The Garden City - Queensland's Darling Downs
Toowoomba, affectionately known as the "Garden City," sits atop the Great Dividing Range, about 125km west of Brisbane. At 700m above sea level, this city of around 140,000 people enjoys a pleasant climate and is famous for its beautiful parks, gardens, and the spectacular Carnival of Flowers.
✨ Stunning public gardens and parks
🌸 Annual Carnival of Flowers (September)
🎨 Vibrant arts and cultural scene
🍷 Gateway to the Granite Belt wine region
🏞️ Beautiful escarpment views and natural attractions
🏛️ Rich heritage architecture
Tranquil 4.5-hectare authentic Japanese garden featuring traditional landscaping, a tea house, and beautiful seasonal displays. One of Toowoomba's must-visit attractions.
Spectacular lookout offering panoramic views of the Lockyer Valley. Features walking trails, picnic facilities, and the Table Top Mountain walking track.
26 hectares of beautiful parkland in the heart of the city. Home to stunning floral displays, heritage trees, and major Carnival of Flowers events.
Australia's largest horse-drawn vehicle collection. Interactive exhibits showcasing regional heritage, including blacksmithing demonstrations and historic coaches.
Famous for its stunning scented garden featuring hundreds of rose varieties. A romantic spot perfect for leisurely walks and photography.
Walk among towering California Redwoods planted in the 1930s. A unique experience with peaceful trails through these majestic trees.
Beautifully restored 1911 theatre hosting concerts, theatre productions, and cultural performances. A heritage-listed architectural gem.
Award-winning winery in the Darling Downs producing excellent wines. Cellar door, restaurant, and beautiful grounds for a relaxing afternoon.
Granite Belt Wine Region: 1.5 hours south - boutique wineries and cool-climate wines
Crows Nest: 45 minutes north - charming village with antique shops and Valley of Diamonds lookout
Bunya Mountains: 1.5 hours northwest - ancient rainforest and spectacular scenery
Toowoomba has a thriving coffee culture. Try Encores Café (Empire Theatre), The Potager, or Cup & Co. for excellent coffee and brunch.
Gip's Restaurant - Contemporary Australian cuisine in an elegant setting
The Courthouse Restaurant - Fine dining in a heritage building
Vacy Hall - Restaurant within a boutique hotel offering seasonal menus
Ficklewood Ciderhouse - Locally made cider and wood-fired pizzas
The Dish - Turkish-inspired cuisine
Thai Niyom - Authentic Thai food
4 Brothers Brewing - Craft brewery with tap room
Bunker Coffee & Bar - Cool industrial space
The Spotted Cow - Historic pub with great atmosphere
Award-winning estate producing exceptional wines from Darling Downs grapes. Features cellar door tastings, restaurant, and stunning grounds. Known for Verdelho, Shiraz, and sparkling wines.
Family-owned vineyard on a working sheep station. Unique cool-climate wines with rustic charm. Book ahead for private tastings and farm experiences.
Boutique winery specializing in small-batch premium wines. Beautiful views and intimate cellar door experience. Try their signature Cabernet Sauvignon.
Local craft brewery producing hop-forward ales and experimental brews. Tap room open Thursday-Sunday with rotating food trucks. Try their signature IPA and seasonal releases.
Microbrewery inspired by Toowoomba's Carnival of Flowers. Creative brews with local ingredients. Popular for their garden-inspired beer names and relaxed atmosphere.
Locally produced craft cider from Granite Belt apples. Beautiful rural setting with wood-fired pizzas. Perfect for lazy weekend afternoons with a flight of ciders.
Small-batch brewery focusing on traditional European styles. Belgian ales, German lagers, and British bitters. Cozy tap room with knowledgeable staff.
Toowoomba's signature event! This spectacular celebration of spring features garden competitions, floral displays, street parades, food and wine events, and live entertainment. The Grand Central Floral Parade is a highlight with elaborate floats decorated entirely in flowers.
First Coat Festival - March/April - Celebrating street art and urban culture
Easterfest - Easter weekend - Major Christian music festival
Toowoomba Royal Show - March - Agricultural show with rides and entertainment
Queensland Garden Expo - July (Nambour) - Easy day trip from Toowoomba
Australia Day Celebrations - January 26
Toowoomba Cup - April - Horse racing carnival
From Brisbane: 1.5-2 hours drive via Warrego Highway or Brisbane Valley Highway
By Air: Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport has flights to/from Sydney and Melbourne
By Bus: Regular bus services from Brisbane
Options range from budget motels to luxury hotels. Popular choices include:
• Vacy Hall - Boutique heritage hotel
• Burke & Wills Hotel - Modern CBD hotel
• Comfort Inn Glenfield - Mid-range option
• Airbnb/Holiday Rentals - Great for families or longer stays
Toowoomba enjoys a subtropical highland climate with four distinct seasons.
Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm days 28°C, cool evenings
Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and pleasant 15-25°C
Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and dry 5-17°C, occasional frost
Spring (Sep-Nov): Beautiful weather 12-25°C, perfect for gardens
Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre
86 James Street, Toowoomba
Open daily
Phone: (07) 4639 3797
Discover amazing destinations within easy reach of Toowoomba
Queensland's premier wine region with 40+ boutique wineries. Cool-climate wines, stunning scenery, and gourmet food. Stanthorpe is the hub, 1.5 hours from Toowoomba. Perfect for weekend getaways with cellar doors, farm gates, and country accommodation.
Spectacular mountain scenery just 30 minutes from Toowoomba. Home to Queensland's highest peak (Mt Superbus). Features rainforest walks, camping, and breathtaking lookouts. Popular for bushwalking, birdwatching, and 4WD adventures.
Ancient rainforest wonderland 1.5 hours northwest. Walk among prehistoric Bunya pines, spot wildlife, and enjoy cool mountain air. Excellent walking trails, scenic drives, and cozy mountain lodges. Great for weekend escapes.
Historic country town 45 minutes south. Famous for Jumpers & Jazz in July festival, rodeo events, and heritage buildings. Gateway to Granite Belt with antique shops, cafes, and the beautiful Queen Mary Falls nearby.
Charming village 45 minutes north of Toowoomba. Antique capital of Queensland with treasure-filled shops. Visit Valley of Diamonds lookout for stunning views. Perfect for a leisurely day trip with country hospitality.
Dramatic granite landscape 2 hours south. Massive boulders, wildflowers, and crystal-clear streams. Excellent bushwalking with trails ranging from easy to challenging. Camp under the stars or day trip from Stanthorpe.