Toowoomba, Queensland
Something for everyone in Toowoomba, Queensland
The city of Toowoomba is a town in the state of Queensland, Australia. Toowoomba was named after the Aboriginal word “too-woomba”, meaning “head of the whip snake”.
Toowoomba is a town full of life! Its population was estimated to be 165,000 in the year 2020. The town operates as a metropolitan area with many suburbs and 12 schools and the University of Southern Queensland.
Toowoomba has been called “the Garden City of Queensland” because of its beautiful gardens and parks. The area around the city has an abundance of natural resources such as coal, gas, gold, silver and copper.
The city of Toowoomba Queensland is one of the most rapidly growing cities in Australia. Situated on top of a mountain, it is about 560 kilometres inland from Brisbane and consists of three major valleys. Toowoomba is the commercial hub for the region and provides essential services to the surrounding towns. Toowoomba is said to be home to more millionaires per capita than any other Australian city. Toowoomba is also known for its history of invigorating sports competitions.
History Of Toowoomba
Originally founded in 1847. This beautiful town has many of its buildings preserved or restored for future generations to enjoy. The first settlers were attracted to the area after gold was discovered there over 100 years ago. They built the small farming community into what you see today.
The Toowoomba region is a part of the Darling Downs and is situated southwest of Brisbane and west of the Great Dividing Range, in Queensland. It has been inhabited for at least 3,000 years by different groups of Indigenous Australians.
In 1830, explorer Allan Cunningham became the first European to explore the area when he passed along the road that would eventually become known as Main Street.
In 1859, Reverend Henry Spalding arrived from New Zealand and established a mission. In 1860, the town was surveyed and named after a small Church of England parish in Yorkshire. The town grew quickly due to its independence from Brisbane and good soil. In the 1870s, the Great Western Railway connected Toowoomba with Brisbane and Louisville.
In 1867, Toowoomba became Queensland’s first inland city and in 1901 it was proclaimed a city.
Top Things To Do In Toowoomba
Toowoomba, Queensland offers breathtaking scenery and untouched natural landscapes without any crowds. From the rainforest to the rolling fields of corn, there is something for everyone in Toowoomba.
The Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery provides a space for art lovers to explore contemporary artworks and Indigenous Australian arts and crafts. The gallery also showcases exhibitions that focus on regional and national artists. There are many historic attractions as well.
Toowoomba is known for its natural landmarks, including the Toowoomba Ranges.
The State Library holds a large collection of resources and offers free internet access to those who visit.
Best hikes In Toowoomba
There are also a number of beautiful hikes you can do around Toowoomba.
REDWOOD PARK
Walking Time: 3 hours
Classification: Grade 4 (steep and rough in some sections)
PICNIC POINT PARKLANDS
Walking Time: 2 hours
Classification: Grade 3
RAVENSBOURNE NATIONAL PARK
Walking Time: 2 hours
Classification: Grade 4
TABLE TOP MOUNTAIN
Walking Time: 2 hours
Classification: Grade 5
LAKE CRESSBROOK, CROWS NEST
Walking Time: 2.5 hours
Classification: Grade 3
CROWS NEST NATIONAL PARK
Walking Time: 1.5 hours
Classification: Most is Grade 3, but the Kauyoo Loop includes a Grade 4 section of steep crevices and slippery rocks.
CRANLEY ESCARPMENT
Walking Time: between 90 minutes and 2.5 hours
Classification: Grade 3 (some steepness)
GLEN LOMOND PARK
Walking Time: 1.5 hours
Classification: Grade 4 (rough track, and very steep in some sections)
JUBILEE PARK
Walking Time: 1-3 hours
Classification: Grade 4
LAKE COOBY, MERINGANDAN
Walking Time: 90 minutes return
Classification: Grade 4 (it’s mainly easy with one moderate climb in the middle)
MOUNT PEEL BUSHLAND PARK
Walking Time: 45 minutes
Classification: Grade 4
For more information on the best hikes in Toowoomba visit here.
Best Places To Swim In Toowoomba
If you are looking for a place to swim outside of Toowoomba, there are many options in the surrounding area. Here is a list of some popular places to swim:
The most popular is Groom Creek. Groom Creek is a family-friendly location where people can enjoy a day of swimming and fishing, as well as having walking trails that lead from the campsite.
There is a public pool at Kilcoy, which you can access by car and take advantage of the lifeguards and other safety features.
A number of riverside towns offer swimming spots such as Goombungee and Crows Nest.
Toowoomba has a creek and river that one can swim in. The creek is located at Christmas Creek Reserve and is about an hour and a half away from Toowoomba. It also has a waterfall which makes for a great spot to take a dip.
Best time of year to visit Toowoomba
The best time of year to visit Toowoomba, Queensland is from October to April. The town becomes a hive of activity as shops and events start-up for the holiday season. There is plenty of food and wine festivals taking place and you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful weather with barely any humidity which makes it perfect for exploring outdoors. Everything from the changing leaves on the trees to the crisp but warm evenings will entice you to book your trip right away!
One can enjoy the lush green landscape that makes up this area during these months and watch the regional festivities take over with flowers in bloom, pumpkin patches, and Christmas markets starting up. With so much colour surrounding you, it is difficult not to feel inspired.
How to get to Toowoomba from Brisbane
Getting to Toowoomba, Queensland from Brisbane takes approximately 2.5 hours by car with a stopover in Ipswich or Toogoolawah.
Brisbane is the capital of Queensland in Australia. The Brisbane Airport has domestic and international flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Townsville and Cairns. There are also bus services that go from Brisbane Airport into the city centre. The train station in central Brisbane can take you to Toowoomba which is about 4 hours away.
