Are you looking for a tranquil trip, not far from Brisbane?
Well guess what, you’ve come to the right spot. We’re here to provide you 10 must-visit places in Toowoomba to help you make the most of your relaxing weekend away.
The “Garden City”.
Images spring to mind of tree-lined avenues and flowers on every street corner. If that’s what you’re picturing when you think of Toowoomba, you will not be disappointed!
This charming destination is located just a 90-minute drive from Brisbane in Queensland, Australia.
A weekend is the perfect amount of time to take in the sights, and you can cover plenty of ground in just two days. This pretty city is known for its stunning gardens and history. If you’re planning a visit to Toowoomba, you’re in for a treat!
1. Cafe Valetta
Didn’t make it to Europe this year? No worries!
Start your morning right at this absolutely stunning indoor-outdoor café, complete with European-style terrace. For a sunny coffee and a satisfying meal, Cafe Valetta is the place to be. We really enjoyed the people watching and the portions there are huge!
Our pick because of:
· 5* Coffee: Naturally, as an Aussie ex-barista X Parisian couple, we can be coffee snobs! However, Valetta did not disappoint and our long black and latte were expertly crafted.
· Sunny Terrace: The café’s warm and welcoming terrace was an instant hit with the Frenchman. The vintage vibes are welcoming and homely, and it’s lovely to sit and watch the walkers go by.
· Thoughtful Menu: From classic breakfast dishes to creative options, Cafe Valetta offers a diverse menu with interesting options. I added a mac & cheese croquette to my Eggs Bene – it was huge and super tasty.
2. Carnival of Flowers
If you can, align your visit to fall in September!
Toowoomba is famous for its annual Carnival of Flowers, a celebration of colour and botanical beauty. Be sure to wander through the florals, which can be found in Queens Park, Laurel Park, and draped across the city.
Is it worth visiting the Carnival of Flowers?
Yes! We think so. You will be surrounded by:
· A Petal Paradise: Seeing flowers like these can be super rare in our climate here in Queensland, as it is difficult for many variants to thrive in the humidity and heat. Make the most of the beautiful flowers while they are here!
· Photography Opportunities: Photographers will find endless chances to capture the vibrant colours. There are millions of stunning backdrop opportunities.
3. Cobb+Co Museum
After visiting the flowers, step right into Cobb+Co, located just off Queen’s Park! For a dose of history and culture, this museum offers an intriguing glimpse into Australia’s transport and outback history.
I really enjoyed looking at all the original carriages and learning about the struggles of the postal service in times gone by!
Highlights of this stop:
· Unusual History: The collection of horse-drawn carriages, vintage automobiles, and other historical artefacts that played a vital role in Australia’s transportation history is pretty wild to witness in person!
· Interactive Exhibits: The museum features interactive displays complete with voiceovers and talking exhibits suitable for visitors of all ages. This makes it a unique and engaging (and downright hilarious at times) experience to walk through – not a boring museum experience at all!
4. Queens Park and Botanic Gardens
If you won’t get the chance to visit Toowoomba in September, never fear!
Queens Park and Botanic Gardens are among Toowoomba’s most beloved green spaces, and make the perfect spot to visit all year round.
With its vast tree-lined lawns, walking paths, and themed gardens, it’s an ideal place to stroll for a few hours and take in the beautiful nature that Toowoomba is so famous for.
We think Toowoomba is perfect for:
· Picnics & Strolls: You’ve been in the office all week – treat yoself to a little snack amongst nature. The trees tower over the vast stretches of lawn, reminding us to take a breath and enjoy!
5. Picnic Point
Combine a taste of Toowoomba’s natural beauty with a taste of citrus tart!
In the late afternoon, we headed up to Picnic Point to grab coffee and cake and take in the panorama. This is the place to be if you are after breathtaking views of the region.
This iconic lookout offers panoramic views of the Lockyer Valley and the Great Dividing Range. Table Top Mountain and its iconic flat top is easily visible from this lookout. It’s the perfect place to relax and soak in the stunning surroundings under the last few hours of sunlight for the day.
The best part?
· Scenes on Scenes: The lookout provides some of the most picturesque views in Toowoomba. Don’t forget your camera for this stop.
· Cute Café: I have visited this little café a couple of times, and the cakes and pastries have never disappointed. From cheesecake and citron tart to orange and almond cake, grab a slice and enjoy the beautiful vista with an afternoon treat.
· Picnic Facilities: In keeping with that nature theme, this site comes with its very own picnic areas. Pack a snack and enjoy a meal in surrounded by bushland.
· Bushwalking Trails: Can you see there is a running theme here? Nature abounds! Explore the walking trails that lead you through the lush bushland surrounding Picnic Point. It’s so lovely to have these bushwalking trails at your fingertips, so close to the centre of Toowoomba.
6. Muller Bros
Are you sick of choosing what to have for dinner? Don’t!
At this churrasco Brazilian BBQ style joint the choice is already made for you.
Why do we like it?
