Toowoomba is a green city in Southern Queensland. It is the second-most-populous inland city in Australia after the capital, Canberra, and the largest inland city of Darling Downs. Moreover, it is known for its pleasant weather; summers and winters are neither too hot nor too cold.
With a great foodie scene in Toowoomba with numerous restaurants and café outlets that show the region’s best produce, visitors can find lovely historic houses of charming vintage or stroll through outstanding parks and gardens. Gardens and parks are the top attractions, but there are many other things to do in Toowoomba. The Cobb Co museum, Downstream Tourist Railway & Museum, the Picnic Point Lookout, Preston Peak Wines, Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery, the Carnival of Flowers, Highfields Pioneer Village, Salt Cave, and Royal Bull’s Head Inn are popular tourist attractions.
August is the busiest month for tourism, so hotels and flights will cost more. Depending on the weather, September and October host the spring season and are considered the best months to visit Toowoomba. Toowoomba is warm from November to February, receives rainfall from March to May, and is hard from June to August. The best part about visiting Toowoomba in September is that it hosts the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. Let’s learn about the things to do in Toowoomba without further ado.
20 Things to Do in Toowoomba
1. Enjoy Natural Beauty and Games at Laurel Bank Park
Laurel Bank Park is a small public park in the city centre with mature trees offering ample shade. It is a great place for community events and family activities. The park has many picnic tables and a permanent large marquee BBQ area. Laurel Bank Park has well-manicured gardens and a beautiful display of vibrant flowers.
Laurel Bank Park is one of the venues for the annual Carnival of Flowers. The park also includes water conservation ponds, two croquet lawns, climbing castles, tunnels, statues, and an activity centre. The scented garden Within Laurel Bank Park is an initiative by the Downs Association of the Blind for the visually impaired.
2. See More Natural Beauty at the Queens Park
Visit Queens Park at the corner of Lindsay Street and Campbell Street. Also known as the Toowoomba Botanic Gardens, Queens Park is best enjoyed during the daytime. It is a beautiful and well-maintained park for a family picnic with tons of greenery, numerous colourful flower beds, and trees imported from other countries. These trees today provide excellent shade.
Queens Park has an area called the dog off-leash area. If you have a dog, you can take it here and exercise it. Moreover, Queens Park also hosts the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers every year in September.
3. Continue with Lake Annand Park
Third on the list of things to do in Toowoomba is to visit Lake Annand Park in South Toowoomba. It is a calm, quiet park, considered Toowoomba’s best recreational area. It is well-suited for family picnics and has barbeque facilities, playgrounds, biking tracks, and a curved bridge to stroll above the water.
The park’s fountain adds to the appeal. You can spot ducks and different bird species in the lake at the park. Lake Annand Park is one of the few parks where you can feed the ducks.
4. Enjoy Serenity within a Traditional Japanese Garden
Ju Raku en Japanese Gardens is a stunning oasis of Japanese beauty and peace in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. Its Serenity is beautifully reflected in its name, “The Garden of Pure Land” or “Ten Virtues”. Its collection of beautifully cultivated bonsai trees, creating miniature living wonders, is a striking feature of Ju Raku En.
Cultural events and workshops, such as ikebana or calligraphy, are excellent ways of learning about Japan’s traditions. In addition to capturing the essence of Japanese culture in the heart of Australia, Ju Raku En Japanese Garden is a sanctuary of peace and harmony, an opportunity for contemplation and relaxation.
5. Stroll at the Ravensbourne National Park
Ravensbourne National Park is an hour’s drive from Toowoomba. It is a rainforest-type park with four walking tracks of different lengths, each offering a different experience. You can witness Piccabean Palms, tree ferns, vines, native orchids, and other tall trees.
Walking by, you will spot birds of different species and wallabies among the fauna. At the Gus Beutel Lookout, you can get panoramic views of the Lockyer Valley and the Great Dividing Range at Ravensbourne. Ravensbourne National Park has two day-use areas with picnic tables, shelters, and toilets. It is suitable for barbeques, and many weddings have taken place here.
