Just 25 minutes from Ipswich in the historic country town of Marburg, the Marburg Harness Racing Association is one of only three remaining harness racing tracks in Queensland — and proudly keeps the tradition alive.
Established in 1982 as a trialing venue, Marburg has grown into a lively racing destination hosting regular race meetings throughout the year. On race days, drivers guide powerful standardbred horses around the compact country track in fast-paced, tactical contests that are thrilling to watch from the rail.
When meetings fall on Sundays or public holidays, the atmosphere shifts into full community celebration mode. Family-friendly race days feature kids' activities including waterslides, face painting, markets, mini trots and the chance to meet and pat a pony after the races.
Off the track, visitors can enjoy classic country race-day fare, relaxed hospitality and the opportunity to back a winner.
Run by a passionate committee of volunteers, Marburg offers an authentic, grassroots racing experience where community spirit and sporting heritage go hand in hand.
A hidden gem in the historic town of Marburg, halfway between Brisbane and Toowoomba, and just 10mins outsid of Ipswich, you will find Soul Nook!
A curated selection of boutique fashions and locally sourced and handmade giftwares in an old church, serving locally roasted coffee and delicious baked sweets - whilst out on the beautiful grounds, they offer fully catered Luxury Bell Tent, Chill'd or Pod Picnics, bespoke elopements and luxe large-scale events in a stunning Star Shade Marquee.
Soul Nook offers the perfect spot to treat yourself or book a picnic for your next special celebration, birthday or romantic escape or as an effortless and elegant wedding venue.
You can also try your hand at getting creative by booking into one of their weekly Artisan Workshops.
Why not make it a day trip and visit their lovely neighbours around the corner! The Special Branch Collective offers coffee, plants and beautiful pots and The Black Museum/ Scotland Yard Antiques are worth a stop in! Finish off your day with a nice cold treat at the Marburg Pub.
Head to the country town of Marburg and discover a unique set of browse-worthy offerings.
Among them is The Black Museum, housing a cleverly sourced and curated collection of curios, art and antiquities – all of which are for sale.
It’s obvious the minute you walk in, that there’s an expert’s eye involved. Owner Athol Birnie grew up surrounded by remnants of bygone eras, and eventually helping in the business his father Les has run for many years now, Scotland Yard Antiques, just a bit further along Marburg’s main street.
The vast ever-changing collection includes pieces priced from a few dollars right through to stunning hard-to-find art valued into the several thousand.
Open 9:00am - 4:00pm on the weekends and by appointment during the week.
The name continues the theme set by Scotland Yard Antiques – the famed London police headquarters where there is a Black Museum housing crime memorabilia. Athol’s Sister Emily also runs with the theme in her garden shop and coffee stop next door, Special Branch Collective.
In the charming and historic country township of Marburg, you will find Special Branch Collective nestled along the main street offering plants, garden décor, homewares – and coffee. Inside you'll find antique goods, local art and homewares, whilst outside you can enjoy coffee and snacks amongst the colourful potted plants and with views to the historic Marburg Hotel across the road.
Peruse the antiques in the neighbouring Scotland Yard Antiques and The Black Museum and see what treasures from yesteryear you can uncover. Coffee from local brewer, Dancing Bean, is on the menu along with yummy treats like melting moments and brownies
Special Branch Collective in Marburg is conveniently located halfway between Brisbane and Toowoomba, only 50 minutes from each.
In the country town of Marburg, just off the Warrego Highway halfway between Brisbane and Toowoomba, you'll find one of the most interesting and browse-worthy antique shops in all of Queensland.
Owner Les Birnie has been in the antique trade since 1961 and has run Scotland Yard Antiques for almost three decades.
He likes to specialise in rustic country Australian furniture but at your first step inside this shop, what strikes you is the incredible variety on display. Every era and genre seems to be covered, from large gilt-framed paintings and mirrors to elaborate chandeliers, carved furniture, rustic workbenches and vintage signage.
Scotland Yard spills out to a rear yard full of salvage pieces that also attracts many a fossicker.
Les's son, Athol, has followed in his father's footsteps with his own shop, The Black Museum, just a couple of doors along while daughter Emily has Special Branch Collective, a plant and coffee stop, next door.
This trio of unique businesses, sitting across from the popular weekend lunch destination, The Marburg Pub, have helped put the town on the map in recent years.
Scotland Yard Antiques is open daily.
