Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Toowoomba, Australia

Situated on the primary ridge of the Great Dividing Range, Toowoomba is approximately 130 kilometres west of Brisbane in Queensland.

Toowoomba is often referred to as The Garden City, a title well deserved.

Its temperate climate year-round, combined with fertile volcanic soils, results in a vibrant display of colors and fragrances every spring.

The ten-day Carnival of Flowers commemorates this seasonal beauty and encompasses horticulture, music, and fine cuisine.

Toowoomba offers a lush green environment throughout the year, showcasing an array of well-maintained parks filled with both native and exotic deciduous trees thriving in the city’s unique conditions.

Being located in the Great Dividing Range, visitors can also enjoy breathtaking mountain views in every direction, with numerous lookouts available to appreciate the scenery.

1. Picnic Point Lookout and Parkland

Elevated at 700 metres in the Great Dividing Range, this spot offers an exceptional vantage point overlooking the escarpment and foothills.

This lookout is part of a 65-hectare park atop a significant cliff and has been a destination for Toowoomba residents since the 1880s.

Designated in the Queensland Heritage Register, Picnic Point provides an exhilarating view of the bush-clad slopes of the Main Range and its majestic gorges.

It is an ideal location for a picnic or barbecue, equipped with playgrounds for children and various walking paths that present breathtaking views of the Lockyer Valley and the geological wonder of Table Top Mountain.

After an exploration in the bushland, visitors can hike to the café for a refreshing drink.

2. Japanese Garden

Leading Toowoomba’s horticultural highlights is the Japanese Garden, situated on the north side of the University of Southern Queensland, established in the 1980s.

Referred to as Ju Raku En, which loosely translates to “to enjoy peace and longevity in a public space,” this garden was designed according to traditional Japanese principles by Professor Kinsaku Nakane from Kyoto, embodying a Buddhist paradise with celestial seas surrounding three islands believed to harbor immortals.

The garden features over 230 species of Australian and Japanese trees, with three kilometers of pathways to enjoy these natural spectacles.

While exploring, visitors will encounter a mountain stream and waterfall, a dry garden, and a splendid azalea hill.

3. Queens Park and Botanic Gardens

Inaugurated in the 1870s, Queens Park along with its Botanic Gardens has evolved over more than a century, retaining numerous features and plantings from the late 1800s.

Several notable specimen trees from this era continue to thrive here, including an English oak, swamp cypress, Bunya pines, Himalayan pine, and Chinese elm, among others.

The charming avenue of camphor laurels that traverses the park from north to south is also of historical significance.

While Queens Park showcases a casual, free-flowing design, the Botanic Gardens maintain a neat and formal layout, characterized by ordered flowerbeds, avenues, and hedges.

Queens Park and Botanic Gardens serve as central locations for the Carnival of Flowers, hosting the three-day Heritage Bank Festival of Food & Wine during this vibrant season.

4. Cobb+Co Museum

This institution showcases Australia’s National Carriage Collection and has its origins dating back to the 1960s.

The museum’s foundation was established on the collection amassed by W.R.F. Bolton, who dedicated over three decades to acquiring and restoring historical carriages and their accompanying artifacts.

Currently, the collection encompasses 47 antique horse-drawn carriages, providing valuable insight into the evolution of transport in Queensland.

Children can enjoy the Coach Stop play area, where they can engage with a replica horse, dress in historical costumes, and experience a classic general store ambiance.

Cobb’s Coffee Shop is an additional stop within the museum, known for delicious muffins, scones, and light meals.

5. Laurel Bank Park

This delightful 4.5-hectare park was cultivated in the 1930s on the west side of Toowoomba’s central business district.

It is splendid throughout the year, featuring mature exotic trees, picnic facilities, a playground, topiaries, a gazebo, and manicured croquet greens.

Notably, Laurel Bank Park truly flourishes in spring when the cherry trees bloom, resulting in a spectacular display of color and fragrance in the exquisitely designed formal flowerbeds.

This seasonal beauty culminates with Toowoomba’s Carnival of Flowers in September.

The Scented Garden within is designed as a “garden within a garden,” incorporating elevated beds of shrubs, herbs, and flowers, inspired by the collaboration with the Downs Association of the Blind.

6. Spring Bluff Railway Station

When established in the 1860s, the Main Line Railway connecting Brisbane and Toowoomba became the first narrow gauge main line globally.

As the line approached Toowoomba, it traversed the Main Range, presenting significant engineering obstacles that required steep gradients, 47 bridges, nine tunnels, and numerous curves, culverts, and embankments over an 18-mile stretch.

Spring Bluff Railway Station was constructed within the Main Range, providing a stop for trains during their challenging ascent to Toowoomba.

Although the station ceased operations in 1992, it continues to be a cherished tourist destination known for its tranquility, charming old structures, well-tended flowerbeds, and scenic landscape.

Access to the grounds is free, and visitors can enjoy a spacious picnic area complete with a gazebo and playground for children.

7. Highfields Pioneer Village

Located just minutes away in Highfields, this outdoor museum is home to over 60 historic buildings that have been rescued from destruction, relocated, and restored.

These structures encompass houses, shops, and multipurpose buildings, serving as a fascinating narrative of Australian history, primarily from the Darling Downs region, and are filled with vintage appliances, tools, and machinery.

While at the Pioneer Village, visitors can explore sub-attractions such as the Ambulance Museum, Fire Brigade Museum, and Queensland Energy Museum, each featuring equipment, uniforms, and memorabilia from over a century ago.

Children will find excitement in Myrtle May, the 10¼-inch gauge miniature railway, and Henry the Model T Ford bus, both operational on the last Sundays of the month.