6. Hike Table Top Mountain
Hiking is also one of the things to do in Toowoomba, bringing the article to include information about Tabletop Mountain. The hike at Table Top Mountain is very challenging as you will have to climb over rock screes, and the last 50 meters of the climb are almost vertically up.
Going up usually takes 60 to 90 minutes, so you must carry lots of water. You must wear the appropriate attire and the right shoes for the climb. And make sure to apply sunscreen and insect repellent. Although it is a challenging climb, it is worth it as the views from the top are breathtaking.
You will get to see many views on your way up, and once you are up, you can view the Lockyer Valley and its surroundings. You can set aside time to hike the Tabletop mountain to watch the sunrise or the sunset or at night to view the stars.
7. Catch a Stunning Sunrise at Picnic Point
Picnic Point is one of Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia’s most popular vacation spots with spectacular sunrise views. This splendid lookout is located on the perimeter of the GreatDividing Range, providing stunning sight lines from which to see the first light of day. The immense panoramic view from Picnic Point comes to life in a symphony of colours as the sun rises over the horizon.
Gazing out from Picnic Point, you’ll witness the city of Toowoomba awakening below, with its rolling hills and lush greenery bathed in the soft morning light. A calm and refreshed atmosphere, which will be an ideal setting for the beginning of your day, is created by the fresh morning air and subtle rustling of leaves.
Consider giving yourself a picnic breakfast or hot coffee while taking in the sunrise so your experience becomes even more memorable. Picnic Point is an ideal place for connecting with nature and finding inspiration in the wonders of a new day, thanks to its calm and pure beauty.
8. Camp at the Crows Nest National Park
The Crows Nest National Park is just a short drive north of Toowoomba. It is a beautiful place to camp under the tall eucalyptus trees. You can swim in the Kauyoo Pool and Bottlebrush Pool, both of which are shallow. The Kauyoo pool area also has a sandy beach. While swimming, you can see the animals that live on the granite outcrops.
Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby and the dark-brown Swamp Wallaby are common. At night, there are chances you can spot the sugar glider, the feathertail glider, or the greater glider. Get a stunning view of the Valley of Diamonds from the Koonin lookout.
9. Camp and Enjoy Other Activities at Lake Cressbrook
Lake Cressbrook is a second alternative for camping besides Crows Nest National Park. With tents and all the toilet facilities available, the camping experience gets easy. The residents of Toowoomba get their drinking water from Lake Cressbrook; hence, swimming is not allowed. Boating, canoeing, and fishing are permitted water activities.
You can attain an excellent bushwalking experience on land, have a barbeque, or play a sport. Make sure to get a glimpse of kangaroos and other wild animals – many things to do in Toowoomba at Lake Cressbrook.
10. Visit Bunya Mountains National Park
Bunya Mountains National Park is one of the oldest national parks in Queensland. The rainforest-clad peaks protect the most enormous bunya pines in the world. Check out the hidden waterfalls of the rainforests here. Mount Kiangarow lookout, at a height of 1135 meters, is Bunya mountain’s highest point. You must get your view of the sunset from this lookout.
Bunya Mountains National Park is well-suited for camping, with plenty of furnished homes big enough to accommodate families. You can spot wallabies that are frequently present near the accommodations. The area is excellent for birdwatching as well.
11. Go Back in History at the Cobb Co Museum
Toowoomba is not just about parks and mountains because visiting museums is also one of the things to do in Toowoomba. Head over to the Cobb County Museum on Lindsay Street.
Right at the entrance of the museum, you will find three Penny-farthing bicycles. On entering, you will first see the gift store with various items, including old-day carriage-themed gifts. As you move further, you will see multiple classes of invertebrates, a giant dinosaur bone, and a massive turtle on display.
Now, you enter the main section of the museum, the National Carriage Collection. You will find here different types of carriages and steam trains that Australians used for travel back in the day. Lastly, you will encounter silversmith, hat, whip plaiting, and blacksmith workshops. Before leaving, you can grab some scones, coffee, rolls, or muffins from Cobb’s coffee shop.
