There’s nothing quite like getting out of town for a little adventure, and at Urban List, we know just where to take you. An easy 90-minute drive west from Brisbane/Meanjin, Toowoomba—affectionately known as Queensland’s ‘Garden City’ (or ‘T-Bar’ to those in the know)—is a city located in the Darling Downs region.
Known for its brimming natural beauty, cultural charm, and friendly-family attitude, a visit here is a must for those craving a change of scene. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, foodie fanatic, or art enthusiast, there’s plenty to see and do here, so make the most of the cooler weather for a weekend in Toowoomba. It’s time to hit the road.
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Embrace the outdoors
Home to hundreds of parks and gardens, as well as the much-loved Carnival of Flowers, Toowoomba’s flora and fauna is in a league of its own. Discover rolling plains, flower farms, natural wonders, and scenic walking trails. Go on green thumb, get your hands dirty.
Picnic Point Lookout
Perched atop the Great Dividing Range, Picnic Point offers panoramic views of the Lockyer Valley and the picturesque Table Top Mountain. The parklands feature walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas, making it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.
Ju Raku En Japanese Garden
Image credit: Ju Raku En | Tourism and Events Queensland
Find your zen in Australia’s largest Japanese garden located within the University of Southern Queensland’s campus. Meaning ‘to enjoy peace and longevity in a public place’, Ju Raku En features 230 different species of Japanese and Australian native trees and plants, traditional red bridges, and stone lanterns centered around a giant koi pond.
Ravensbourne National Park
Nature awaits at Ravensbourne National Park, where multiple walking tracks will have you reaching your step count. A scenic park on the Great Dividing Range overlooking the Lockyer Valley, you’ll discover lush rainforest, lookouts, and native wildlife.
Table Top Mountain Hike
Image credit: Table Top Mountain | Ariana Potamianakis
For those craving an adventure, the hike up Table Top Mountain will get those muscles moving. Though a challenging trail, hikers reap their rewards with 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.
Crows Nest National Park
Known for its eucalypt forests, granite outcrops, and waterfalls, Crows Nest National Park is a haven for nature lovers hoping to catch a glimpse of Australian wildlife. Located on the edge of the Great Dividing Range, this park is home to platypus, swamp wallabies, echidnas, birds, and the brush-tailed rock-wallaby, so make sure you’ve got your camera at the ready. With on-site camping and walking trails that lead to watering holes and lookouts, book a night stay and enjoy the sounds of nature for longer.
Arts, culture, and family activities
Little city, big canvas. Brimming with galleries, public art, and a multitude of community-based cultural organisations, Toowoomba boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene that’ll fill the whole family’s cup, and have you feeling inspired in more ways than one.
Toowoomba Street Art Trail
Image credit: Toowoomba Street Art | Tourism and Events Queensland
Not all works of art are found in a picture frame, and Toowoomba’s outdoor art scene is proof of that. Wander through the city’s laneways to discover colourful murals and artworks by local and international artists as part of the Toowoomba Street Art Trail. For the month of September, local artists open their studio doors on Saturdays and Sundays to the public from 10am to 4pm, so you can get up close and personal with their creative processes.
Highfields Pioneer Village
Step back in time to the early 20th century at Highfields Pioneer Village, where restored buildings, vintage machinery, and workshops will have you living life at a different pace. Here, you’ll learn about Australian settlement history by experiencing it for yourself, damper and billy tea in hand.
Cobb + Co Museum
Image credit: Cobb + Co Museum | Tourism and Events Queensland
Revisit Australia’s transport history at the Cobb + Co Museum where inactive displays, exhibits, and heritage trade workshops await. Aptly named the National Carriage Collection, you’ll uncover a collection of more than 50 horse-drawn vehicles, and how they played a pivotal role in our state’s history. If your kids are tagging along for the ride, let them explore The Coach Stop play area, where they can dress up in old fashion clothes, playing shopkeeper in the old Museum General Store. Just make sure you leave them a tip.
Darling Downs Zoo
While it’s technically not in Toowoomba, The Darling Downs Zoo surely is worth a mention, thanks to its beautiful rural setting and one-of-a-kind in Queensland animal encounters. Sue us. Located on the eastern Downs midway between Toowoomba and Warwick, the zoo allows you to travel the animal world, walking through the primal worlds of Australia, South-east Asia, Africa, and South America. Featuring the only pride of African lions in Queensland, and the largest herd of zebras in the state, this is a must-stop on the road trip itinerary.
Empire Theatre
Image credit: Empire Theatre | Tourism and Events Queensland
Fancy dinner and a show? You’re in luck. Widely known as the jewel in the crown of the Darling Downs, the Empire Theatre is a heritage listed art-deco venue with a wide variety of performing arts for every taste. From concert pianists to comedy festivals, magic acts, and dance performances, the Empire is sure to have you on the edge of your seat.
DownsSteam Tourist Railway & Museum
Get on track and round the bend to Darling Down’s DownsSteam Museum, where you can explore the area's rich railway heritage. Discover restored carriages, hop on a train ride, and start your journey—the platform is waiting.
Where to eat
Of course, no good road trip is complete without sampling the local cuisine, and Toowoomba’s thriving food scene is worth licking your lips over.
The Plate
Dine differently when you pull up a chair at The Plate. Turning up the dial on Toowoomba’s dining scene, this restaurant, bar, and in-house craft brewery is more than just a triple threat. Blending modern Australian fare with a relaxed atmosphere, The Plate uses premium meats sourced from the adjacent butchery and fresh local produce to ensure you get a true taste of the region.
Loulaki
A world away from the Mediterranean, Loulaki brings flavours from the European coastline to the country you're going to want to stick your fork into. Here, plates are made for sharing, so order up for your table. From their vast dips and pita bread options to meze, charcoal meats, and fresh seafood plates, take a seat under the olive trees and get set to dig in. Stretchy pants are highly recommended.
Bergen
Modern, minimalistic, and mouth-wateringly good, Bergen offers diners an experience that’s modest in the best kind of way. Run by owner and chef Clayton Costigan, who is passionate about creating quality food that’s created with local produce and won’t break the bank, this elegant yet casual dining experience is one you’ll tell your friends about. From the baker's duck sourdough smothered in smoked garlic butter to the King Prawn salad with shaved fennel, macadamia and fig, and the sticky beef brisket with green papaya salad, the biggest decision you have to make is how to fit it all in. Guess you’ll be making another booking.
Love it too much to leave? Check out the best Airbnbs in Toowoomba to extend your escape here.
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Main image credit: Laurel Bank Park | Tourism and Events Queensland
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