· Carnivore Heaven: Muller Bros offers a set menu to take the hassle out of choosing what to eat. The session includes all sorts of meats such as rump cap, dry tip, pork and lamb. Plus, there is plenty of cinnamon pineapple for the sweet tooth!
· Cozy Ambiance: After a big day out exploring all the garden goodness Toowoomba has to offer, don’t you just want to settle into the evening surrounded by cosy bricks and wood? It give off that rustic cabin feel which is so perfect to close out the day!
7. Japanese Gardens
Thought we couldn’t pack any more gardens into this list?
You thought WRONG.
Toowoomba’s Japanese Gardens, located in the University of Southern Queensland, offer a serene and tranquil escape that truly shows how the city lives up to its ‘”Garden City” moniker.
Perfect if you’re looking for:
· A Peaceful Retreat: Feel the stress melt away as you transform into a zen master upon entering these gardens. The gardens were designed to stay as true to Japanese styling as possible, whilst incorporating hardy Australian plants that will withstand the harsh climate and look great all year round! No matter what time you visit, you are going to have an awesome experience.
· Cherry Blossom Season: BUT – if you’re fortunate enough to be here in September – you lucky duck. It’s cherry blossom season! Witness the garden’s transformation into a pink and white wonderland. This is the perfect photo-op for all the girlies and photographers out there!!
8. Laurel Bank Park
What’s a visit to the Garden City without yet ANOTHER garden stop under your belt?
Laurel Bank Park is a beautifully landscaped park in Toowoomba that offers a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. It’s a great alternative to Queens Park and makes for our first visit on day two of this little weekend itinerary.
You’ll find:
· Flower Power: Floral displays, seasonal blooms and a picturesque rose garden. Like Queens Park, this is a stop where you can just relax and take in the beauty.
9. Empire Theatre
If you thought cinema peaked when Leo starred in the Great Gatsby, you know where you have to visit next.
Known as the “jewel in the crown of the Darling Downs”, this stunning theatre makes up the largest performing arts precinct in the entirety of regional Australia! It’s a gorgeous olde-worlde venue decked out in full Art Deco style.
Draw-cards:
· Live Performances: Check the schedule for upcoming events, including musicals, plays, stand-up comedy, and concerts by both local and touring artists.
· Architectural Beauty: The Art Deco façade is seriously charming. The entire building was actually fully rebuilt in 1933 in a totally Art Deco style following a fire, which destroyed the previous structure built in 1911. It is so gorgeous – just wait until you get inside! As a Gatsby fanatic, I visit just to bask in the glory of the building itself!
10. Highfields Pioneer Village
The weekend is almost over. Oh no!
Never fear – we’re rounding out this list of best places to visit in Toowoomba with a cutesy little blast from the past.
Located just a short drive from Toowoomba, the Highfields Pioneer Village is a living history museum that transports visitors back to the pioneering days of Australia. This makes the perfect stop to end the day before you start the drive back to Brisbane. This village showcases historical buildings, machinery, and artefacts, offering a glimpse into the Aussie past.
Perfect if you want to see:
· West World in the Flesh: Step out of West World on Netflix and step straight into the real thing. Explore a recreated pioneer village with original and replica buildings, providing insight into the lives of early settlers. Something you don’t get to see everyday!
· Cool Machinery: This will be interesting for the technologically minded and future engineers out there! Discover a wide range of vintage machinery, vehicles, and historical memorabilia that you won’t find anywhere else.
Where to Stay?
What’s a list of the best places to visit in Toowoomba without a reccy for our favourite place to stay?
We chose to stay at the Arbour Boutique Apartments and can highly recommend! They are luxurious and spacious and centrally located within 15-min walking distance of Café Valetta and Queens Park.
Arbour Boutique Apartments
Check out those built-ins 😚
Norwood Roses Airbnb
For the cutesiest, quirkiest, pinkest little Airbnb I ever laid my eyes on, book a stay at Norwood Roses. This delightful cottage is painted pink on the outside and lovingly decorated on the inside by its doting owner Caitlyn, who will kindly supply you local goodies on arrival. This cottage has won awards for its beautiful rose garden – and you are going to see why. 🌹
Full of stunning architecture and styling books, this cottage is the ultimate weekend retreat – just be sure to book well in advance!
If you picked up the running theme of gardens and greenery, you have a pretty good idea of what a visit to Toowoomba would entail.
If forestry, flowers and flora sounds like a good time for you, then jump right on booking that weekend away to Tbar!
We thoroughly enjoyed our time there, particularly Kéran who, as an overseas visitor, was really taken aback by the landscapes, nature and Australian heritage. Even for a Queensland local like myself, I really enjoy the peaceful and relaxing vibes of this stunning garden city.
With so many stunning places to visit, Toowoomba is a surefire win to give that you that peaceful, relaxing and interesting weekend away you’ve been holding out for!
Let us know if you have been, and what you thought of these places!
If you enjoyed this guide, check out some of our other Aussie guides!
