16 unique things to do in Toowoomba

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Danielle	 Reckless

By Danielle Reckless

Enviable quaint country charm meets big city buzz in Toowoomba, Queensland’s largest inland city. It’s where you can soak up fresh country air along garden strolls and heritage walks, in between freshly-roasted espresso, an unbeatable urban arts scene, an afternoon cocktail or a show at the theatre.

And it’s not short on a Devonshire tea, either.

If you’re looking to fill your trip with culture, food, history and heritage, follow this guide to the best things to do in Toowoomba. 

1. Throw down a rug and take in the views

Picnic Point | things to do in Toowoomba

Toowoomba’s the type of place where you can take the time to do the little things you’ve always said you would when you’re not too busy, starting with Picnic Point.

Delivering grand panoramic views of the Great Dividing Range, this prime picnic spot overlooks Main Range and the Lockyer Valley. And if you didn't BYO snacks, there's a cafe right here serving breakfast and lunch. 

2. Step back in time at the museum

Family looking at an old stage coach at the Cobb+Co Museum

Cobb+Co Museum

Toowoomba’s Cobb+Co Museum takes you back to the times of  horse-drawn carriages and steam trains with its wonderful interactive displays and heritage trade workshops in silversmithing, millinery, whip plaiting and blacksmithing.

Home of the National Carriage Collection, peer back through Toowoomba’s history and the Australian transport era – and don’t forget to stop by the cafe for scones, naturally.

3. Catch a show at Empire Theatre

The Empire Theatre lit up at night | things to do Toowoomba

History seeps out of every wall, floor and bathroom tile at the heritage-listed Art Deco Empire Theatre. Australia's largest regional performing arts complex hosts everything from opera to comedy and musical theatre under its grand proscenium arch, so head here for your culture fix.

4. Wander through a gallery of local art

Visit Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery, a private collection by former Toowoomba resident featuring over 400 Australian artworks by artists like Lionel, Daryl and Ruby Lindsay, Phillips Fox and McCubbin.

Exhibits change monthly so no two visits will be alike. You’ll find dedicated galleries for those who are fond of specific periods of art such as The Fred and Lucy Gould art collection, packed with antique furniture, fine porcelain and glassware, gold and silverware, and other items from Europe, Asia and Australia dating from the 1700s to the 1930s.

The City Collection houses 20th century Australian paintings, drawings, photographs, ceramics and jewellery, with works by regional artists.

5. Follow your nose to Laurel Bank Park

Family standing beside a fountain in Laurel Bank Park | things to do Toowoomba

Put your flora knowledge to the test at Laurel Bank Park, one of the prettiest things to do in Toowoomba. Spanning over 4 hectares, it boasts perfectly manicured gardens and giant carpets of bursting, bright blooms.

Stop and smell the roses at the scented garden for an olfactory treat: to find it, walk towards the centre – it’s the garden within the garden, created by the Downs Association of the Blind for the visually impaired.

6. Combine flowers and feasting at the biggest event of the year

Group of friends at Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers | things to do Toowoomba

If you want to visit when flowers are at their peak, be sure to come during September when the city comes alive for the annual, month-long Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

From flower parades to sideshows to gourmet food tours and live music, there's so much to see and do during this festival - even once you've had your fill of the flowers. Unsurprisingly this event attracts big crowds each year, so book your accommodations early – and take a peek at ways to spend the weekend for the carnival.

7. Visit Queens Park

Ju Raku En Japanese Garden, Queens Park Toowoomba | things to do Toowoomba

Queens Park

Toowoomba’s Queens Park – all 26.3 hectares of its green space – sits right in the centre of town. 

Find a shady spot under the grand old trees at this heritage listed garden, then get out to explore its many spaces. This is the perfect spot for a family picnic, with large grassy spaces and playgrounds for the kids. Not a bad way to spend the day.

8. Feel the need for speed

Fuel your adrenalin at Toowoomba Speedway. Housing every genre of cars from sprintcars to racy V8s to Formula 500s, there’s a race to suit every enthusiast and a huge calendar of events to choose from.

9. Walk back in time

Gip's Restaurant, a historical building found on the Russel Street Historical Walk in Toowoomba | things to do Toowoomba

Toowoomba is home to plenty of homes that have stood the test of time, none more iconic than our Queenslanders. Get an architecture fix wandering down the Russell Street Historical Walk, all the way back to the 1860s. There’s 2.5km of Queenslanders as well as other architectural styles, so you might just get the home renovation inspiration you need.

10. Sip with a view

Wine is served with altitude at Preston Peak Wines. Situated high on the Great Dividing Range and overlooking the Lockyer Valley, Preston has an elevation of 860m, making it the perfect spot to soak in views. The winery's collection spans shiraz and serisier, which are distinctly richer in flavour due to the cooler climate.

11. Explore Toowoomba's street art

Friends looking at street art in Toowoomba | things to do Toowoomba

Weave your way through the giant outdoor art gallery reaching storeys into the sky that is Toowoomba’s Street Art Trail. Neil Street is where most of the action is, with over 50 murals to stare up at. You can easily spend an afternoon weaving in and out of buildings (and cafes too). 

12. Meet the animals

Darling Downs Zoo | things to do Toowoomba

Photo by @sammieobrien

The Darling Downs Zoo cares for exotic species from Australia, Asia, Africa and South America – including the cute and cuddly capybara.

Being the home of the only pride of African lions in Queensland means they have a special responsibility to keep these majestic big cats well and happy. The zoo specialises in captive breeding for many critically endangered and vulnerable species from around the world. It's also home to the only white lions permanently taking up residence in Queensland, and the largest herd of zebras and giant tortoises in the state.

13. Work on your golf swing

Golfing is better on holidays, so if you like to play a round or two head to the lush green lawns of the City Golf Club, with a choice of 9 or 18 holes – and no membership required.

For the little ones, there’s mini golf and a driving range so the whole family with have something to hit at with sticks.

14. Hike Table Top Mountain

Get back outside and get another panorama fix at Table Top Mountain.

Used as a training track for hikers prepping for Mount Kilimanjaro and the Kokoda Trail for years, there’s a well-worn trail you can stick to if you’re unsure about carving a new path. The hike is all uphill, but the summit view is the ultimate reward. 

15. Head to the farmers market

Family looking at flowers to buy at the Toowoomba Farmers Markets | things to do Toowoomba

BYO tote bag and take advantage of the opportunity to buy direct from local farmers, food purveyors and artisans at the weekly farmers market. Head down to Cobb+Co Museum on Saturdays from 7am - 12pm to shop from local meat, produce, artisan baking, preserves & crafts.

16. De-stress in a salt cave

If you own a Himalayan salt lamp or follow holistic health practices, you’ll love the Toowoomba Salt Cave.

The pink-tinged, specially-built salt cave disperses dry salt throughout the room in high concentrations, offering a tranquil wellness experience. As well as salt therapy, your visit can include relaxation massage, Reiki and Bowen therapy as well as hypno-meditation and Tai Chi Qigong classes.

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