Located in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, Australia, Toowoomba is a beautiful town known for all things country. Its location in the Western Slopes contributes to its retention of nature, which combines with the growing urban coffee scene and street art culture. Toowoomba is also known as ‘Garden City’ due to the sheer number of gardens and nature pockets found on its premises. In addition, Toowoomba also hosts the ‘Carnival of Flowers’ during the spring, making it a tourist favourite from across the country. Among the many things to do in Toowoomba, some of the most popular ones have been exploring the streets and having a relaxed stroll alongside its history.
Offbeat Things To Do In Toowoomba
There are a plethora of things to do in Toowoomba. Here is a well-curated list of captivating things to do in Toowoomba to make your trip more enjoyable and memorable.
1. Empire Theatre
Image Credit: w:User:James Newport for Wikimedia Commons
The Empire Theatre has been one of the most prominent centres of performing arts in Western Australia since its inception in 1911. The theatre was reconstructed due to a fire and was restored to its original glory in 1997. The interiors were built in an Art Deco style, and the vintage decor transported visitors and guests back in time. It has been a hub of cultural preservation through its honouring of native as well as modern forms of performing arts. Their vision is based on principles such as creativity, respect, innovation and collaboration, eventually contributing to its smooth functioning. Visitors can attend tribute concerts for their favourite artists, music shows and many more. The Empire Theatre is one of the most offbeat experiences that will tell visitors more about Toowoomba and its culture.
Location: 56, Neil Street, Toowoomba
Entry Fee: Free of cost unless shows are attended
Also Read: Festivals In Queensland
2. Toowamba’s Street Art Scene
Toowoomba is a haven for anyone interested in street art and graffiti. The streets of Toowoomba are beginning to be adorned with the native’s self-expression and creativity, which is a site to see. Visitors can stroll along the art streets and adore the artistic vision of the town through its graffiti. The inception of street art in Toowoomba can be traced back to 2014 when the city saw the first edition of the Coat Street Art Festival. Over three days, the festival saw sixteen locations across the city being transformed by local and international artists. Over the years, the number of murals increased and are now touching 100. Visitors are bound to be mesmerised by the street art scene and must not miss the opportunity to explore more about the same.
Point To Be Noted: Look up street art maps online to get a good idea of the streets where the murals are located
Entry Fee: Free of cost
3. Farmers’ Market
Image Credit: Mattsjc for Wikimedia Commons
Farmers’ Markets are a favourite globally, and their significance to the local population of Toowoomba is no less. The Farmers’ Market in Toowoomba is a great place for a family outing for anyone looking for fun things to do in Toowoomba. Every Saturday and Sunday from 7 am to 12 pm, farmers and local producers put up interesting stalls with produce like fruits, vegetables, local meats, herbs and much more. Among the local produce are homemade wines, jams and marmalades, a crowd favourite. Visitors can shop for food, and jewellery, grab some freshly brewed coffee and enjoy live music among the very best of nature. The Farmers’ Market is the perfect outing for everyone looking to explore the base of the rich gastronomic culture of Australia.
Point To Be Noted: Cobb & Co. Museum, Toowoomba
Entry Fee: Free of Cost
Related Post: Day Trips From Brisbane
4. Go Back in Time at the Russell Street
Image Credit: Mike Dickiso for Wikimedia Commons
Are you a history-lover on vacation in Toowoomba? Russell Street is your place to be in Toowoomba. The beautiful street in the heart of town is flanked by historical architecture, making it an incredible stroll through history. Known initially as Farm Road, Russell Street was a dirt track squatters used to transport cattle. It was renamed in 1954 after a local grazer and dweller, Henry Stuart Russell. Some of the most important buildings on this street include the St James Anglican Church, Clifford House, Hotel Norville and the Toowoomba Post Office, most of which date back to the 1800s. Visitors can take unguided tours and even visit some of the buildings above to get an idea of what vintage Australia looked like.
Point To Be Noted: Read up on the particular buildings on Russell Street to understand their history and the significance of the street better
Entry Fee: Free of Cost
5. Take a Breath at Picnic Spot
The Picnic Spot in Toowoomba has parks like Picnic Point Square, Lions Park and Heller Street Park. For anyone looking to lounge around and relax, the Picnic Spot is the best place to visit in Toowoomba. The parks offer beautiful walking tracks, playgrounds and a central pavilion that comes alive during summers with live musicians working their magic. For the quintessential Australian experience, visitors can also barbeque their way to a good evening in the park. For any nature and fitness enthusiast, the picnic spot is a starting point for hikes through the Picnic Spot Bush Reserve. Visitors can also stick around and catch the sunset and see the beautiful city of Brisbane light up at night from the viewpoint. Overall, this is a lovely place to visit.
Point To Be Noted: Wear comfortable shoes and carry water as the walk inside the park may take a while
Entry Fee: Free of Cost
You May Also Like To Read: Things To Do In Australia
Toowoomba is an incredibly offbeat place to visit on your trip to Australia. So, if this article makes you hungry for more, look no further and book your trip to Australia today. Visit the beautiful country and make incredible memories.
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Cover Image credit : By Justin Kapernick for Wikimedia Commons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Toowoomba
Where is Toowoomba located?
Toowoomba is a city in Queensland, Australia. It is situated approximately 125 kilometres west of Brisbane, the state capital. It is located on the western slopes of the country in a region more commonly known as Darling Downs.
What is Toowoomba known for?
Toowoomba is known as the 'Garden City' due to its beautiful parks and gardens. It is also famous for its vibrant cultural scene, historic architecture, and picturesque surroundings. Its upcoming art scene, including its street murals and other forms of sculpting, is also responsible for putting Toowoomba on the map.
What are the top attractions in Toowoomba?
Some popular attractions in Toowoomba include the Japanese Garden, Cobb+Co Museum, Toowoomba Botanic Gardens, and the Empire Theatre. The city also hosts various festivals throughout the year, such as the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. Other than these, places like Russell Street, Farmers’ Market and Picnic Spot are crowd favourites and are visited by locals and tourists alike in large numbers.
What is the climate like in Toowoomba?
Toowoomba has a subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cool and dry, while summers are warm and humid. The average temperature ranges from 3°C in winter to 28°C in summer. Visitors are advised to conduct some local research about the same and pack essentials accordingly to have a convenient visit.
What are the economic drivers of Toowoomba?
Toowoomba's economy is driven by various industries, including healthcare, education, retail, manufacturing, and agriculture. The city is also a major hub for the energy and resources sector, with several companies operating in the region.
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