims Return – The Tassel

Tassels have been used throughout history as symbols of status from military to religious, from personal adornment to furnishings. 17^th century France had a boom industry in manufacturing handmade tassels representing wealth, power and opulence.

Our global instability has awakened a desire for small luxuries, and our appreciation for craftsmanship and quality has matured. We see luxury as craftsmanship a perfect adornment such as the tassel or antique inspired lace is a statement. The connotation of opulence in good taste. Quality is key when it comes to the tassel, an understated sense of luxury and authenticity. Tassels will be seen adorning handbags, shoes, belts, hats and garments and will be in a range of materials from rope to silk, beads to leather.

Pleats are Back and Here to Stay..

The most dominant pleats are knife pleats which are single pleats that all go in the same direction, and sunray pleats which are knife pleats that are cut to start smaller and get wider flaring to the hem.

Pleats will be prominent in sheer lightweight fabrics that are flowing and ethereal. Fabrics such as sheer crepes and silk tulles are hot. Lengths in dresses and skirts vary and you will see pleats in 70’s revival maxi skirts and dresses through to the 1920’s flapper look.

Classic Black and White…Always a favourite

Different combinations will be seen! All black, all white, spots, stripes, black on white, white on black…always a winner.

Spring has seen a burst of colour with reds, oranges and green prominate. Colour blocking will be popular trackside with clever matching of solid colour in outfits. You will see red and orange together, blue and green together, and purple and yellow. This is a strong statement look with styles very minimalist in cut.

Fascinators and Hats

The most important adornment for a trackside woman. Choose a colour that compliments your outfit and doesn’t overpower the total finished look. If choosing a plain black fascinator or hat add a few extra feathers or ribbon in a colour that is featured in your outfit, it is important that your headwear ties back with your outfit to achieve a polished finished look.

The House of Amy is showcasing exclusively to the Ipswich International Hotels Melbourne Cup Day ranges that will be in store for Next years Ipswich Cup. Labels will include Lemonade on the Lawn, Ruby Valentine, Studibaker and Darling. These ranges are not even in production yet and will be instore Feb, March 2012. We will also be showcasing a designer range of Millenery by local milln

What's On Ipswich: Melbourne Cup at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

White Christmas Helps Tiny Blaise

WHETHER you are organising a work group or a gathering of friends to celebrate the festive season, this year the Metro Hotel Ipswich International has devised the perfect event - a Winter Wonderland Christmas function, complete with one of the world's most experienced Santas.

While the weather may be warm outside, the hotel is expecting a winter chill on November 11 as it dresses itself in its winter finery.

Guests will be treated to a wide array of festive nibbles, a two-course Christmas dinner and beverages.

Entertainment will be provided by a mobile DJ, while a magical elf with a sack full of tricks will perform.

Funds will be raised for two-year-old Blaise Wyatt, who suffers from cerebral palsy.

Blaise's parents Dawn and Cameron Wyatt aim to take the toddler to the United States for treatment. Raffle tickets will be sold on the night.

To book for the Winter Wonderland event, call the hotel on 3812 8077.

What's On Ipswich: THE Last Four Super Hornets to be Based at RAAF Base Amberley

These photos were taken today from the Metro Hotel Ipswich International As they flew over today.

THE last four Super Hornets to be based at RAAF Base Amberley will fly over Ipswich today as part of a 20-strong jet formation.

Ipswich residents will see 16 F/A-18F Super Hornets depart Amberley about 10am before they fly over various south-east Queensland locations from the Sunshine Coast to Tweed Heads.

After they meet the four new jets at the Sunshine Coast, they will return, and Ipswich residents will be able to look to the skies about 11.24am to see all 20 Super Hornets return to base.

THE Last Four Super Hornets to be Based at RAAF Base Amberley

What's On Ipswich: Shop Until You Drop - Get the Girls Together for Christmas Shopping Spree and a Fantastic Night Out.

Shop Until You Drop - Get the Girls Together for Christmas Shopping Spree and a Fantastic Night Out.


Accommodation twin share
Plus1 x$ 20 gift voucher for
Platform 9 restaurant and bottle of wine on arrival
$75.00 per person

Looking for a bit of retail therapy... Exclusive boutiques... Novelty gifts... Fabulous homewares... Local art... One stop-shopping? Then check out a sample of some of our retailers and centres.

Within walking Distance from the METRO HOTEL IPSWICH INTERNATIONAL you will find the historic vibrant section of the City boasting a broad diversity of retail, cafes and commercial and community enterprises nestled within a unique streetscape boasting preserved and restored historic buildings.

Turn any corner and you are likely to find something to surprise and delight you. Top of Town is Ipswich's premier boutique shopping, cultural, dining and entertainment precinct. The two-block stretch along Brisbane Street boasts some of Ipswich's oldest and most beautiful heritage buildings, funky cafe's, long standing businesses and a wide array of shopping delights Or you can take a short drive to Ipswich Riverlink Shopping Centre destination.

What's On Ipswich: Shop Until You Drop - Get the Girls Together for Christmas Shopping Spree and a Fantastic Night Out.

Staff Training Day at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Staff Training Day at Metro Hotel Ipswich International, cocktails in Lounge bar in preparation for Melbourne Cup.

Weddings Ipswich: Boudoir Photography Party @ Metro Hotel Ipswich International - Metro Hotels

Metro Hotel Ipswich International is offering this Boudoir Photography Party package:

This Boudoir Photography Party package is a new way of pampering yourself while hanging out with friends.

Each girl gets her own mini photo session. It's wildly fun, the experience of a lifetime, Perfect for any occasion, Hens party, birthday celebrations and Wedding showers

Package Includes:

Hair, Makeup, Photo sitting, print, corset &
Accommodation with continental breakfast for $300.00 per person

Weddings Ipswich: Boudoir Photography Party @ Metro Hotel Ipswich International - Metro Hotels