Cooneana Market 2026

Discover local makers, heritage treasures and community stalls at the Cooneana Market, returning to the historic Cooneana Heritage Centre in New Chum. Held on Saturday 17 October 2026, this annual market offers visitors an opportunity to browse a variety of stalls while enjoying the unique surroundings of one of Ipswich’s important heritage sites.

With free entry and a selection of stalls catering to collectors, hobbyists and visitors looking for something different, Cooneana Market is a great addition to a weekend exploring Ipswich’s history, local crafts and community attractions. The Ipswich Historical Society has confirmed the market will run from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Event Overview

Cooneana Market is an annual community market hosted at Cooneana Heritage Centre, the home of the Ipswich Historical Society. The centre brings together local history, traditional crafts, coal mining heritage and community organisations across its historic grounds at 1041 Redbank Plains Road.

The market provides a relaxed opportunity to browse stalls while discovering more about the heritage precinct. It is particularly suited to collectors and hobbyists, with the event listing describing a range of stalls aimed at people interested in finding unique items and exploring specialist interests.

A visit to Cooneana Market can also be combined with exploring the heritage centre itself. Cooneana Homestead dates back to 1868, while the site includes historical displays, coal mining equipment, traditional craft groups and a working blacksmith shop.

Highlights & Schedule

Market stalls: Browse a selection of stalls catering to collectors, hobbyists and visitors looking for interesting and unusual finds. The market provides an opportunity to discover items from local stallholders while enjoying the community atmosphere.

Heritage surroundings: Explore the grounds of Cooneana Heritage Centre while attending the market. The historic precinct provides an interesting backdrop and gives visitors an opportunity to experience an important part of Ipswich’s local history.

Cooneana Homestead: Take the opportunity to learn more about Cooneana Homestead, which was built in 1868 and forms part of the heritage centre’s historical displays.

Traditional crafts: Cooneana Heritage Centre is home to groups including the Spinners, Weavers, Fibre Artisans of Ipswich and the Queensland Metal Artisans Collective, providing visitors with an insight into traditional and contemporary craft practices associated with the site.

Local history: Discover more about Ipswich’s diverse industrial and cultural history through the museum displays, artefacts, photographs and coal mining exhibits located throughout the heritage centre.

Community atmosphere: Cooneana Market brings visitors and local community groups together in a relaxed setting, making it an enjoyable way to spend a Saturday morning while supporting local organisations and stallholders.

Visitor Information

Date: Saturday 17 October 2026

Time: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Venue: Cooneana Heritage Centre, 1041 Redbank Plains Road, New Chum QLD 4303

Admission: Free

The market is held outdoors across the heritage centre grounds, so comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Visitors may also wish to allow extra time to explore the heritage centre and its displays while they are there.

Cooneana Heritage Centre has onsite parking and family-friendly facilities, including public toilets, lawn and garden areas and coach parking.

If you’re interested in particular stalls or specialist items, arriving earlier in the morning is a good idea so you have plenty of time to browse before the market finishes at 1:00 PM.

Make Central Motel Ipswich Your Event Base

If you’re visiting Ipswich for Cooneana Market, Central Motel Ipswich provides a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the market and the wider region.

Cooneana Heritage Centre is in New Chum, making it easy to combine a visit to the market with other Ipswich attractions, restaurants and heritage experiences. After browsing the stalls and exploring the historic precinct, guests can return to comfortable accommodation and relax.

For visitors travelling from other parts of Queensland, staying at Central Motel Ipswich can turn a market visit into a more relaxed Ipswich getaway. Rather than making the trip home immediately after the event, you can stay overnight and spend more time discovering the city’s heritage, dining and local attractions.

With comfortable accommodation, convenient parking and easy access to the wider Ipswich area, Central Motel Ipswich is a practical option for visitors attending Cooneana Market and exploring everything the region has to offer.