The Carnival of Flowers, which so joyously proclaims spring and has something for everyone, attracts visitors from all over Australia. Taking place from September 19 to 28 the festival features the only fresh floral parade of its kind with floats, stilt walkers, bands and entertainment. There are also fascinating gardens and floral displays, fabulous food, wonderful wine, awe-inspiring art, imaginative interactive workshops and exceptional entertainment.
While the Carnival is a headline act for the city’s annual calendar, Toowoomba draws holidaymakers from far and wide all year through. In June, the city hosts the Toowoomba Wine Show and Tasting, as well as the Toowoomba Cup. In August car buffs travel for the Historic Leyburn Sprints and the Jackie Howe Festival of the Golden Shears, while September is a showcase of more than 40 activities for the carnival, including the Heritage Live Concert series, Carnival Classic Cars, Quilt journeys and more.
Located just 127km west of Brisbane, Toowoomba is strategically located at the junction of the Warrego and New England highways from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin. It nestles in the Great Diving Range, 700metres above sea level and has a mild temperature of 5 to 16 degrees in winter and 17 to 27 degrees in summer. It’s one of the few places in Queensland where you can truly experience the distinctive four seasons, providing ideal growing conditions for the region’s vast and prolific flora and fauna.
[pullQuote]“Toowoomba is one of the few places in Queensland where you can truly experience the distinctive four seasons, providing ideal growing conditions for the region’s vast and prolific flora.” [/pullQuote]Toowoomba is also Australia’s largest inland regional city and the thriving hub of the Darling Downs, named after the Governor of NSW, Sir Ralph Darling when English explorer Allan Cunningham discovered the rich farming land. West of the city you will discover rolling plains with quaint rural townships, bed and breakfast accommodations, nurseries, cafes museums and galleries. South, you will come across rustic historic pubs, and in the north-west the dramatic Bunya Mountains offer spectacular scenery.
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While In Toowoomba, Check Out
Picnic Point
Picnic Point is a must-see parkland located at the top of the Great Dividing Range. Magnificent views across the city and Lockyer Vallery can be enjoyed while picnicking in the well-maintained grounds or dining in the on-site café. For those who love to bushwalk, there are maintained and signed tracks leading down the range and all the way to Table Top Mountain.
Transport and Main Roads Heritage Centre
This is the only road building museum in Australia and offers a fascinating insight into the construction of Queensland’s road network. There is information about planning, construction and maintenance and you can also book a guided tour.
Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery
Established in 1938, the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery is the oldest public gallery in regional Queensland and permanent home to the Lionel Lindsay Art Gallery and Library. The collection features over 400 significant Australian artworks by such artists as Lionel, Daryl and Ruby Lindsay, Phillips Fox, McCubbin , while the library comprises rare books and manuscripts, including letters written by explorer Ludwig Leichhardt.
The City Collection focuses on twentieth century Australian paintings, drawings, photographs, ceramics, small scale sculpture and jewellery with emphasis on works by regional artists with regional themes.
Japanese Gardens
Located at the University of Southern Queensland, the Japanese Garden is Australia’s largest and most traditionally designed Japanese stroll garden. Its 4.5 hectares include elements of mountain stream and waterfall, Dry Garden, central lake, Azalea Hill, 3km of paths, 230 species of Japanese and Australian native trees and plants, and lawns.
Empire Theatre
The Empire is Australia’s largest regional performing arts complex and stages world class shows from leading national and international performers as well as showcasing local talent. You can also book a tour.
Cobb & Co Museum
The Cobb & Co Museum is part of the Queensland Museum and houses nearly 50 horse-drawn vehicles as well as displays on blacksmithing and silversmithing, millinary and galleries featuring the national nd cultural history of Toowoomba and the Darling Downs.
The Toowoomba Bicentennial Waterbird Habitat
The waterbird habitat is 7.6 hectares of diverse wetland with picnic and walking facilities. The bird hide on the South Lake island is an ideal spot to sit quietly and admire the local fauna in its natural environment.
Toowoomba
– the facts
- Proclaimed City: 1904
- Traditional Custodians: Gaibai and Jarowair People
- Floral Emblems: Violet (viola oeorate ; Priness of Wales’), Wattle (acacia)
- Population (based on 2011 Census data): Toowoomba Urban Area, 117098; Toowoomba region, 151, 289; Darling Downs, 227,289
- Major Industries: Manufacturing, health, retail and wholesale trade, education, agriculture
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