Toowoomba, nicknamed the Garden City, is a city in the Darling Down region in Australia. It is located 125 kilometers (78 miles) southwest of Queensland’s capital city of Brisbane, so it is a mere two-hour scenic drive from Brisbane. Toowoomba dangles on the edge of a plateau 800 meters (2,624.67 ft) above the sea level and is the largest inland city in Queensland. Additionally, it is the 15th largest city in Australia. The city hosts the annual Carnival of Flowers in September each year. Toowoomba is home to a number of award-winning restaurants, wineries, quaint teahouses, arts and crafts cottages as well as a full range of modern city convenience such a major department stores. There are more than 150 public parks and gardens in Toowoomba. This city is the heart of Queensland’s economic and commercial hub of Darling Down’s region so it’s rather easy to find great places to stay in like top Airbnbs and Stayz accommodations. Wondering what to do in Toowoomba, Australia? You’ll be surprised by just how much this wonderful place has to offer. Read on to discover some of the most awesome things to do in Toowoomba, Australia.
1. Saint Luke's Church
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Saint Luke’s Church is an Anglican church that was built in 1897 and located in the heart of Toowoomba City, Queensland, Australia. As a heritage-listed church, the structure features some amazing architectural work in a traditional Gothic Revival style of pointed arched openings, gabled roofs, and sandstone buttresses. The church is also known for its beautiful blue stained-glass windows that depict the Mary Queen of Angels while filtering the natural light into a blue hue in the church’s huge interiors.
Saint Luke's Church
Address: 152 Herries St, Toowoomba City QLD 4350, Australia
Website: Saint Luke’s Church
Opening hours: Mon - Fri : 9am - 1pm; Sun: 8am - 9am (closed on Sat)
2. Lake Annand Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Located in South Toowoomba, Lake Annand Park is one of the region’s most spectacular recreation areas, spreading on 2 hectares (5 acres) of land. The park offers outdoor enthusiasts plenty of things to do, whether it’s biking or having a picnic in nature. Since Lake Annand Park features picnic and barbecue facilities, it’s a great place for friends and family gatherings. Take a stroll around the lake to spot ducks and different bird species, and take photos of the curved bridge over the water.
Lake Annand Park
Address: Long St, South Toowoomba QLD 4350
Website: Lake Annand Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
3. Sofra Turkish Cuisine
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A Turkish restaurant is probably the last place you’d expect to find on a list of things to do in Toowoomba, Australia. However, the restaurant has become a staple in the city. It is usually buzzing with people eager to try traditional Turkish dishes. The restaurant features outdoor seating and traditional decor; it often entertains its guests with live shows. Their menu is packed with healthy, delicious dishes made from the freshest ingredients. Some of the items to try here include the traditional musakka, the pide Turkish pizzas, and their finger-licking desserts. They also serve a selection of vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free dishes.
Sofra Turkish Cuisine
Address: 164 Margaret St, Toowoomba City QLD 4350
Website: Sofra Turkish Cuisine
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 9:30pm; Sun: 8:30am - 9pm
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4. Volcanic Brewing
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Volcanic Brewing on Monday, December 7, 2020
A relatively new spot on Toowoomba’s food and drinks scene, Volcanic Brewing is a fresh craft brewery with its own tasting room where visitors can try a selection of beers on tap. Their beers can also be found in several bars and restaurants throughout the city. Still, it’s best to taste them at the original branch for a full experience. Some of their beers include amber ale, Hazy IPA, pale ale, and an imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels.
Volcanic Brewing
Address: 14 Duggan St, Toowoomba City QLD 4350
Website: Volcanic Brewing
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
5. Cobb & Co Museum
Cobb & Co Museum is one of the top places to visit in Toowoomba. It is part of Queensland’s museum and is home to the National Carriage Collection, which features nearly 59 horse-drawn vehicles, and galleries portraying the natural and cultural history of Toowoomba and the Darling Downs. Immerse yourself in Toowoomba’s natural and cultural history by revisiting Australia’s transport from different eras on your visit to Cobb & Co Museum. It’s not just what you can see but what you can do! In any exhibition and program at the museum, there are elements you can hear or touch. From blacksmithing, silversmithing to lead lighting and milling, there are many opportunities for you to create items you will be proud to show off or given as gifts. You can follow the clues, meet intriguing characters, and play interactive games in the New National Collection Gallery. Besides, feel free to touch museum objects and specimens in the New Heritage Inquiry Bank Centre. You can also enjoy playing in the Coach Shop play area. The kids will love stepping back in time in this area.
