PLANES, Trains, and Autos Festival is set to ignite Ipswich over this long weekend with a high-octane mix of aviation thrills, vintage rail journeys, and automotive nostalgia.
Kicking off on Saturday, the spotlight shines on Fully Charged at the Queensland Museum Rail Workshops. This action-packed day features jaw-dropping aerobatic displays from world-class pilots Matt Hall and Kris Sieczkowski.
While the skies wow, the ground will buzz with interactive exhibits, including V8 supercars, racing lawnmowers, emergency service vehicles, and popular favourites like Ipswich Waste Services machinery and the Floating Images hot air balloon basket.
Also on Saturday, the Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway invites festivalgoers to slow down and take a step back in time with vintage diesel-hauled train rides.
Departing from Swanbank Station at 9am, 11am and 1.30pm, the 70-minute return journey winds through scenic bushland, past historic coal mining sites, and into the foothills of Castle Hill – offering a peaceful and picturesque glimpse into Ipswich’s rich rail heritage.
As the sun sets, Park and Pose takes over the Nicholas Street Precinct from 5pm to 8pm. Classic cars, muscle machines and electric go-karts will be on display, set against a backdrop of live music and bustling dining options.
On Sunday, visitors can venture out to the Grandchester Model Live Steam Association for their Running Day – a firm favourite with families. Kids and adults alike can enjoy rides on working scale-model steam engines at just $3 per ride. Set at an authentic country railway station, the event runs all day and is cash only.
Also on Sunday, The Hotel Commonwealth will roar to life as it teams up with Mustang Enthusiasts Queensland to host the Mustang Car Show. Running from 11am to 2pm, the event will showcase a stunning collection of classic and modern Mustangs – a must for lovers of sleek design and raw horsepower.
The festival concludes on a nostalgic note with the Queensland Retro Picnic on Monday at Evan Marginson Park in Goodna. This relaxed, family-friendly event features hot rods, classic and muscle cars, motorbikes, street food, and live music.
From roaring engines and soaring planes to steam trains and street food, Planes, Trains, and Autos 2025 is a celebration of movement, machines, and community.
