Things to do in Toowoomba: Where to Eat, Drink, Stay & Play

Toowoomba, located in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, has plenty to offer visitors and locals year-round. Although there are some special events such as the Carnival of Flowers that render particular times of year jam-packed with events, if you happen to travel in the off-season you’ll still find that there are plenty of things to do in Toowoomba.

Whether visiting wineries is at the top of your list, or you dream of wandering through national parks, you’ll find plenty of holiday inspiration in our comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Toowoomba.

Carnival of Flowers

Toowoomba’s most exciting event of the year happens each September, and if you haven’t yet attended, you’ve probably heard of it. The Carnival of Flowers showcases incredible floral displays, garden tours, live music, and of course, the grand parade. Whether you’re a green thumb or simply an admirer of beautiful things, it’s the best time of year to visit Toowoomba and soak up the food, florals and culture that come to life.

If you’re searching for things to do in Toowoomba, you’ll find the widest variety of events occurring during this month, from food and wine festivals, live music from your favourite bands and arts and crafts workshops so you can make a little bit of magic to remember your trip by. The program changes each year and accommodation books out months in advance, so make sure you’ve planned and prepared accordingly!

Free and ticketed events

1 to 30 September, annually

Various locations across Toowoomba

Queens Park Markets

Hunting down fun things to do in Toowoomba? The Queens Park Markets are not to be missed! The stallholders here sell their wares on the third Sunday of each month from 8:00am sharp and you’ll find many a trinket, perfect gift or tasty treat as you peruse the stalls.

Ranging from gourmet food, wine, fudge and coffee to unique locally made goods, there’s plenty to indulge all of your senses at these Toowoomba markets. You’ll also discover macrame, wooden toys, soaps, candles and baby products, so it might be the perfect opportunity to get ahead on your Christmas gift shopping. 

Sitchu Tip: If your stay doesn’t align with the timing of these markets, make your way under the windmills at the Cobb+Co museum for the morning farmers markets. Running from 7:00am to midday every Saturday, this is where to stock up on produce to cook up a storm back at your accommodation, or simply a place to peruse local artisanal goods spanning handmade bread, pasta, jams, soaps, beauty products or leather goods.

Third Sunday Of The Month | 8:00am to 1:00pm

Lindsay Street, Toowoomba

Picnic Point Lookout and Parkland

Take in sweeping views of Picnic Point from the lookout and revel in the natural beauty of Toowoomba’s heritage-listed parkland. Spanning some 160 acres settled along the Great Dividing Range, you’ll be able to spot the Main Range and Lockyer Valley as well.

There are free barbecues in the picnic area, so make sure you pack some food and a picnic blanket so that you can make the most of your trip out to the lookout. If you’ve already crossed the lookout off your list of things to do in Toowoomba, we encourage you to visit again, for no two days are the same.

Tourist Drive, Toowoomba

Ravensbourne National Park

Located between Esk and Toowoomba, Ravensbourne Park is a must when it comes to things to do in Toowoomba. There are plenty of trails to walk and bird spotting to do, with over 110 species of bird frequenting the area. There are enormous ancient trees to wonder at, views to bask in at the Gus Beutel lookout, palm groves and trickling streams, that will all culminate in a newfound appreciation for nature in its magnitude, simplicity and undeniable beauty.

For thousands of years, the Jawoweir and Jagera Aboriginal people travelled through this area on their way to the Bunya Mountains, en route to their bunya nut festivals. You can feel the ancient history at foot as you pass through the trails and creeks woven throughout the brush.

Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes and pack your water bottle and cap to safely explore this stunning national park. It’s an essential part of your itinerary, so don’t forget to add it to your list of things to do in Toowoomba. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch for the day-use area to keep your energy up!

Esk-Hampton Road, Ravensbourne

Japanese Garden Ju Raku En

Ju Raku En translates to ‘enjoy peace and longevity in a public place’, and that’s just what you’ll do if you add these Japanese Gardens to your list of things to do in Toowoomba. Opened by the Brisbane Consul-General of Japan in April 1989, these gardens have served as a public space of beauty and calm for residents and visitors alike ever since. One of Australia’s largest and most traditionally designed gardens, it is considered quite a ‘young’ garden and will still take some time to complete.

As you wander through the Ju Raku En garden you’ll discover a mountain stream, waterfall, dry garden, Azalea Hill and a central lake, as well as 230 species of Japanese and Australian native trees and plants growing in perfectly-tended bliss. It’s a popular destination for Spring weddings, as the lilac blossoms of the season make for the picture-perfect moment.

University of Southern Queensland (USQ) West Street, Toowoomba

Rosalie House Vineyard & Cellar Door

Hand-planted in 2005 by Doyle and Vicki Thompson and their family, the Rosalie House Vineyard and Cellar Door is a must-do when you’re making a list of things to do in Toowoomba. Not only do you have the opportunity to sip on beautifully produced wine from the vineyard and succulent meals from the Rosalie Restaurant, but you also have the chance to enjoy the sweeping sunset views of the Lilyvale Valley from the back verandah.

Dine on meals like golden zucchini risotto, with ricotta-filled fried zucchini flowers or roasted home-grown pumpkin with romesco, nut cream and herbs for a meal that feels like a lovingly home-cooked meal, elevated to a culinary class.

Thursday | 11:30am to 3pm | Friday | 11:30am until late

Saturday | 9:00am until late | Sunday | 9:00am to 6:00pm

135 Lavenders Road, Lilyvale

Norwood Roses

If you’re searching for the cutest accommodation in Toowoomba, Norwood Roses is it! This adorable shop-turned-home boasts an award-winning garden and has been featured in magazines such as Home Beautiful and Country Style. The perfect escape for a couple or just you and your bestie, this sweet little cottage has it all  — a comfortable bed with a cosy quilt, plenty of natural light, vintage furniture and kitchen essentials like tea, coffee and condiments.

Pour a glass of bubbles and sink into the clawfoot bathtub, or sip tea on the balcony and take in the sights of the gorgeous garden surrounding you. There’s high-speed internet and Netflix for quiet nights in, or you can easily get to the nearby cafes, pubs, cocktail bars and restaurants on foot for a fun night out.

From $290 per night

Toowoomba City, Toowoomba

Tiny Norah

Escape into the wild with this tiny home accommodation in Toowoomba. Named after Norah in Mary Grant Bruce’s Billabong series, Tiny Norah sleeps up to four people with a queen bed in the window as well as a double bed in the loft. To keep you snug and comfortable year-round, she also boasts reverse cycle air conditioning, plus you can even bring your pet! With a stove and barbecue grill, you can cook up a feast to enjoy outdoors as you drink in the serenity.

Located in Coalbank, a two-hour drive from Brisbane within the Toowoomba region, this small sleepy town takes you away from the noise and rush of the big city so that you can unwind and get to work on your reading list or stretch your legs in the great unknown (aka the paddock your little cabin sits upon).

Sitchu Tip: Before heading to Tiny Norah, explore the nearby towns on your drive to stock up on some local produce to enjoy during your stay.

From $269 per night

Coalbank, Toowoomba Region

If our guide to the best things to do in Toowoomba has inspired you to keep scoping out places to escape to, there might be something for you in our Winter getaway guide to the cosiest escapes Queensland has to offer. If you’re not sure what to pack, we’ve scoped what’s hot this season and made you a shopping shortlist.

As always, tag us @sitchu.brisbane in your adventures around Brisbane and beyond - we can’t wait to see your #sositchu wanderlust moments.