Get the “behind the scenes” story and join the daily guided tour while visiting the museum. There are unique handmade gifts for sale in the museum shop and you should pick up something to remember your trip. If you are in Toowoomba, take the time to visit this very interesting museum.
The museum is located across from Toowoomba’s iconic Queens Park. It provides a fascinating insight into the past and made us appreciate how difficult and uncomfortable travel was for people in the 19th century.
Do remember to stop by Cobb’s Coffee Shop. It serves the best scones, handmade sausage rolls, quickie, and fresh tomato and basil bruschetta.
Cobb & Co Museum
Address: 27 Lindsay St, Toowoomba, Queensland 4350, Australia
Price: 12.50 AUD (9.36 USD), Adults, 6.50 AUD (4.87 USD), Children
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday (9.30 am to 4 pm) Closed on Good Friday, ANZAC Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Access: By car, foot or bus
Contact: + 61 7 4659 4900
Near by Food: Cobb’s Coffee Shop
Website: Cobb & Co Museum
6. Empire Theatre
Toowoomba’s Empire Theatre is a heritage listed art deco venue that provides a wide range of performing arts to every taste. The majestic building is impressive from outside as you can see palm trees grace the exterior of the building. The theatre is Australia’s largest regional performing arts complex and stages world class shows from leading national and international performers as well as showcasing a wealth of talent. The building comprises several venues including the main auditorium, the recently built Armitage Centre, Empire Church Theatre, Empire Theatre Studio, the Supper Room, and the Lounge Room. Whether it is popular music, ballet, comedy or any free performance, the lavish art deco styling of the venue combined with its state of art technology makes it a magical and memorable experience. The Empire Theatre also offers historical tours and attracts many visitors each year. Besides, it is a popular choice for conferences and events, including weddings, offering a unique experience to guests.
Empire Theatre
Address: Empire Theatre Complex 54-56 Neil St, Toowoomba, Queensland 4350, Australia
Price: 5 AUD (3.75 USD). Other tours varies in price.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday (9 am to 5 pm), Saturday (9 am to 1 pm). Closed on Sunday.
Access: By car or coach transfers
Contact: + 61 7 4698 9900
Website: Empire Theatre
7. Picnic Point Lookout and Parkland
Toowoomba’s heritage listed Picnic Lookout and Parkland comprises of 64.7 hectares (160 acres) perched on the crest of the Great Dividing Range, with panoramic view of Table Top Mountain at the Lockyer Valley. The lookout really puts into perspective the true extent of Toowoomba‘s elevation and is the highest point on the parkland area. The area has several lookouts including the Bill Goulds Lookout. Some of the significant features of Picnic Point includes parklands (Tobruk, Dive Park, and Lions Park).
There is also an artificial waterfall and garden in Lion Park, which is popular for wedding ceremonies. Besides, there is a café as well as function area. Apart from that, the Picnic Point Bushland reserve area is popular for its bush trails. Several picnic areas are also available at this place. Picnic Point has a water tower designed in the shape of a mushroom, a puppy memorial dedicated to a mascot of Toowoomba, Thistle Pipe Band “puppy” who died when he was run over by a car. The lower section of the park can also be accessed via Tobruk Memorial Drive and is another location for impressive vistas and social picnics.
Picnic Point Lookout And Parkland
Address: 164 Tourist Rd, Toowoomba City QLD 4350, Australia
Price: Free access.
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday(8.30 am to 5 pm), Friday to Saturday (8 am to 9 pm), Sunday (8 am to 5 pm)
Access: By car, bus or coach
Contact: + 61 7 4631 5100
Nearby food: Picnic Point Cafe
Website: Picnic Point Lookout And Parkland
8. First Coat Outdoor Gallery
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
One of the best activities in Toowoomba is to pay a visit to First Coat Outdoor Gallery. This city was once a fairly average regional town, and it became a little more spectacular when this gallery opened. The artworks at First Coat add so much vibrancy to all streetscapes. Ever since, an array of great eateries and cool little cafes have popped up around them in alleys and lanes. So, now there are a lot of places where you can relax, indulge, and enjoy through the heritage facades. Many of the artists are significant in their field and their works are of top quality.