12. Watch a Show at the Empire Theatre
The things to do in Toowoomba do not end with parks, mountains, and museums. You can head over to the heritage-listed Empire Theatre at Neil Street and watch comedy, music, choir, and cultural performances of top stars.
There’s something for everyone in the diverse programme at the theatre. There are funny acts, soul-stirring performances, charming choir concerts, and thoughtful cultural presentations that can be enjoyed. The Empire Theatre is a cultural centre in Toowoomba, attracting artists and productions, from local talent to internationally renowned performers.
The theatre is something to behold with its beautiful Art Deco architecture and polished interiors. It ensures that every performance is a feast for the senses, thanks to its large auditorium with plush seats, excellent acoustics and a stage. The Empire Theatre continues to provide top-quality entertainment, regardless of your interest in classical music, modern plays, or Broadway musicals.
13. Visit the Points of Interest at Ruthven Street
Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery
The Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery is so-called because it contains artwork of artists from the region (Toowoomba). The items on display change every month; hence, no two visits will be the same. However, three permanent collections exist – The Fred and Lucy Gould Art Collection, the Toowoomba City Collection, and The Lionel Lindsay Gallery and Library.
The Fred and Lucy Gould Art Collection is a section dedicated to art from specific periods. You will see gold and silverware, antique furniture, fine porcelain, and glassware. The gallery conducts educational and public programs from time to time. You must check out their website to know what will happen and plan accordingly.
Eat and Drink at Ground Up Espresso Bar
Ground Up Espresso Bar, at 501 Ruthven Street, is an excellent refreshment place. Head over to ground up for your breakfast, brunch, or lunch. With the walls on both sides of the restaurant covered in street art, the dining experience is one-of-a-kind, though it gets crowded at times.
They serve a variety of items for breakfast and lunch and have a massive variety of tea, coffee, and cold drinks. Their coffee is loved by many and is considered the best in town. Other popular dishes are the croissants and the strawberry cheesecake Danish. Their menu keeps on changing.
Purchase Local Stuff at Maker’s Market
If you want to purchase some local Toowoomba stuff, add Maker’s Market to your list of things to do in Toowoomba. The organizers of the Maker’s Market are known for their professionalism and for maintaining a warm vibe. The kid’s play area and live music add more to the vibe. The Market has decent access to wheelchairs and is also dog-friendly.
Local producers showcase their unique work here. Artwork, books, jewellery, and fancy items are the things that you can expect here. Maker’s Market also holds raffles. Make sure to grab sausages, sourdough bread, and pastries.
Recreate at Kloud9ine Trampoline Park
If you are with kids and wondering what to do in Toowoomba, head over to the Kloud9ine Trampoline Park, an excellent place for kids to have fun jumping. It is Toowoomba’s only climate-controlled trampoline park with four interesting challenges – Kloudzone, Dodgeball, ProZone, and Stunt Bag.
You can book the park for birthdays and special events. While the kids play, you can grab a coffee or other refreshments from their cafe.
Enjoy more Games at Chipmunks Playland and Cafe.
Chipmunks Playland & Cafe is another venue for fun things for kids in Toowoomba. The best part about Chipmunks is that the games have no time limit.
You can also have birthday parties here. Their cafe offers you a variety of snacks and beverages – wraps, burgers, french fries, pizzas, ice cream, tea, coffee, shakes, and smoothies.
Try Korean and Japanese Cuisine at Kajoku
You must add Korean and Japanese Cuisine to your list of things to do in Toowoomba, and for that, head over to Kajoku. They offer Korean chicken, BBQ, single dishes, smaller plates, and sharing dishes. They have vegetarian and gluten-free food as well.
14. Buy Local Produce from Toowoomba Farmers Markets
Local Toowoomba farmers get their fresh produce under the windmills of the Cobb Co. museum.
You can buy eggs, raw honey, local meat, artisan bread, herbs, clothes, and various handmade items besides fruits and vegetables. You may grab food from the food stalls and trucks if you are hungry.
