Are you looking for a tranquil day trip or weekender spot, not too far from Brisbane?
We recently spent a relaxing Father’s Day weekend away in Toowoomba and I made sure to take the opportunity of showing Kéran as much as I could while we’re in my home state of Queensland. After our getaway, I’ve pulled together the 10 must-visit places in Toowoomba to help you make the most of your next relaxing weekend away.
The “Garden City”.
Don’t images just 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 short 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!
We started our morning right at this absolutely stunning indoor-outdoor café, complete with European-style terrace, and I’d suggest you do the same. 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!
Why we love it:
The coffee is 5 star!
Naturally, as an Aussie ex-barista cross Parisian couple, we can be coffee snobs! However, Valetta did not disappoint and our long black and iced latte were expertly crafted.
We’re suckers for a sunny terrace.
And if you are too, this is the place to go. The café’s warm and welcoming terrace was an instant hit with my resident Frenchman. The vintage vibes are welcoming and homely, the perfect place to indulge our favourite pastime of people watching.
A-Grade menu
From classic breakfast dishes to more 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.
We spent a good hour browsing through the different blooms (in search of my all time fav – the tulip!)
Is it worth visiting the Carnival of Flowers?
If you’re a green thumb, garden lover, horticulturalist or any form of romantic, then yes.
Seeing flowers like these can be super rare in our climate here in Queensland, as it is difficult for many types to thrive in the sub-tropical humidity and heat.
Make the most of the beautiful flowers while they are here!
If you’re keen on photography, I would say it’s even more worth your while. You’ll find endless chances to capture the vibrant colours and truly unique species. There are millions of stunning backdrop opportunities and it could be a great opportunity for a budding (get-it) portfolio!
3. Cobb+Co Museum
After visiting the flowers, step right into Cobb+Co, located just off Queen’s Park! For your 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 the Cobb+Co Museum
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!
There are some pretty cool 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 my friend!
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.
Toowoomba is the perfect backdrop for a picnic in the park.
With all these gardens about, it would be a shame not to!
Treat yoself to a little snack amongst nature. Pack a basket, a blanket, some sunscreen and you’re good to go.
5. Picnic Point
And to keep the picnic theme running … why not 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 jaw-dropping panorama. This is the place to be if you want breathtaking views of the region or that picture postcard shot.
This iconic lookout offers panoramic views of the Lockyer Valley and the Great Dividing Range – the mountain range that literally splits Queensland in two. 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?
The incredible pastries at the Picnic Point café.
I have visited this little café a couple of times now, 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.
In keeping with the gorgeous natural backdrop, this site comes with its very own nature picnic areas. If you’re all café-ed out, pack a snack and enjoy a meal in surrounded by bushland.
There are also plenty of walking trails for you to explore that lead through the lush bushland around.
It’s so lovely to have these bushwalking trails at your fingertips, so close to the centre of Toowoomba. However, we had no time for a bushwalk on this trip – we had to get back and prepare for our dinner reservation!
6. Muller Bros
For dinner we headed out to this fabulous churrasco Brazilian BBQ style joint.
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!
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? We loved the rustic interior giving off that cabiny feel – 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 Toowoomba lives up to its ‘”Garden City” moniker.
We transformed into the ultimate zen masters upon entering these gardens. They 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!
So that means, no matter what time you visit, you are going to have an awesome experience.
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 if you’ve already explored all that Queens Park has to offer, and would be a great first stop on your second day in Toowoomba.
It’s a lovely manicured park with all sorts of 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 (like me) 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.
Be sure to check the schedule in advance for any upcoming events, such as musicals, plays, comedy shows and concerts by local and touring artists.
We just walked by on this occasion, but 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 – if you’re a fellow Gatsby fan, definitely pay this gem a visit.
10. Highfields Pioneer Village
Your weekend in Toowoomba is almost over. Oh no!
As you leave Toowoomba, why not make one final stop into the Highfields Pioneer Village.
It’s located just a short drive from the town and 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 journey back to Brisbane.
The village showcases historical buildings, machinery, and artefacts, offering a glimpse into our pioneer Aussie past.
This will be interesting for the technologically minded and future engineers amongst you! Discover a wide range of vintage machinery, vehicles, and historical memorabilia that you won’t find anywhere else.
Where to Stay?
What’s a roundup of the best places to visit in Toowoomba without a reccy for our fav place to stay?
We chose the Arbour Boutique Apartments and can highly recommend it. They are luxurious and spacious and centrally located within 15-min walking distance of Café Valetta and Queens Park.
Arbour Boutique Apartments
Loads of room for activities 😚
These come with multi-bed options and would be perfect if you’re travelling in a group.
Norwood Roses Airbnb
And finally, 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 a non-Aussie, 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 no brainer as a mini getaway or add on trip in any South-East Queensland itinerary.
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!