Every year this place is a happening place with festivals and other performances. The street has become an iconic attraction to Toowoomba and is also appreciated by locals. Apart from that, the First Coat App makes it easy to find artworks if you want to plan a tour of the outdoor gallery. Toowoomba definitely has an amazing collection of street art and is a must see for all travellers. Besides, the street art here is like Melbourne, but more manageable.
First Coat Outdoor Gallery
Address: 6 Laurel Street, Toowoomba, Queensland 4350, Australia
Price: Free access
Access: By car or by foot
Website: First Coat Outdoor Gallery
9. Queens Park
Picturesque Queens Park is located a short walk from Toowoomba’ Central Business District. It is the city’s premier park set across 25 picturesque hectares (61.7 acres), which is much loved by the locals and regional visitors visiting Toowoomba. It also provides a great meeting place or a pleasant stop for everyone. The park consists of three distinct sections: The Queens Park Botanic Garden, The Vera Lacaze Memorial Park, and the greater park area. The northeastern section boats an immaculately tended local garden. It is well tended all year round and particularly impressive during the month of September.
The southeast and northwest now provides a large expanse of grass especially designated for sports, with an emphasis on sports for the disabled. There is an off dog leased area in this part of the garden for visitors to use. Meanwhile, the southern part is the playground area for children. There are walking tracks and bicycle tracks, which are particularly busy during the weekends. Besides that, birdwatchers can indulge in birdwatching activities in this area. Queens Park is really a beautiful calm space where nature showcases seasonal offerings alongside the city bustling Central Business District. Various events like the Carnival of Flowers, the Gala Dinner, and the Flower, Food and Wine Festival are also held here yearly.
Queens Park
Address: Margaret Street, Toowoomba, Queensland 4350, Australia
Access: By foot or car
Website: Queens Park
10. Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Appreciate the arts while in the area and visit Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery. Housed in this modern and impressive establishment is art from various artists - local, national, and even international artists have a number of their works displayed here. Make sure to check out their exhibits and collections. There’s surely one that’s bound to pique your interests. While their displays and curations may change from time to time, a set collection from Fred & Lucy Gould, Lionel Lindsay Gallery and Library, and Toowoomba City Collection are mainstays. This Toowoomba tourist attraction is a must-visit, especially if you feel the need for something a little bit more cultural.
Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery
Address: 531 Ruthven St, Toowoomba City QLD 4350, Australia
Website: Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)
11. Toowoomba Salt Cave
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Visit this amazingly unique day spa in Toowoomba. Offering services that focus on “salt therapy”, this holistic wellness spa is acclaimed to be suitable and advisable for persons of all ages. The salt cave of the spa has a very soothing atmosphere and is said to relieve stress and promote rejuvenation. This is perfect for groups of friends, families with kids, and couples. You can also enjoy it solo and treat yourself to some “me time”. They have superb services like massages, facials, and even spiritual energy realignment sessions or Reiki. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind wellness therapy that will leave you feeling a bit more refreshed after a long day of exploring Toowoomba.
Toowoomba Salt Cave
Address: 192 James St, Toowoomba City QLD 4350, Australia
Website: Toowoomba Salt Cave
Opening hours: Mon - Wed, Fri: 9am - 5pm; Thu: 9am - 6pm; Sat: 9am - 3pm; Sun: 11am - 2pm
12. Toowoomba Farmers' Market
Whether you’re a health nut or would just like to experience the atmosphere of Toowoomba’s locale, then you should definitely head to Toowoomba Farmers’ Market. Spend a laid-back Saturday morning looking for the best and freshest produce the community has to offer. Try out some of the local jams, dairy, and fresh produce. They also sell handmade crafts and some homemade snacks if you get peckish. Shopping at the Farmers’ Market also means you’re supporting small business owners, which is always positive. So head out to this charming Farmer’s Market one weekend - you’re sure to find something worth your time.
