On the doorstep of Brisbane, Toowoomba and its neighbouring communities have become an easy and enjoyable escape in Queensland.
The inland countryside is a relaxing and easy-paced part of Australia. And this is certainly the case in Queensland’s largest inland city, Toowoomba, where country charm meets urban delicacies.
Gardens and greenery galore
Toowoomba is often referred to as ‘The Garden City’ due to the large number of gardens and parks dotted around the city.
The Japanese Garden is the largest traditionally designed Japanese garden in Australia, and is named after designer Ju Raku En. Over three hectares, visitors can explore 230 species of Japanese and Australian native plants and a central lake. Traditional red Japanese bridges carry you to three distinct islands, where it’s easy to lose a day wrapped in the tranquility of the beautiful space.
Picnic Point Parklands are another local favourite, providing breathtaking panoramic views across the Lockyer Valley. The lookout is located on the crest of the Great Dividing Range, and is a starting point for several walking trails along the escarpment. You are also welcome to make use of the picnic or barbecue facilities, or stop by the kiosk to fuel up for longer adventures.
No tour of Toowoomba’s gardens would be complete without visiting Queens Park. This 25-hectare green space is home to Queens Park Botanic Gardens, with specific horticultural areas including the rose walk, native garden and ornamental display. This is also the location for the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, which is held annually in September. Each year, the city comes alive with music, markets, food and wine as tourists descend over the city.
Over four weekends, the festival welcomes over 75,000 people to celebrate Spring and the colourful blooms that transform the city. Standout events include the Grand Central Floral Parade, where street performers, carnival characters and roving entertainment escort floral floats on a tour of the city. The lawn party is also popular, as adults are invited to enjoy twilight in the park with interactive entertainment, canapés and flowing drinks.
A little tip: don’t skip a visit to Spring Bluff Railway Station, around 20 minutes south of Toowoomba. Open year-round, the Heritage-listed station is flanked by stunning landscaped gardens. During the Carnival of Flowers, a train runs twice daily, delivering loads of fun for all ages.
The history of this great city
As one of the earliest inland settlements, established in the 1840s, Toowoomba has plenty of historical sites and accompanying tales.
The Cobb+Co Museum tells the story of Toowoomba’s Victorian era. It houses the National Carriage Collection, which is a large display of the horse-drawn vehicles which played a major role in the development of Queensland. Temporary exhibitions are also on rotation here, as well as vintage trade workshops including stained glass lead-lighting and blacksmithing. Aside from the Victorian memorabilia, visitors will find a variety of interactive displays and exhibits on everything from space to ancient Indigenous culture.
To learn more about Toowoomba’s history, take the self-guided Russel Street Historical Walk. This self-led tour will lead you past important landmarks dating back to the 1860s, including the old railway station, the first hospital in the city, and the old flour mill.
Make sure to call in to the Royal Bull’s Head Inn, a Heritage-listed landmark whose rusted tin roof screams of the early days of settlement. The building was established in 1847 by ex-convict William Horton, but has since been lovingly restored and now offers exhibits and a bi-monthly paranormal evening. Another must-visit spot is the Empire Theatre, a Heritage-listed building dating back to 1911. It oozes art-deco elegance, and is the largest performing arts precinct in regional Australia. Here, you’re invited to watch major international productions and local shows alike.
Art and culture in Toowoomba
Speaking of the arts, the art scene in Toowoomba is flourishing. Artists work throughout the city creating fantastic murals, with more than 50 large-scale works now adorning buildings across the city centre. The best way to see these murals is by joining a street art and laneway discovery tour with Toowoomba Trails. Running for 1.5 hours, your knowledgable guide will take you through the hidden laneways to these impressive artistic displays, pointing out the best coffee and eateries along the way.
Or, swap a walking tour for a biking tour with Bikeline. Starting with a welcome coffee at Cafe de Velo, where you’ll also meet your guide and grab a rental bike, the tour takes you along footpaths and down alleys to the best murals in the city. Choose to add on a picnic for a basket of delicious food and cold drinks, which will be enjoyed while soaking in incredible views. By the time the tour is over, you’ll know the city like a local.
Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery is another great place to see regional art. This local institution houses regular exhibitions and permanent displays focusing mostly on 20th century Australian Art, including paintings, drawings, photographs, ceramics and jewellery.
At Toowoomba Farmers Market, you can meet the locals and have a yarn like old friends. Every Saturday, from 7am-12pm, local producers and artisans showcase their best fruit, meat, artisan baking, preserves, jewellery and craft. It’s a great way to pick up gifts for loved ones (or even for yourself).
In the local Indigenous community, Toowoomba is known as an important meeting place where tribes would meet to celebrate the harvest of bunya nuts every three years or so. If you venture just outside the city, you can visit Gummingurru ceremonial site, which belongs to the Jarowair people. The ancient stone arrangement, which features designs including an emu, bunya nut and carpet snake, was used as a men’s initiation site. It is also a spot where different tribal groups met on their way to the Bunya Nut Festival. In 2008, the land was given back to the Gummingurru Aboriginal Corporation, who are reviving the cultural knowledge of the place by hosting a range of Aboriginal culture and learning activities. School and tour groups are welcome to visit, so long as they are respectful of the important history of the area.
Each year, Toowoomba hosts the International Street Fiesta, a festival celebrating diversity through food, music and arts. The event brings together more than 100 community groups with a focus on cultural exchange and fun. Visitors can expect performances, international food stalls, market stalls, information displays, workshops, language activities and more. There’s even a kid’s zone with rides, farm animals, and lantern making to get the little ones involved too. It is a great way to learn more about other cultures, while also sharing stories and traditions.
To read about the best places to eat and drink in Toowoomba, click here.
Planning a trip to Toowoomba QLD
Toowoomba is just a quick flight from Brisbane with Rex Airlines. The city has a vibrant restaurant and café scene with excellent boutique shopping and historic landmarks. You’ll find plenty of accommodation options in the city, varying in price and comfort. Check out the route map below for more details.
