Meet Claremont

In 2003, Michael Read and Sharon Jones bought one of Ipswich’s oldest and most historic homes for around $653,000 (~$1.1 million in 2025 dollars).

Known as Claremont, this 1857 Georgian-style sandstone residence sits proudly at 1A Milford Street on Limestone Hill, overlooking the Bremer River. Built on former convict ground and once home to a Queensland Premier, Claremont has been a defining part of Ipswich’s evolution for over 165 years.

🔨 Built on Convict Ground

• First Owner: Built in 1857 by merchant John Panton—on the site of an old convict lime operation.
• Premier Era: Bought by George Thorn in 1862—later inherited by his son, George Henry Thorn, who lived at Claremont while serving as Queensland Premier (1876–77).
• Historic Rise: A living record of Ipswich’s rise from prison outpost to political hub.

🏛️ Stone, Style & Nine Chimneys

• Rare Design: One of Queensland’s last grand Georgian-style sandstone homes.
• Layout: U-shaped layout, sweeping verandahs, nine chimneys, and 15 rooms.
• Original Charm: Still features original fireplaces, handcrafted woodwork, and a brick cellar. 

🧱 From Flats to a Fresh Start

• Decline: Chopped into rental flats in the 1930s, nearly lost by the ’70s.
• Rescue: Saved by the National Trust, restored in the ’80s.
• Recognition: Officially heritage-listed in 1992.

🛠️ A Family Home Again

• New Owners: Restored in the 2000s by Michael Read & Sharon Jones.
• Award: Won a Queensland Heritage Award for their work.
• Modern Updates: Mixes vintage charm with solar panels, aircon, and period-style updates. 

📜 Why It Matters

• Legacy: From convicts to Queensland’s Premier to today’s proud preservation.
• Rarity: A rare surviving example of 1850s sandstone architecture in QLD.
• Inspiration: Proof that old homes can still have a vibrant, modern life. 

🎟️ Want the full scoop?

We've got more fascinating details—cotton crashes, political dinners, a hidden lime kiln, and a spooky cellar staircase—right here: 

👉 Read the full Claremont story here

Flinders Peak

• Height: 680m
• Distance: ~44km southwest
• Range: Flinders Peak Group
• Highlight: Scenic Rim icon with lava-carved cliffs from a 26-million-year-old volcanic past.

Mount Glorious

• Height: 680m
• Distance: ~30km northwest
• Range: D’Aguilar Range
• Highlight: Closer than Flinders and home to the Albert’s Lyrebird—nature’s expert sound mimic.

Mount Beau Brummell

• Height: 667m
• Distance: ~44km southwest
• Range: Little Liverpool Range
• Highlight: Named after a British dandy but wild and rugged—taller than it looks.

Mount Nebo

• Height: 551m
• Distance: ~24km northwest
• Range: D’Aguilar Range
• Highlight: The nearest peak to Ipswich, with a hidden 1950s plane wreck deep in the forest.

Data Source: Based on TessaDEM, a 30m-resolution global elevation model corrected for tree height, urban areas, and water features using multiple datasets.

🗳️ Vote

🧩 Word Scramble

🤔 Trivia

Answer at bottom.

📍 GuessWhere

Look at the photo, guess where it was taken from in Ipswich, click the link to drop your pin on the map with your location guess.

This week's hint: This charming street was once part of a famous heritage house's front drive.

Play GuessWhere Ipswich →

🔍 Search Called Off for Missing Ipswich Police Inspector

The official search for Inspector Jay Notaro, 45, has been suspended after he went missing near Broken Head, NSW, on March 25. His car and surfboard were found, but no further trace. Friends and family continue to search, and police are still appealing for information via Crime Stoppers. Official statement →

🏟️ North Ipswich Gets Major Stadium Upgrade

Designs are in for a new 2,000-seat grandstand at North Ipswich Reserve, kicking off Stage 1 of a $40M+ sport and entertainment precinct set to be complete by 2027. View full factsheet (PDF) →

✈️ 15 Years, 24 Jets, $6B: Amberley’s Super Hornets Still Flying High

Since 2010, the twin-seat ‘Rhino’ has logged over 30,000 flight hours, led combat missions overseas, and anchored a $6 billion investment in Australian airpower—right here in Ipswich. Defense.gov.au salute →

