Ipswich to Brisbane: Distance, drive time & road trip stops

The Ipswich to Brisbane drive covers a 40km distance in a driving time of around 45m. Road trip stops along the route include the Rocklea Markets, Queensland Tennis Centre and Gabba stadium.

The Ipswich to Brisbane drive connects an overlooked city in South East Queensland to the state capital. Unless you’re a local, most people driving this route will be doing so as part of a longer road trip – probably from Tamworth to Brisbane or Armidale to Brisbane.

Around Ipswich, the main attractions are the RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre and the Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway.

Brisbane, meanwhile, is the gateway for Moreton Island tours and offers attractions such as the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, river kayaking tours and the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

Ipswich to Brisbane distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Ipswich to Brisbane is 40km. This makes for a driving time of around 45 minutes.

6 supreme Brisbane day trips that will improve your holiday

Moreton Island day trip – with kayaking, sandboarding and snorkelling or with dolphin-feeding and desert dunes adventure.
Springbrook National Park glowworms and rainforest tour – including Tamborine Skywalk.
Eumundi Markets day trip – Australia’s best markets, plus the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa.
North Stradbroke Island day tour – with cruise, wildlife spotting and guided walk.
Tamborine Mountain winery tour – with gourmet lunch.
Maialia rainforest walking and wildlife tour – visit lesser-known D’Aguilar National Park.

The way into Brisbane is along the Ipswich Motorway, which skims a bend in the Brisbane River near the Moggill Ferry, then passes several golf courses as it grinds towards suburban Brisbane.

The Rocklea Markets and Queensland Tennis Centre come a little later on, before the route into central Brisbane passes the Gabba Stadium and finally crosses the Brisbane River.

Things to do in Brisbane include exploring the City Botanic Gardens, visiting the Museum of Brisbane and rock-climbing on the Kangaroo Point Cliffs.

You can also use Brisbane as a base for trips to North Stradbroke Island, glowworm-spotting in Springbrook National Park and and true crime walking tours.

9 brilliant Brisbane experiences to book in advance

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary tickets (or entry plus river cruise combo) – hold a koala and see lots of adorable native wildlife.
Brisbane River cruise – see the key sights and learn about the city on the way.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb – walk along the top of Brisbane’s famous bridge, with 360 degree views.
Combine the Southbank Parklands, City Botanic Gardens and Kangaroo Point Cliffs on a fun Segway tour.
Helicopter flight – see the city from a bird’s eye view.
Kayaking tour – choose the night tour to see the city light up, the day tour to enjoy the sunshine.
XXXX brewery tour – see how Australia’s most famous beer is made.
Guided wine flight tasting – get an Aussie wine introductory course.
See Brisbane’s spooky side on a city centre ghost tour.