15. Watch a Race at The Toowoomba Speedway
If you are a car racing fan, then one of your things to do in Toowoomba must be to visit the Toowoomba Speedway, also known as the Hi-Tec Oils Speedway. Check out their website to get complete details on the upcoming races. You can witness sprint cars and lighting sprint races. Besides racing, the Speedway has good food options to choose from.
16. Taste Handmade Chocolates at Chocolate Cottage Cafe
For chocolate lovers, visiting the Chocolate Cottage cafe is one of the things to do in Toowoomba. Located in Highlands, a suburb of Toowoomba, they offer 60 different varieties of handmade chocolates. Their breakfast and cafe menu has a variety of dishes to offer.
Chocolate Cottage Cafe’s building is an old schoolhouse that was renovated. It has indoor and outdoor lawn seating. Sitting outdoors, you will witness the greenery all around while you sip your tea and coffee.
17. Acquire Knowledge at Downssteam Tourist Railway and Museum
Visiting the Downstream Tourist Railway and Museum in Drayton, a suburb of Queensland, is one of the things to do in Toowoomba if you admire trains. They don’t have a compulsory entry fee, but an honesty box exists. The museum also has a beautiful garden where visitors can enjoy the Serenity and a gift shop for souvenir purchasing.
The dedicated volunteers guide you through the museum, where you can see train carriages of the old days and other things associated with trains. You must not miss seeing the Dreamtime carriage. It has all the seats removed, and the walls have artwork done by an artist of aboriginal origin. The station plans to run regular trains across Darling Downs.
18. Get Some Salt Therapy at Salt Cave
For a wellness experience, include visiting Salt Cave as one of your things to do in Toowoomba. As the name suggests, a Salt cave is made out of Himalayan salt where dry salt aerosol is disseminated in high concentrations throughout the room.
It is administered by qualified therapists Sue and Toby. It offers services suitable for all ages – massage, Hypno-meditation, facials, Tai Chi Qigong classes, Reiki and Bowen therapy, and group massages and spas. After a long and tiring day of touring Toowoomba, Salt Cave can make you feel relaxed by offering its services with soothing music in the background.
19. Witness More of Yesteryear at Highfields Pioneer Village
Head over to the Highfields pioneer village to see what life was like for the Pioneers hundreds of years ago. You can taste authentic Australian food over here. The billy tea and the damper are must-tries here.
The Highfields Pioneer Village contains a collection of charmingly preserved buildings and artifacts, which allow you to travel back in time from the 19th through the 20th centuries. You’ll get a good insight into the everyday lives of pioneers living in this part of Queensland as you make your way around the village.
It is like a step back in time to see the Highfields Pioneer Village, and you will find that this part of Australia was largely resilient and resourceful by its earliest settlers. It is a place to learn, reflect, and be inspired by the history and heritage of the region, making it a unique and enriching experience for history lovers and families alike.
20. Solve Puzzles at Tick Tock Escape Room
Solving puzzles could be one of your things to do in Toowoomba. If so, head to the Tick Tock escape room on Margaret Street. You are locked in the rooms with your friends and must solve the puzzles to come out.
The Tick Tock Escape Room provides a fun and exciting way of testing your wits while enjoying quality time with friends or family, whether you’re an experienced escape room user or a new adventurer. It is a good choice for those who are pleased with it.
Final Words
There are plenty of activities for tourists to enjoy in Toowoomba, which has a lively culture and beautiful countryside. From enjoying the stunning sunrise at Picnic Point to immersing in the past at Highfields Pioneer Village and solving puzzles at Tick Tock Escape Room, Toowoomba offers diverse experiences.
Toowoomba has something for everyone, whether you’re drawn by its spectacular landscape, beautiful history or the endless possibilities of contemporary entertainment such as the Empire Theatre. The town’s unique blend of history and modern charm makes it a compelling destination for locals and visitors. It is undoubtedly a vibe city with tons of amazing experiences to attain. Visiting during the carnival of flowers is something you must strive to do.
Last Updated on March 1, 2024 by laibaarif
