Toowoomba, known as Queensland’s Garden City, sits on the crest of the Great Dividing Range, just 125 km west of Brisbane. Combining heritage charm, contemporary arts, a vibrant food scene, and scenic nature escapes, Toowoomba offers something for every traveller. Whether you’re wandering through its blooming parks during the Carnival of Flowers, hunting for the best street art murals, or sampling local produce at boutique markets, this city blends culture, adventure, and relaxation perfectly.
Parks, Gardens & Lookouts Autumn Adventure
Food, Markets & Wineries Harvest Season
Adventure & Outdoors Summer Trails
Top Highlights Spring Bloom
- Queens Park & Botanic Gardens — home of the Carnival of Flowers
- Laurel Bank Park & Japanese Garden — seasonal blooms and photography spots
- Picnic Point & Table Top Mountain — sunrise views, walking tracks, and panoramic scenery
- Street Art Trail — vibrant murals across the CBD
- Empire Theatre — heritage theatre with live shows and contemporary performances
- Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery & Cobb+Co Museum — arts and local history
- Farmers’ & Craft Markets — local produce, artisanal products, and foodie experiences
Parks, Gardens & Lookouts
Toowoomba is renowned for its green spaces, seasonal gardens, and lookout points.
Queens Park & Botanic Gardens
Central green oasis featuring manicured gardens, playgrounds, floral displays, and walking paths — a perfect family destination and home to the Carnival of Flowers.
Laurel Bank Park & Japanese Garden
A tranquil garden with seasonal roses, ornamental ponds, and Japanese-inspired landscaping — ideal for morning walks or photography.
Picnic Point & Table Top Mountain
Offers panoramic views across the Lockyer Valley and hiking trails suitable for both beginners and seasoned walkers. Sunrise hikes here are spectacular.
Crows Nest National Park
A short 30–40 minute drive from Toowoomba, this park features waterfalls, swimming holes, and short rainforest trails for a day of adventure in nature.
Food, Markets & Wineries
From boutique cafés to regional wineries, Toowoomba’s culinary scene blends country produce with modern innovation.
Cafés & Brunch Spots
Ruthven Street and Margaret Street host artisanal coffee shops, farm-to-table brunch menus, and seasonal dishes using local ingredients like lamb, stone fruit, and fresh vegetables.
Wineries & Cellar Doors
Nearby hamlets like Hampton and Crows Nest offer boutique wineries and cellar doors for tastings and relaxed vineyard lunches, often paired with local cheeses and produce.
Farmers & Craft Markets
Toowoomba Farmers Market and Highfields Market operate on weekends, featuring seasonal produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and a true taste of the Darling Downs.
Arts & Culture
Toowoomba is a hub for creative expression, offering galleries, performance venues, and public art installations.
Empire Theatre
Heritage theatre with regular live performances, concerts, and cinema screenings — an iconic cultural landmark.
Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery
Contemporary exhibitions, regional artists’ works, and rotating collections — a must-see for art enthusiasts.
Street Art & Public Installations
Explore the city’s vibrant murals, sculptures, and urban art trail — great for photography and discovering local talent.
Adventure & Outdoors
Toowoomba offers active outdoor experiences for families, solo travellers, and adventure seekers.
Hiking & Walking
Table Top Mountain, Picnic Point, and nearby escarpments feature hiking trails of varying difficulty — remember to pack water, sun protection, and hiking shoes.
Cycling & Nature Trails
The city and surrounding countryside offer safe cycling paths and scenic backroads for day rides.
Birdwatching & Wildlife
Visit Emu Creek or Crows Nest National Park to spot native bird species and explore Australian bushland.
Suggested Itineraries
Half-day (Morning)
- Start with coffee on Margaret Street → Morning walk in Queens Park → Visit Cobb+Co Museum or street art trail.
Full-day
- Sunrise at Picnic Point → Breakfast in CBD → Laurel Bank Park & Japanese Garden → Lunch at local winery → Afternoon street art walk → Evening show at Empire Theatre.
2-day Weekend Escape
- Day 1: Explore parks, galleries, and cafés. Day 2: Adventure day to Crows Nest National Park or Hampton wineries with scenic drives.
Family-friendly Itinerary
- Morning: Picnic Point playground & lookout → Lunch at local bakery → Afternoon: Cobb+Co Museum & local ice cream.
Adventure-focused Itinerary
- Hike Table Top Mountain at sunrise → Mountain biking in nearby trails → Afternoon birdwatching at Emu Creek → Evening winery tasting.
Walking Trails & Heritage
Toowoomba’s compact CBD and heritage streets are ideal for exploration on foot. Discover Victorian architecture, public art, and photographic spots.
Recommended Walk
Civic Centre → Margaret Street murals & shops → Queen’s Park → Finish at Picnic Point lookout for sunset.
Nearby Day Trips
- Crows Nest National Park — waterfalls, walking trails, 35–45 min drive
- Hampton & High Country — boutique wineries and scenic backroads, 30–50 min drive
- Emu Creek — birdwatching and bushwalking, 40–60 min drive
- Lake Cooby — fishing, kayaking, and picnic areas, 30–40 min drive
- Highfields Pioneer Village — historic exhibits, 25 min drive
Accessibility & Practical Tips
- Getting there: 1 hr 40 min drive from Brisbane (approx. 125 km). Regional trains and coach services available.
- Parking: CBD parking is plentiful; weekdays are easier.
- Weather: Cooler than the coast; pack layers. Spring brings the Carnival of Flowers.
- Safety: Walking tracks are well-marked; bring water and sun protection.
- Best Time to Visit: September for flowers, Autumn for clear skies and hiking, Summer for outdoor markets and winery visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers?
Usually in September. Check the official site for dates: tcof.com.au.
Are there guided walking tours?
Yes. Cooee Tours offers tailored city walks, heritage tours, and adventure options — enquire above.
What should I pack for hikes?
Water, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket for windy lookouts.
Are there family-friendly activities?
Yes — parks, museums, playgrounds, and easy walking trails are ideal for children.
Where are the best Instagram spots?
Queens Park floral displays, Table Top sunrise, Laurel Bank Gardens, and street art murals across the CBD.