As Queensland’s largest inland city and a comfortable drive of around 90 minutes from Brisbane, Toowoomba is a great place for a day trip.
By Imogen A. Rose
The drive itself offers the opportunity to make interesting stops, such as Forest Hill. Enjoy coffee, cake and gifts at Café 4342, located in the historic, operational Post Office. Some of the many great things about regional Queensland are the interesting gifts and local fresh produce. Where else can you find Geranium Jelly!
Another enjoyable diversion is Spring Bluff, a charming valley nestled within the embrace of the Toowoomba ranges. Children will particularly enjoy the secretive, hidden aspect whilst awaiting the suspense of what lies beyond the narrow, steep entry road of McCormack Drive.
The picturesque, Heritage listed Spring Bluff railway station has a quaintness befitting an Enid Blyton novel – one can almost hear the Famous Five planning another secret adventure! Significant for its 150-year history, it sits on the main line between Ipswich and Toowoomba. Whilst decommissioned in 1992, each year it hosts special events during the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.
Gardens of roses, poppies, ranunculi, stock, snapdragons and petunias create a nostalgic atmosphere. Scarlet Geraniums greet one along the pathway to the expansive picnic and play area. It’s a relaxing, forest environment. There is also a Grade 3 bushwalking trail that enables one to gain a greater sense of the landscape. Spring Bluff is a fitting reminder of how relevant and accessible is Queensland’s past and natural beauty.
Toowoomba itself is a solid town with an important history and a strong community spirit. There is a broad range of eating venues, art galleries, antique shops and museums. The Cobb and Co Museum (bookings essential) is well worth a visit. It displays Australia’s finest collection of horse-drawn vehicles and offers a range of educational and fun activities for all ages – from pre-school aged children through to adults. Cobb’s Coffee Shop is open seven days.
Toowoomba prides itself on its impressive public parks and gardens. Of particular note is the Japanese Garden ‘Ju Raku En’, meaning to enjoy “peace and longevity in a public place”. Covering three hectares, it is jointly owned by the University of Southern Queensland and the Toowoomba Regional Council.
“Toowoomba prides itself on its impressive public parks and gardens. Of particular note is the Japanese Garden ‘Ju Raku En’, meaning to enjoy ‘peace and longevity in a public place’ .”
Its meticulous design centres around a large lake and draws heavily upon physical symbols to convey Buddhist spiritual meaning. There is an elegant, exquisite tranquillity through the use of water, rocks, sand and traditional, Japanese bridges. Regal, romantic and red, the bridges enable access to three separate islands as well as symbolize the path to enlightenment and spiritual paradise. The natural harmonious, lull of the waterfall, the abounding azaleas and the presence of much wildlife adds to the pervading sense of peace.
Visitors may choose to cover a small or large area, amongst 230 species of Japanese and Australian native trees and plants, and still gain a rich sense of a traditional Japanese garden. With international travel banned, this is a rewarding way to experience something of Japan and to ponder life amongst the cherry blossoms.
It’s but a short drive from the City to Picnic Point Lookout and Parklands. Approximately 700m above sea level, this Heritage listed site demonstrates the vast beauty of the Great Dividing Range with stunning views extending eastward to Table Top Mountain and the Lockyer Valley. The Picnic Point Café is a pleasant way to wind down the day.
As Australia continues to recover from a difficult 2020, there is every reason to enjoy the great strengths of our regional towns, especially for a wonderful day trip!
This article appeared in the Summer 2021 edition of Life Begins At… Click here to read or here to subscribe and never miss an issue!
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