Ipswich is well on its way to being crowned one of the best cities for families thanks to the endless fun on offer at the Nicholas Street Precinct! If you are yet to visit, picture a huge outdoor area with plenty of room for kids to explore and play during your next family day out.
It seems every time we visit Tulmur Place, there is something new to explore from popular kids’ stage shows, to interactive experiences, markets and more. We love that generally these fantastic family experiences are FREE or low cost. Read on for a detailed overview of what is currently on at Nicholas Street Precinct, how to get there plus tips to maximise your time in the charming City of Ipswich.
What is the Nicholas Street Precinct?
We like to think of the Nicholas Street Precinct as the heart of the newly revitalised Ipswich. Located between Ipswich’s Top of Town, the Ipswich Art Gallery and Riverheart Parklands, the precinct offers 4,000sqm of space for leisure, entertainment and cultural experiences. The $250m project is the largest transformation to be undertaken in the Ipswich CBD in more than three decades.
With its zero-depth water feature, performance stage and giant 6m x 3m LED screen in Tulmur Place it has something for every member of the family and we haven’t even mentioned it is home to Australia’s only dedicated public Children’s library. You really need to visit!
What’s on at Nicholas Street Precinct for families?
From markets, fairs and expos, live music on the Tulmur Stage and interactive school holiday activities, Nicholas Street Precinct is a go-to for families who love to have fun. Most of the events are free and open to all ages so check out the calendar to plan your next day out. School holidays are always celebrated at Nicholas Street Precinct often with activities and shows you would expect to pay big money to see. Think Paw Patrol, PJ Mask, Fireman Sam, Bluey & Bingo to name just a few of the past performances hosted on the Tulmur Stage. Plus, the annual Halloween and Christmas experiences are exceptional too! Here is a quick overview of what’s on:
Dinosaurs are taking over Tulmur Place | 26 June – 5 July 2023
The Nicholas Street Precinct in Ipswich is the place to be these winter school holidays! Come and explore a ROARRRSOME display of prehistoric creatures for FREE. PLUS, there will be outdoor games, markets and food trucks.
- Monday 26 June until Wednesday 5 July 2023
- 10:00am – 2:00pm
- Keep up to date on this event at the Nicholas Street Precinct website.
There will be a colossal exhibition of over 20 animatronic, life-like dinosaurs taking over the Nicholas Street Precinct. Marvel at their 165-million-year history and see the greatest creatures ever to walk this earth up close as they come alive through sound and movement. Learn the difference between a Stegosaurus and a Saltasaurus, try to tame the Tyrannosaurus Rex, gaze into the eyes of the Green Raptor and be sure to get a selfie in the safari car.
What else can families do at Nicholas Street?
Kids can cool off on a hot day in the precinct’s zero-depth water feature. We then suggest you pop into the Ipswich Children’s Library to discover over 35,000 great books for kids from the comfort of an expertly crafted ‘tree’ with an in-built cosy reading nook. There’s also a heap of digital experiences including the interactive ‘Magic Mirror’ and two resident ‘dinosaurs‘ that children can feed. Our kids did not want to leave the library! What a great problem to have.
Places to eat at Nicholas Street Precinct
You will have no issues finding eats for your family with flavours from all corners of the globe available including sushi, gelato, Mexican, coffee and more. There are plenty of lunch options including That Dumpling Place, Zambrero and Dominique’s Bakery, or have a sweet treat from Gelatissimo, or a coffee, tea and a snack from Stellarossa. Check out the Nicholas Street Precinct dining options here.
Where is the Nicholas Street Precinct?
Located just 40 minutes from Brisbane, the precinct is a hop, skip and a jump away from all major transport terminals and road networks, and is home to a dedicated undercover car park with over 1,000 spaces. The Nicholas Street Precinct carpark is accessible via Bremer Street and is free for up to 3 hours. Access any of the 3 carpark lifts and head to Tulmur Place. Height limit – 2.1 metres.
By train or bus
Take the train to Ipswich Station (on Bell Street, directly opposite Metro Ipswich Central), or jump on a bus to the Bell Street Interchange which is directly across from Nicholas Street.
By taxi
A taxi rank is conveniently located on Bell St, opposite the Ipswich Train Station.
Travelling from further away
Nicholas Street is a short 40-minute drive from Brisbane, or a 60-minute drive from the Gold Coast.
Other things to know about Nicholas Street Precinct
There is plenty of seating available with tables and chairs and grassed areas where you are welcome to spread a picnic blanket or setup a camp chair.
What else does Ipswich have to offer families?
Here is a hot Families Magazine tip! Do your family a favour and bookmark the Ipswich Art Gallery as a place to visit. If your itinerary allows it, you can pop into The Ipswich Nature Centre, another gorgeous, educational, cost-effective outing for your family. Lastly, if you’ve ever wondered where is the best place in Queensland to take your train-obsessed kids the answer is The Workshops Rail Museum.
Whether you are into fast cars, vintage trains or jaw dropping aircraft aerobatics, Planes, Trains and Autos held annually in Ipswich has something for you!