8. Peacehaven Botanic Park

This enchanting botanical garden in Highfields was established on a plot donated in the 2000s by local dairy farmer Stan Kuhl.

Kuhl traveled worldwide and aimed to incorporate elements from the numerous renowned gardens he visited, with the overarching goal of promoting global peace.

Spanning just over five hectares, Peacehaven Botanic Park boasts a rich diversity of native flora, making it a perfect venue to relax and enjoy views of the distant Bunya Mountains to the northwest and Gowrie Junction directly to the west.

For children, there are engaging activities available, including an archaeological dig featuring a replica dinosaur skeleton and a nature-themed playground.

9. DownsSteam Tourist Railway & Museum

This volunteer-run non-profit attraction located in the Toowoomba suburb of Drayton resides in a former railway siding.

The main intent of DownsSteam is to preserve and restore the last remaining steam locomotive produced at the Toowoomba Foundry Company, the C16-106 Southern Cross Works No. 28, which hails from around 1914. Fondly known as the Pride of Toowoomba, this locomotive is displayed alongside other engines and rolling stock, including diesel locomotives, a Gatsby Flyer rail motor, and various coaches.

While plans are in place to establish a working heritage line, visitors are currently able to explore the historic rolling stock and enter the DAV 1131 “Memory Coach” located at Drayton Railway Station.

This special coach is brimming with railway artifacts and memorabilia, including archived photographs, signage, operating manuals, crockery, cutlery, firing shovels, builders’ plates, and more.

Another highlight is the visually striking Dreamtime Journey Coach, which was painted by an indigenous inmate at the Westbrook Correctional Centre as a tribute to the Aboriginal workers who developed the railway through the Main Range.

10. Empire Theatre

As a cornerstone of cultural and entertainment activities, the Empire Theatre also represents an iconic landmark within Toowoomba, with a history dating back to 1911. The original building tragically burned down in the early 1930s and was subsequently rebuilt in a stunning Art Deco style.

In the 1990s, this site underwent extensive restoration and now accommodates audiences of over 1,500, earning accolades as one of Australia’s premier performing arts venues.

Its programming includes drama, classical music, live comedy, touring musical performances, magic shows, a wide array of children’s entertainment, workshops, and film screenings.

Subsequently, in the 2000s, the complex was expanded to incorporate the adjacent neo-Gothic church, constructed in 1877, which now serves as a stage for cabarets, lectures, workshops, trade exhibitions, and special events.

11. Lake Annand Park

Among Toowoomba’s collection of serene urban parks is this tranquil space located along East Creek, just southeast of the city center.

Lake Annand attracts numerous waterfowl, which visitors can feed (note: birdseed is preferable to bread) from a quaint boardwalk and charming humpback bridge.

Along the banks, well-maintained lawns, vibrant shrubs, and towering trees provide ample shade.

Families can enjoy leisurely afternoons picnicking or barbecuing, while cyclists make use of the pathway connecting Lake Annand Park, East Creek Park, and Queens Park, providing convenient access to the CBD.

12. Table Top Mountain

For those who are physically prepared and experienced in navigating rugged trails, Table Top Mountain presents an enticing challenge.

The allure of this ancient volcanic cone is evident, with steep slopes leading to an elevation of nearly 600 metres above sea level (158m prominence). The lower elevations are enveloped in eucalypt forest, while the summit is open, adorned with native grasses such as kangaroo grass.

From the summit, one can gaze down upon the Main Range to the south, the Lockyer Valley to the east, and Prince Henry Heights to the north.

Table Top Mountain is listed on the Aboriginal Register, and for those preferring to enjoy the vistas from a distance, various lookouts in the surrounding area, such as Katoomba Point Lookout (Prince Henry Drive) and Bob Dodds Lookout (Tobruk Memorial Drive), provide stunning views.

13. Ravensbourne National Park

Further afield, visitors can explore remnants of the wet eucalypt forest that once extended over a significant portion of the Great Dividing Range.

Trails lead you beneath towering trees, among palm trees, and alongside tranquil streams.

This area is also home to a rich diversity of birdlife, boasting over 80 documented species.

The Cedar Block Circuit offers insights into the Jarowair and Jagera Aboriginal peoples who traversed this land in their journey to attend bunya nut festivals held in the Bunya Mountains to the northwest.

Be sure to visit the Gus Beutel Lookout for breathtaking views of the Scenic Rim and Lockyer Valley.

14. Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

Individuals from across Australia gather in Toowoomba each September to celebrate the onset of spring during this ten-day event.

The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers represents more than just a display of vibrant spring colors; it incorporates gourmet food experiences and performances from internationally acclaimed music artists across 60+ events and activities.

Numerous parks throughout the city participate in the festivities, yet Queens Park and Laurel Bank Park serve as the joyous hub of the celebration.

If you were to select one event embodying the spirit of the carnival, it would undoubtedly be the Grand Central Floral Parade. Here, beautifully adorned floats decorated with flowers traverse the CBD, arriving at Queens Park while accompanied by street performers and carnival characters.

Following the parade, these floats are showcased at the Godsall St Oval, where attendees have the opportunity to purchase the flowers that decorated them.

15. Toowoomba Farmers’ Market

Open every Saturday from 07:00 to noon under the windmills on the Cobb+Co Museum grounds, this market is a local favorite.

Visitors can purchase seasonal fruits and vegetables, ethically sourced meats, locally roasted coffee, flowers, jams, sauces, cheese, smoothie mixes, handmade gifts, and various delicious options for breakfast or lunch.

As the products are sold directly by the farmer or maker, attendees gain insights into provenance and how to maximize the value of their produce.

Live music is typically featured, and children can participate in various activities and entertainment.