🏛️ Ipswich Approves Multi-Year Heritage Push Backed by 4-Year Strategy

Council has approved a new Heritage Plan to protect over 7,000 sites—laying out a 4-year, city-wide strategy to fund and support heritage groups, prevent "demolition by neglect," and boost historical recordkeeping. The plan maps specific responsibilities across council units and includes backing for volunteer succession and sustainability. Officially approved in February and unveiled publicly 26 March 2025. Full heritage plan →

🏉 Jets Hold Off Seagulls 28–24 at Home

Ipswich Jets claimed a tight 28–24 win over Tweed Heads at North Ipswich Reserve on March 30. Key plays from Titans-contracted stars sealed the Queensland Cup victory. Recap →

Wednesday (April 2^nd)

Ipswich Art Gallery - Check out Don't get too comfortable Artworks by locals Matthew Cheyne + Caroline Cheyne 10am-5pm (daily) more info

Stoney Creek Brewing - Comic book trivia night - come alone or bring your friends 6-7:30pm info here

Stoney Creek Brewing Events Room - Relax, have a drink and draw with others. There's a real model posing from 6-8pm bookings here

Brothers Leagues Club Ipswich - $25 poker night you must be registered by 6pm

General Public - Trivia night at 6:30pm info

Monte Lane Wine Bar - Trivia night (at 6:30pm) with wine, pizza & prizes bookings essential

Banshees Bar & Artspace - Open mic night from 7pm info

Thursday (3^rd)

Redbank Plaza - Tiny Tot Hip Hop free kids dance class 10-11am (suitable 1-5 years) more info

Brothers Leagues Club Raceview - Motor Trades Meet & Greet for job seekers and business owners 3:30-5pm limited spots

St Thomas' Anglican Church Hall - Deep sound immersion meditation 6-7:15pm tickets needed

Banshees Bar & Artspace - Karaoke night from 8pm info

Friday (4^th)

Imbibus Craft Distillery - Tour & Taste 2-3pm tickets

🐸 Spring Lake Park - Cane toad catching (BYO torch / headlamp and bucket) 7-10pm don't miss out

Banshees Bar & Artspace - Live music: James Diamond's ZEUS is an acoustic guitar experience from 7-11pm info

*Update: Sold out. Orion Hotel - First ever live comedy night from 7-9pm. Featuring 6 Brisbane comedians.

Hotel Commonwealth - Live music from 7pm book table here

Ipswich Civic Centre - The Poems Prayers and Promises of John Denver starts at 7:30pm tickets needed

Brothers Leagues Club Raceview - Comedy Hypnosis show (18+) with Jaden Boon from 8-10pm tickets

Saturday (5^th)

Dragon Fields Farm - Pig Feeding & farm tours from 8am info

Orion Springfield Central - Easter fun for all 10am-6:30pm info

Joseph Brady Park, Barellan Point - Active Kids learn fishing event by Ipswich City Council from 2-5pm $5 per kid

Tivoli Drive In - Sonic The Hedgehog 3 & Top Gun: Maverick. First movie starts at 6pm - gates open 4-11pm info

Ipswich Knights Football Club - Dancing with the Queens "Rocking The Ages" rock 'n roll music, beer, burgers, babes and wings 6-11pm tickets

Hotel Commonwealth - Live music from 7pm book table here

Hotel Metropole - Stand up comedy Dark Jokes Night 7:30-9:30pm info & tickets

Banshees Bar & Artspace - Live music: Mick Medew & Ursula & friends with the 8pm start more info & tickets

Sunday (6^th)

Watercress Creek Olives and Limes - The Annual Olive Festival with 25 local stalls, live music and kids under 14 free. Bring your picnic blanket 8am-2pm info

Springfield Markets - 8am-1pm @ Robelle Domain info

Blackstone Hall - Learn to meditate. Free 9-10am info

Hotel Commonwealth - Watch Boxing live: Tszyu vs Spencer 11am event info

Banshees Bar & Artspace - Life drawing with a nude model 4-6pm tickets needed

Monday (7^th)

Nicholas St Precinct, Tulmur Place - Hide and Sea Easter School Holiday interactive display tent. 10am-2pm (till Friday) event info on Facebook

Ipswich Art Gallery - Bunktopia puppet shows 10-11am and 1-2pm (daily shows until Friday) tickets

Tuesday (8^th)

NY Dance Raceview - Wicked Easter Workshop dance, fun & games for kids 8-13 years info & tickets

Hotel Commonwealth - Trivia Tuesdays 7pm book here

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—Jamey
Ipswich Insider (Facebook, Instagram)
Eastern Heights, Ipswich, QLD 4305

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