IPSWICH residents and visitors were able to learn more about the city's rail heritage yesterday at The Workshops Rail Museum.

The museum's annual Ipswich Open Day highlights the attractions the city has to offer and acknowledge the importance of the railway industry in its history.

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said The Workshops were Australia's oldest railway workshops still in operation and a special reminder of Ipswich and Queensland's proud rail heritage

"The Workshops is a living, breathing example of this past and will continue to inform and educate future generations all about the history of railways," Cr Pisasale said.

The event included activities and entertainment, including tours of the workshops, and a 150th birthday cake. Locals received free entry, while visitors accompanied by an Ipswich resident paid half-price.