Toowoomba and the Darling Downs
High on the edge of Australia’s Great Dividing Range, Toowoomba and the Darling Downs in South East Queensland Country is steeped in history and natural beauty, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind.
There is plenty to see and do in the region from sampling the area’s fresh local produce and quality wines and relaxing at the gracious old hotels and award-winning restaurants, to discovering hidden treasures in the many art galleries, markets, antique stores and museums. Nature lovers can explore the area’s rugged national parks, spectacular lookouts and abundant wildlife. For the more adventurous, there are 4WD tours, hot air balloon flights, skydiving and more.
Perched 700 metres above sea level, Toowoomba is the hub of the Darling Downs. Just 1.5hrs west of Brisbane and 2hrs from the Gold Coast, two major highways bring visitors to Toowoomba – the Warrego Highway from the east and west and the New England Highway from the north and south.
Toowoomba is famous for its impressive array of parks and gardens. With over 240 public parks and gardens, visitors are spoilt for choice. Though the gardens are truly spectacular at any time of the year, September sees Toowoomba burst into colour during the annual Carnival of Flowers, which brings together horticulture, entertainment, food and wine. There are magnificent floral displays in three of Toowoomba’s most renowned locations – Queen’s Park, Laurel Bank Park and Picnic Point – as well as a street parade and a flower, food and wine festival.
Toowoomba’s historic civic buildings and private residences have been well preserved and give the city an air of sophistication. At its heart is the beautifully restored Empire Theatre, which was built in 1911. The theatre hosts major productions from opera and ballet to comedy festivals and contemporary music performances. Cobb & Co Museum, situated near Queens Park, is a national centre for research and conservation. This museum takes you back into the time of horse-drawn travel, with the largest and finest collection of coaches in Australia.
Surrounded by rich, fertile land, Toowoomba is considered a food lover’s paradise. Choose from informal al fresco style cafés to award-winning a la carte restaurants, featuring locally grown produce and innovative menus. You can complement your meal with one of the locally produced wines. Wine connoisseurs may like to make a day of it and travel the Wine Trail to enjoy a variety of local wines.
Beyond Toowoomba, the greater Darling Downs area features a huge choice of experiences for the visitor. Driving west through the Darling Downs will lead to rolling plains and little rural townships dotted over the countryside. Stop at one of the charming B&Bs, where you can yarn with a local or retreat to a cosy fireside with a bottle of local wine.
Heading north towards Crows Nest, you will pass through hamlets strung along the eastern escarpment of the Great Diving Range, sprinkled with nurseries, cafés, museums, galleries and antique stores. The southern fringes of the Darling Downs are most widely recognised as Steele Rudd country. Famous for its authentic country experiences, you can enjoy the atmosphere in the area’s popular historic pubs.
The Bunya Mountains, rising dramatically against the sky, are also a feature of the north-west Darling Downs. This unique offshoot of the Great Divide features dense rainforest, waterfalls, walking tracks, lookouts, abundant fauna and the largest remaining stand of bunya pines anywhere. On the way to the mountains, make a stop at Jimbour House at Jimbour, where you can visit the gardens of this beautiful residence and sample their local drop at the cellar door and café.
Australian Camp Oven Festival
Enjoy a feast of Aussie heritage and culture at this biennial festival in Millmerran. The festival revives old bush recipes handed down through generations of local families. With plenty of entertainment for the whole family, including the Millmerran Mailbox Muster, Damper Throwing and Billy Boiling Speed Tests. Visit Australian Camp Oven Festival for more information.
Useful Info
Editorial supplied by Toowoomba and Golden West Tourism
Images supplied by Tourism Queensland