A local's guide: everything to see, eat and do in Toowoomba
How-to
By Catherine Blake
Toowoomba’s picturesque mountain setting is a draw for anyone seeking a country getaway. Nestled in the Darling Downs, Toowoomba is famous for spectacular lookouts and some 150 public parks and gardens. Come in September for the annual Carnival of Flowers and you’ll see the city in full bloom and teeming with botanical enthusiasts. Come back when it’s a bit quieter and discover Toowoomba without the crowds.
When you’re done with the main drag, here’s where you’ll find all the fun things to do in Toowoomba that only the locals know:
Can’t-beat-it breakfast
Down residential Ruthven Street, The Finch is a casual, cosy lunch spot serving locals seven days a week. It’s flung much further than the main drag, but well worth it for the breakfast and specialty coffee.
Champions of creating delicious, nourishing meals with local produce, their breakfast menu starts simply with eggs and fixings, and gradually builds to pancakes, waffles, and the heartiest big breakfast going.
Best coffee
Photo by @this_little_journey_
If you didn’t get enough java at The Finch, head to Ground Up Espresso. This laneway espresso bar has all the pace and grunge of a cafe in the big city, but where the barista knows your order. They source their beans from a small specialty roaster on the Gold Coast and brew every cup with care, so you’re guaranteed a cracking coffee every time.
The locals' favourite restaurant
When it comes to dining in the Darling Downs, there’s no point doing things by halves. That’s why Host. Dining + Wine Bar is such a beloved spot. Being family-owned and chef-operated, this bistro strikes a delicate chord of casual fine dining. Their menu is completely determined by the season and changes daily to showcase the freshest produce they can get their hands on. Opt for the chef’s tasting menu for a full tour of Toowoomba’s finest.
Best activity for under $50
Head out 40 kilometres west of Toowoomba to the historic Woolshed at Jondaryan. One of the oldest and largest woolsheds in Australia, the history of Jondaryan is preserved by a passionate team of staff and volunteers.
In a tour by appointment, you can learn all about the region with a guided history tour, watch sheep-shearing demonstrations, and have a gander at the animal nursery. It’s an authentic Aussie experience that will give you a taste of rural life.
Favourite way to spend a Sunday
Photo by @jacquitoumbas
The first stop on any local’s Sunday agenda is a visit to the bakery. But not just any bakery. The Baker’s Duck is known around these parts for making the freshest artisanal breads and baked goods in town. One glance at the queue trailing out the door is all the proof you need of the Duck’s popularity.
A spread of crusty breads, pies, rolls, sweet pastries and doughnuts adorn the cabinets every weekend. Besides their signature sourdough, the Baker’s Duck also offers some decadent seasonal pastries. Supply is limited so it’s worth waking up early to have your pick of pastries and also beat the crowds. The coffee’s pretty great too.
Best shopping spot
You know that feeling of wandering a store and being so enamoured you felt like taking everything with you? That’s Harolds Finishing Touches. On the corner of Bridge and Hume Streets, this homey bramble of decor contains everything you need to garnish your home in a stylish jumble of homewares. The ever-changing displays will have you hatching all kinds of plans to redesign your space.
Must-do activity
Photo by @babs_gc
Toowoomba’s idyllic perch in the Darling Downs makes for plenty of lookouts and spectacular views. At Table Top Mountain, a 360 degree view of the Lockyer Valley awaits. The hike is just 2kms in total, but cover some fairly adventurous terrain so you should expect to spend about 1.5 hours heading up the mountain. The trail winds through eucalypt forest, culminating in a rocky scramble to reach the top. It can be a bit of a challenge, but so worth it for the view.
If you didn’t bring your boots, you can always drink up the vista from Picnic Point.
