As Queensland’s oldest city, Ipswich is a heritage hotspot, but old buildings can often mean inaccessibility, rather than accessible. In this post, we go through some of the best spots in Ipswich which can be enjoyed by everyone, from things to do to what to eat!
Liberty Swings
A Liberty Swing is a world first Australian innovation – allowing adults and children alike to feel the rush of the air in their hair all from the comfort of their wheelchair. The swings are placed within playgrounds, and not hidden away ensuring the whole family can join in on the fun.
Liberty swings are not just for wheelchair users either (although, they should be prioritised when using the swing.) With an inbuilt fold down seat, anyone can enjoy the liberty that the swing gives!
While you’ve probably seen a liberty swing before, you may have noticed that they are locked with access only by a MLAK (short for Master Lock Access Key). In Australia, a MLAK can be purchased through your local master locksmiths with written authority by one of the following:
- A doctor
- A Disability organisation
- Community health centre
- The owner or management of a building with an accessible toilet on site
Ipswich has two Liberty Swings, one in centrally located Queens Park which dates back to 1842.
and the other in Goupong Park, just outside the Redbank Plaza.
Ipswich Nature Centre
Centrally located and wheelchair friendly, the Ipswich Nature centre is a lush park full of Australian animals (and some farm ones too!) Open Tuesday to Sunday, it’s actively involved in preserving some of our most iconic Australian animals and is a member of the zoos and aquariums association. The centre cares for over 200 animals and 42 different species.
While entry is free to the Ipswich Nature centre, gold coin donations are accepted to help upkeep the centre and animals.
Getting around accessibility wise, the centre features smooth wooden walkways/rollways and gentle slopes which can be traversed in a wheelchair. Several wheelchair accessible toilets and parking is also a highlight feature of the park. While it’s great to have a picnic across the road at Queens Park, sometimes you feel like eating out! Don’t worry, there’s a cute café overlooking the nature centre and park which is fully accessible with wooden ramps.
Time to eat
The Cottage Restaurant is one of Ipswich’s premier restaurants, being perched high on a cliff won’t stop you from coming though! The restaurant has a staff operated lift and ramps bringing you up to and old Queenslander with wraparound veranda and breathtaking views. The menu features delicious morsels like duck liver pate and confit duck leg and caters to gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian and vegan eaters alike!
Pumpyard Bar & brewery is a Favorite watering hole of Ipswich locals. Easily accessible from the street with wide sloping ramps and a lift, the brewery features it’s own beers and gourmet burgers, pizza’s and share plates. Another feature of this favourite is it’s accessible toilet, so there’s no need to go somewhere else in between sips.
Oikos ethos are good food, good coffee and good community and this accessible café knows how to welcome guests! Located in inner city Ipswich and known for it’s coffee, Oikos is accessible through Nicholson street, a walkable paved mall. Selling toasties, nacho’s, wraps and smoothie bowls there will be something on the menu for everyone. Low tables means it’s easy to wheel up and order your favourite coffee with a smile.
Where to live
Now that you know some of the hottest spots for accessibility in Ipswich, it’s time to talk about the amazing SDA properties that are available! SDA Australia Group has a range of homes in Ipswich, from Robust to High Physical support. Here’s some of the best:
North Ipswich, 2-bedroom High Physical Support: Situated just 3 minutes from Ipswich CBD, this property offers easy access to high-quality community infrastructure. You’ll find medical centres, educational institutions, shopping districts, a library, and beautiful parks all within your reach, waiting to be explored.
Redbank Plains, 1-bedroom Robust: Featuring a generous one-bedroom villa, complete with an ensuite bathroom, and an additional bedroom for a carer’s room, also with its ensuite, this property offers utmost flexibility and convenience. For those looking to embark on a new journey or seeking adaptable living spaces, this residence offers the perfect blend of comfort and practicality.
Brassall, 1 bedroom + OOA FA: Welcome to a truly unique and exceptional living experience in the heart of Brassall. Our Fully Accessible villa in Ipswich is sure to tick all the boxes! Discover the perfect blend of independence and support in our Holt street home. This one-bedroom gem offers a unique Fully Accessible living experience, complete with a spacious bedroom, wheelchair-friendly design, and an additional overnight carer’s room.
See more of our Ipswich homes here.