Toowoomba Farmers' Market
Address: Lindsay St, East Toowoomba QLD 4350, Australia
Website: Toowoomba Farmers’ Market
Opening hours: Sat: 7am - 12pm (closed from Sun - Fri)
13. Kloud9ine Trampoline Park
Get active with the whole family and take the kids to Kloud9ine Trampoline Park. Bounce, tumble, and roll around this fun and awesome place. With a myriad of attractions like Kloudzone, Dodgeball, Pro-zone, and Stuntbag, you won’t run out of fun activities to try out. Perfect for kids and kids-at-heart, this place will surely win you over with its high-energy ambiance and quirky facilities. The place can also be booked for parties and other events if you’d like to have it all to yourself. When in Toowoomba, make sure you don’t miss out on visiting this interesting place.
Kloud9ine Trampoline Park
Address: 663 Ruthven St, South Toowoomba QLD 4350, Australia
Website: Kloud9ine Trampoline Park
14. Kajoku - Korean & Japanese Cuisine
Kajoku is a fantastic restaurant on 430 Ruthven Street that serves mouth-watering Korean and Japanese Cuisine. Their wide menu includes a cornucopia of dishes from Japan and Korea, including a variety of soups and stews. Korean barbecue, Korean-style fried chicken, and bibimbap are joined by Japanese katsu curry, yakisoba, and takoyaki, among a host of others. An extensive drink menu includes many types and versions of alcoholic beverages such as soju and sake, and the restaurant has plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to boot. Serving sizes at Kajoku are generous, and it is popular with locals and tourists alike. Karaoke is a frequent feature on the weekends, which, when coupled with all of their delicious dishes, makes for the perfect kind of atmosphere.
Kajoku - Korean & Japanese Cuisine
Address: 1/430 Ruthven St, Toowoomba City QLD 4350, Australia
Website: Kajoku - Korean & Japanese Cuisine
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12pm - 2pm, 4:30pm - 8:30pm; Fri: 12pm - 2pm, 2:30pm - 8:30pm; Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 4:30pm - 8:30pm (closed on Sun)
Nearby things to do
15. Toowoomba Speedway
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you’re a speed freak who has a passion for fast cars and racing events, this is the best spot for you! The Toowoomba Speedway is where races and other motorsports events are usually held in the region. Some of the exciting events that can be enjoyed here include sprint cars and modified sedans races.
Aside from the track, the place is known for its lively atmosphere and, of course, some amazing bites and drinks. Drop by Toowoomba Speedway and enjoy a fun night of loud and fast cars with your friends or family!
Toowoomba Speedway
Address: 100 Wirth Rd, Charlton QLD 4350, Australia
Website: Toowoomba Speedway
16. DownsSteam Tourist Railway & Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Steam locomotive C16 No. 106 resting on the turntable at Drayton after being officially launched this morning following a mammoth 20 year restoration effort!
Posted by DownsSteam Tourist Railway & Museum on Monday, October 25, 2021
Are you a trainspotter or a train enthusiast who’s enjoying a vacation in Toowoomba, Australia? Here’s a destination that you will surely love—the DownsSteam Tourist Railway & Museum. Located in the beautiful suburb of Drayton, this place is where you can find lots of historic buildings, machines, and other items that are associated with trains and railways of yore.
The station building on the complex, for instance, used to be a functional platform that serviced the town of Yuleba from 1879 to 2008. When it was decommissioned, it was taken down and reconstructed in its current location in Drayton and now houses a museum that features many train-related collections.
DownsSteam Tourist Railway & Museum
Address: 16 Cambooya St, Drayton QLD 4350, Australia
Website: DownsSteam Tourist Railway & Museum
Opening hours: Tue, Thu, & Sat: 9am - 3pm (closed on Sun, Mon, Wed, & Fri)
Price: 3.64 USD
17. Bill Goulds Lookout
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
When in Toowoomba, you can never get tired of picturesque landscapes, endless rolling hills, and wild vegetation. One of the best spots where you can take it all in is Bill Goulds Lookout, a lookout spot with 360-degree panoramic vistas of the surrounding hills and forests, including sights of Table Top Mountain in the distance. The lookout has changed names throughout history, but today it carries its name after Lions Club member Bill Goulds.
