Toowoomba, located on the Great Dividing Range about 125 km west of Brisbane, is Queensland’s largest inland city. Known as “The Garden City,” it boasts beautiful parks, a vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and breathtaking mountain views. Toowoomba is especially famous for its annual Carnival of Flowers, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers, foodies, and history buffs alike.
Top Attractions in Toowoomba
1. Queens Park & Botanic Gardens 🌿🌸
- One of Toowoomba’s most beautiful parks, featuring colorful flower displays, walking trails, and picnic spots.
- Home to the Carnival of Flowers (September), when the gardens are at their most spectacular.
2. Picnic Point Lookout & Parklands ⛰️🌄
- Offers stunning panoramic views over the Lockyer Valley.
- A great spot for hiking, picnicking, and watching the sunset.
- Features walking trails through native bushland.
3. Carnival of Flowers (September) 🌷🎉
- Toowoomba’s biggest annual festival, featuring flower parades, garden tours, live music, and food stalls.
- The longest-running floral event in Australia (since 1949).
4. Cobb+Co Museum 🏛️🚃
- Part of the Queensland Museum Network, showcasing Australia’s largest collection of horse-drawn carriages.
- Offers interactive workshops on blacksmithing, leatherwork, and silversmithing.
5. Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery 🎨
- The oldest public art gallery in Queensland, featuring Australian and Indigenous art.
- Hosts rotating exhibitions from local and international artists.
6. Japanese Garden (Ju Raku En) 🌸🏯
- One of Australia’s largest and most beautiful Japanese gardens.
- Designed for peaceful walks, meditation, and photography.
7. Laurel Bank Park 🌺
- A picturesque park with themed gardens, topiary trees, and a sensory garden.
- Another highlight of the Carnival of Flowers.
8. Empire Theatre 🎭🎶
- A heritage-listed art deco theatre, one of the oldest and grandest regional theatres in Australia.
- Hosts musicals, concerts, comedy shows, and plays.
9. Table Top Mountain ⛰️🥾
- A challenging hike offering breathtaking 360-degree views.
- A sacred site for the Giabal and Jarowair Aboriginal people.
10. Highfields Pioneer Village 🚜🏡
- A living history museum showcasing heritage buildings, vintage cars, and farm machinery.
- Home to the Big Cow, an iconic Queensland roadside attraction.
Outdoor Adventures & Day Trips 🌿🚗
1. Ravensbourne National Park 🌳
- A lush rainforest retreat just 40 minutes from Toowoomba.
- Great for hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking.
2. Crows Nest National Park 🏞️
- Features waterfalls, scenic lookouts, and rock pools.
- Best time to visit: After rainfall, when Crows Nest Falls is flowing.
3. Darling Downs Vineyards & Wineries 🍷
- Visit Preston Peak Wines, known for its boutique wines and stunning views.
- Ridge Mill Estate – A top spot for wine tasting and cheese platters.
4. Jondaryan Woolshed 🐑
- A historic sheep station, offering a glimpse into Queensland’s pastoral history.
- Try sheep shearing demonstrations and heritage farm experiences.
Toowoomba’s Food & Drink Scene 🍽️☕
1. Must-Try Local Dishes
- Toowoomba Steak – A rich, creamy steak dish (inspired by Outback Steakhouse).
- Locally-sourced produce – Many restaurants focus on fresh, farm-to-table ingredients.
- Artisan bread and pastries – Toowoomba has a strong baking culture, with many boutique bakeries.
2. Best Cafés & Brunch Spots ☕🥐
- Ground Up Espresso Bar – One of Toowoomba’s most popular coffee spots.
- The Finch – Serves delicious brunch with a modern twist.
- Burrow Café – A cozy spot for local coffee and homemade cakes.
3. Best Restaurants in Toowoomba 🍷🍽️
- Zeus Street Greek – Modern Greek dining with a relaxed vibe.
- Encores at the Empire – A fine-dining restaurant near the Empire Theatre.
- Picnic Point Café – Offers stunning views and great Australian cuisine.
4. Best Pubs & Breweries 🍻
- The Spotted Cow – A classic pub with craft beers and live music.
- 4 Brothers Brewing – A local microbrewery with creative craft beers.
Where to Stay in Toowoomba 🏨
Luxury & Boutique Stays ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Potters Boutique Hotel – Stylish and modern with a central location.
- Gip’s Restaurant & Boutique Hotel – A heritage property with fine dining.
Mid-Range Hotels ⭐⭐⭐
- Platinum International – A comfortable, business-friendly hotel.
- Quest Toowoomba – Great for extended stays and self-contained apartments.
Budget & B&Bs 💰
- Vacy Hall Historic Guesthouse – A heritage-listed boutique stay.
- BIG4 Toowoomba Garden City Holiday Park – Budget-friendly cabins and camping.
Best Time to Visit Toowoomba ☀️🌸
- Spring (September–November) – Best time for the Carnival of Flowers.
- Summer (December–February) – Warm weather, great for hiking and day trips.
- Autumn (March–May) – Cooler temperatures, beautiful autumn foliage.
- Winter (June–August) – Crisp, cool days, ideal for pubs, cozy cafés, and regional wineries.
How to Get to Toowoomba ✈️🚗
- By Air ✈️
- Fly into Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport (WTB), with direct flights from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Townsville.
- By Car 🚗
- From Brisbane: 1.5-hour drive via the Warrego Highway (A2).
- From Gold Coast: 2.5-hour drive via Brisbane and Warrego Highway.
- By Bus 🚌
- Greyhound and Murrays Coaches offer daily services from Brisbane.
Why Visit Toowoomba?
Toowoomba is Queensland’s hidden gem, offering a mix of nature, history, food, and culture. Whether you’re exploring its stunning gardens, hiking scenic lookouts, or enjoying gourmet local produce, this mountain city has something for everyone.
Plan your trip to Toowoomba and experience the beauty of Queensland’s Garden City!