Moving to Toowoomba? This picturesque Queensland city in the Darling Downs region has many local attractions that are great ways to entertain the family on weekends or school holidays. Below is our pick of five must-see local attractions in Toowoomba and the surrounds.
Cobb & Co Museum
Full of old world charm and included in Queensland's Museum Network, the Cobb & Co Museum is a popular Toowoomba attraction. Housing the National Carriage Collection of 47 immaculately maintained horse drawn vehicles, you will instantly feel yourself become immersed in Toowoomba's exciting cultural history. The kids can also play at The Coach Stop play area or dress up in clothes from a by-gone era to act out the role of shop attendants in the Old Museum General Store. Don't forget to check out the Energy for Life Discovery Centre while you're there to discover how your body utilises and stores energy.
Empire Theatre
This striking Toowoomba heritage-listed venue is renowned for being Australia's largest regional complex for the performing arts. Empire Theatre showcases a broad selection of performing arts, with something for all tastes. The world-class shows have leading performers visiting from around the globe. From ballet and comedy to live music, the Empire Theatre is a leading local destination for a memorable night out. You can also book in for a historical tour or a conference, wedding, function or event.
Ju Raku En Japanese Garden
This stunning Japanese-inspired park is one of the most breathtaking settings in Toowoomba. Boasting the title of Australia's largest Japanese garden, it has 230 species of both Japanese and native Australian trees and plants over four and a half hectares. It also has a spectacular stream and waterfall, giving the garden a harmonious and restful feel. This beautiful park is ensconced on the northern side of the University of Southern Queensland.
Picnic Point Lookout and Parkland
Heritage-listed with impressive views of Toowoomba and the surrounds, Picnic Point Lookout and Parkland is perched at the top of the Great Dividing Ranges. Offering 160 acres of panoramic views over the Lockyer Valley and Main Ridge, along with an exciting array of flora and fauna, it's a Toowoomba attraction that's not to be missed! You can either bring a picnic or take a detour to the cafe and restaurant.
Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery
Reputed to be the earliest established public art gallery in the great expanse of regional Queensland, Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery first opened its doors back in 1938. It also houses the Lionel Lindsay Art Gallery and Library. With an imposing collection of over 400 significant Australian works of art and a library that's comprised of a multitude of rare books and lovingly maintained manuscripts, it provides a valuable insight into Australia, both past and present. With exhibitions monthly and a wide variety of educational activities, all the family will enjoy visiting the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery.
Newtown Park State Rose Garden
A sensory overload, Newtown Park State Rose Garden has over 1,500 roses with more planned in the years to come. Known as one of the leading and most successful community-run projects in Toowoomba, both residents and volunteers donate or provide support for this beautiful rosarium. Believed to be a living memorial to the Toowoomba people, the park has a wide variety of both traditional and hybrid rose varieties, some of which were bred locally. The history of the park, people and roses dates as far back as 1912 and is displayed on brass plaques in the park.
These are some of the many fantastic local attractions Toowoomba has to offer when you move to this historical city. For those buying a home, visit the Compare Inspections site to find the most competitive Toowoomba building and pest inspection available, so you can make an educated decision before you buy. Compare Inspections offer a fantastic price comparison service for building and pest inspections, as well as providing other services such as discounted existing reports and an option to re-sell reports and earn money back.
By Darel McBride
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