Bill Goulds Lookout
Address: Tobruk Memorial Dr, Rangeville QLD 4350
Website: Bill Goulds Lookout
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
18. Picnic Point Lookout
Only a 10-minute drive from Toowoomba, Picnic Point Lookout is worth the drive on a sunny day, especially if you want to have clearer views of Lockyer Valley and Table Top Mountain. Visitors can stay inside where it’s warm on winter days or on a bench outside, letting the summer breeze softly blow their hair while gazing at the majestic sights. At night, the glow of the city offers a different but equally mesmerizing view.
Picnic Point Lookout
Address: Rangeville QLD 4350
Website: Picnic Point Lookout
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
19. Toowoomba Live Steamers Inc.
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re looking for things to do with the entire family around Toowoomba, make sure you add Toowoomba Live Steamers Inc. to the list. Located in Kearneys Spring, the attraction features an impressive collection of steam engines, diesel locomotives, and various propulsion locomotives. Kids will love discovering miniature locomotives and learning lots of interesting things about locomotives.
Toowoomba Live Steamers Inc.
Address: 11 Lemway Ave, Kearneys Spring QLD 4350
Website: Toowoomba Live Steamers Inc.
20. Japanese Gardens USQ QLD
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Japanese Gardens USQ QLD in Darling Heights is a spectacle for the senses. Designed in authentic Japanese style, different elements are perfectly mixed together into a cohesive, unitary image. The Japanese-style garden boasts perfectly manicured lush greenery, a splendid azalea hill, a lake, a mountain stream, a waterfall, and more. Over 200 Japanese and Australian native plants and trees are present in the garden, creating the perfect setting for weddings and a beautiful backdrop for photo sessions.
Japanese Gardens USQ QLD
Address: LOT 55 Regent St, Darling Heights QLD 4350
Website: Japanese Gardens USQ QLD
Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)
21. Crows Nest National Park
Visit Crows Nest National Park, which is located on the Darling Downs of southern Queensland. It is divided into a number of sections that are located in both Crow Nests and Grapetree about 6 kilometers (3.7 mi) east of town. This wallaby-dotted park harbors a cascading waterfall and eucalyptus forest punctuated by craggy granite outcrops and a sheer 100-meter (328 ft) cliff face. Explore Crow Nest Creek’s waterfall by following the walking trail from 2 km to 4.5 km (1.2 mi to 2.8 mi), cooling down in swimming holes. Travelers can then continue walking to a fantastic lookout point over the Valley of Diamonds. Besides, seasonal wildflowers provide interest for photographers and naturalists, and you can also spot nocturnal animals. There is also a lovely campground for bush camping. Among the facilities provided, you’ll find barbecues, picnic areas, and toilets.
Crows Nest National Park
Address: Three Mile Rd, Crows Nest QLD 4355, Australia
Access: By car
Website: Crows Nest National Park
22. Ju Raku En Japanese Gardens
Ju Raku En Japanese Gardens is Australia’s largest and most traditional Japanese garden. It is located about 4 kilometers (2.5 mi) south of the centre at the University of Southern Queensland. The 5-hectare (12.3 acre) oasis was designed by a Japanese professor, Kinsaku Nakane, from Kyoto. It contains all the elements of rippling lake and carefully aligned boulders, conifer, bamboo stands, cherry blossoms, and photogenic bridges. Besides, the garden has a combination of 230 species of Japanese and Australian native trees and plants, as well as lawns all combined in a seamless and restful harmony. Japanese gardens emphasize the use of rocks to create 3D pictures.
Visitors can stroll through the garden or relax on the seat near the Dry Garden and it is not uncommon to see artists quietly painting a scene or children feeding pieces of bread to fish or birds, including swans, ducks, or geese. The garden is known as Ju Raku En in Japanese.
Japanese Gardens
Address: 20 Regent Street, Darling Heights ,Queensland 4350
Price: Free access
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 6 am to 6pm
Access: By car
Contact: + 61 7 4631 2100
Website: Japanese Gardens
City of gardens
There are many things to see and do in Toowoomba all year round. Toowoomba’s parks and gardens become vibrant and ablaze with colours and life.That is why it is called the Garden City. The Carnival of Flowers is held with street parades and other activities. This festival attracts a lot of visitors from all over the world and boosts the economy of the city. Toowoomba is so special because its attractions offer the best of both worlds, the city retain its country heritage, whilst offering all the amenities of a bustling modern city.
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Toowoomba, Australia
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