Families start your engines! Whether you are into fast bikes and cars, vintage trains, social outings or jaw dropping aircraft aerobatics, Planes, Trains and Autos has something for you. This full throttle annual family event is cruising into the City of Ipswich from Friday 28 April to Monday 1 May 2023.
What is Planes, Trains and Autos?
Part of a larger four-day program, the Planes, Trains and Autos hero event celebrates all things aviation, rail and autos, promising to be an adrenaline-charged low-cost event for the whole family to explore.
Ipswich’s skies will become an aerobatic playground for aircrafts performing precision manoeuvres above sprawling automotive and locomotive displays as Planes, Trains and Autos returns to The City of Ipswich on Saturday 29 April 2023.
Enjoy an array of high-quality aviation, auto and train displays, classic and muscle cars, pre-1919 motorcycles, superkarts, monster and mini machinery, as well as drag cars and access to all museum exhibitions and kids’ activities.
How much does Planes, Trains and Autos cost?
Tickets start at $5 for children, with family passes from $20, and are available online at www.planestrainsautos.com.au.
What else is on for families at the event?
To complete your experience, you can even enjoy a 30-minute vintage diesel hauled train ride with Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway.
The full 2023 Planes, Trains and Autos festival program runs from Friday 28 April to Monday 1 May and includes events such as Round 3 of the Australian Superbike Championship at Queensland Raceway, Park nd Pose in the heart of the Ipswich CBD, Queensland Auto Spectacular at Willowbank Raceway, and Queensland Retro Picnic and Car Display.
There’s an exciting line up for this year’s Planes Trains and Autos event, however there’s also lots to see and do in the region, so why not book somewhere to stay and make a weekend of it!
Planes, Trains and Auto’s Program Highlights
Australian Superbike Championships – Queensland Raceway | Friday 28 – Sunday 30 April
ASBK returns to Queensland Raceway for another weekend of two-wheeled action. See close racing and incredible battles when Australia’s premier motorcycle championship and it’s best riders fight for supremacy in Ipswich.
What to expect:
- 5 classes of motorcycle racing, 1 class of car racing
- 16 races across the weekend (2x superbike, 2x supersport, 3x supersport 300, 3x R3 Cup, 3x Oceania Junior Cup, 3x Aussie Racing Cars)
- 3 days of on-track action beginning Friday.
- Book your tickets here.
Planes, Trains and Autos – The Workshops Rail Museum | Saturday 29 April 2023
A celebration of all-things aviation, rail and autos including thrilling aerials displays complemented by on ground rail, aviation and vehicle displays, interactive exhibits, roving entertainment and more. Head to The Workshops Rail Museum for:
- Access to all museum exhibitions and kid’s activities
- Car and motorcycle displays
- Monster and mini machinery and vehicles
- Aviation displays and flypasts
- Family interactive activities including wind tunnels.
- Book your tickets here.
Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway Vintage Train Ride | Saturday 29 April 2023
Complete your Planes, Trains and Autos experience with a 30-minute vintage diesel hauled train ride with Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway.
Catch a Heritage Bus transfer to and from The Workshops Rail Museum for $8 per guest or park onsite at the Ipswich Turf Club – T L Cooney Avenue, Bundamba.
Train trips depart the Ipswich Turf Club at 9.00 am, 10.00 am, 11.00 am, 12.30 pm and 1.30 pm.
Park and Pose – Nicholas Street Precinct | Saturday 29 April
Here’s your chance to get up close to some of Ipswich’s spectacular cars as they come through Nicholas Street. Enjoy live music, dinner at one of the nearby restaurants or food trucks, and a display of vehicles from the Classic and Muscle Car Club of Ipswich.
Queensland Auto Spectacular – Willowbank Raceway, Ipswich | Sunday 30 April 2023
All things autos with so much to get involved in, including a swap meet, show & shine, car club displays, rocker cover racing, test and tune, trade and food alley and kids workshops and amusements. Car and bike enthusiasts will be in their element at this adrenaline-charged event with ‘all things automotive’.
- Huge range of vehicles from historic to muscle
- Shannon’s Show & Shine
- Rocker Cover Racing
- Rides and entertainment for the family
- Trade and Food Arena
- ¼ mile drag racing action.
- Book your tickets here.
Retro Picnic – Evan Marginson Park, Goodna | Monday 1 May 2023
Queensland Retro Picnic is a FREE social outing combining hot rods, classic and muscle cars and bikes, and people who celebrate the Kustom Kulture, paired with amazing street food and fantastic live music. We encourage you to bring a picnic blanket or camping chair and relax on the green.
Want to make a weekend of it?
Ipswich doesn’t disappoint when it comes to family-friendly things to do. Here’s a few options to help you plan your adventure…
Hit one of Ipswich’s family friendly parks. Sutton Park includes a skate ramp and a track for bikes with stop and go signs, it is also close to The Workshops Rail Museum. Lobley Park features a faux plane kids can explore, and Denmark Hill has walking tracks and recently constructed play area.
The Top of Town precinct is a stretch of Brisbane Street right in the heart of Ipswich that has an entire strip of spectacular heritage buildings. It is bordered by Ellenborough and Waghorn streets. A mix of independently owned and family-run shops, businesses and cafes have opened in the area in recent years.
Wander further down to the Nicholas St Precinct and turn left to see the Ipswich Library and separate dedicated Children’s library as well as Tulmur Place with its zero-depth water play area for the kids. Go a little further down to D’Arcy Doyle place where you can find the Ipswich Art Gallery.
Take some time to explore Ipswich’s water parks. There are free water play areas at Bob Gamble Park, Tulmur Place, Orion Lagoon and Robelle Domain.
If you’re looking for family friendly accommodation there are family apartments, as well as one bedroom and studio rooms, or even B&B’s.
For more information on planning your visit head to www.discoveripswich.com.au.
