YOUR TOOWOOMBA EXPERIENCE AWAITS

Explore The Garden City

Potters Hotel Toowoomba is a convenient, centrally located base from which to explore the rich heritage, culture and culinary delights of this blossoming city and surrounding area.

The Toowoomba region, with its fertile soils and four distinct seasons, is affectionately known as ‘The Garden City’, and is home to over 250 parks and gardens. The lush landscaping and magnificent floral displays of the city’s abundant green spaces create a picturesque backdrop and instil a sense of tranquillity across Queensland’s largest inland city. Take time out to enjoy a picnic amidst the tree-lined avenues of Queens Park, or delight in the bright blossoms and sensory garden at Laurel Bank Park. Inhale the sweet fragrance of Spring at the State Rose Garden, or spend some time in quiet reflection at Australia’s largest Japanese Gardens. Picnic Point is another popular parkland area, boasting serene nature trails and spectacular views overlooking the eastern edge of the escarpment, across the aptly named Tabletop Mountain towards the Lockyer Valley and Brisbane beyond.

Each September, Toowoomba springs to life with a stunning extravaganza of creativity and colour over four blooming big weekends of the Carnival of Flowers. What first took root as a floral event has blossomed into a vibrant and iconic Queensland celebration of gardening, entertainment, food and wine, magnificent parades and outdoor events. For more information, please visit tcof.com.au.

Beyond the city’s manicured gardens, a wilder encounter awaits. The region is home to some awe-inspiring National Parks and bushwalking trails. Be refreshed and invigorated in the cool mountain air on a short walk amidst the towering trees, trickling streams and peaceful palm groves of Ravensbourne National Park, or enjoy the soothing sound of water cascading through eucalypt forests at Crows Nest National Park, both located around 45 minutes to an hour north of the CBD.

Arts and Culture

If arts and culture are more your scene, you’re in for a treat.

The Empire Theatre is the cultural hub of the Darling Downs region and has been delivering world-class entertainment locally for over 100 years. From big name celebrity acts to home grown emerging artists, The Empire presents an evolving, exciting and diverse calendar of entertainment throughout the year. Enjoy a matinee or evening show of live entertainment at the largest performing arts precinct in regional Australia.

The Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery presents a curated collection of exhibits that cater to a variety of interests. From contemporary 20th-century Australian art to antiques, early Australian literature and rare manuscripts from colonial times, the gallery showcases an eclectic and changing assortment of interesting pieces to peruse.

Or step outside the gallery and explore Toowoomba’s impressive collection of street art. More than 100 colourful murals adorn the walls of buildings lining the city’s alleys and laneways. The vibrant street art scene emerged in Toowoomba in 2013, as part of the First Coat Festival. Over the years, the number of artworks has grown, establishing the city as a hotspot for regional street art. Most artworks are clustered around the laneways leading off Ruthven Street, in the heart of Toowoomba. They represent a wide variety of styles and purpose, from depictions of history and culture to abstract art forms, with a few sculptures in the mix. Ask our friendly reception staff for a map, grab a coffee, and go for a wander to discover a world of enthralling outdoor art.

Heritage and History

Hints of Toowoomba’s rich colonial history are evident in an assortment of grand heritage buildings dotted throughout the city centre. The Toowoomba Courthouse, the Bishop’s House on Margaret Street, and St Patrick’s Cathedral in James Street are some stand-out examples of heritage-listed architecture. Meander the tree-lined streets of this city, and marvel at the grandeur of buildings which have stood the test of time.

Immerse yourself in Toowoomba’s natural and cultural history at the world-class Cobb & Co Museum. Explore the extensive National Carriage Collection and learn about the important role horse-drawn carriages played in Queensland’s early days. The museum features interactive play areas and exhibits that provide fun for the whole family. Hands-on workshops and holiday activity programs add to the joy of learning and discovery.

Step back in time and feel like you’ve entered a bygone era at the Highfields Pioneer Village. This well-preserved precinct features a collection of historic buildings and artifacts including the Transport Museum, the Toowoomba Fire Brigade and Ambulance Museums, a village silversmith and even a toyshop featuring handmade wooden pioneer toys. The Slab Cottage, built in 1900, presents fascinating insights into what home life was like in Toowoomba’s early pioneering days.

Foodie Finds

The rich soils and fertile farmlands of the surrounding Darling Downs provide a bounty of fresh and flavourful inspiration for the region’s innovative chefs, brewers, winemakers, and gourmet food producers.

The city boasts an array of exciting foodie finds to tempt your tastebuds. To make the most of the Garden City ambience, be sure to call by Park House Café, just across from Queens Park. Here you can laze in the warm sunshine and enjoy a relaxed brunch or lunch in the alfresco area, or get cosy indoors with a freshly brewed coffee, house-made sweet treats and the pleasant buzz of conversation in the air.

The Plate Restaurant, Bar and Brewery on Ruthven Street in the CBD is a great place to sample the succulent flavours of locally sourced steaks and seasonally fresh produce from predominantly local suppliers. Their in-house Bone Idol Brewery is said to serve some of Toowoomba’s top craft brews.

Just 20 minutes’ drive north of our hotel, you’ll find the quaint village of Highfields perched high on the escarpment. This northern enclave is a treasure trove of sensory delights for food lovers, flavour chasers and art and craft enthusiasts. Indulge in handcrafted sweet treats at The Chocolate Cottage, or take your time browsing an eclectic collection of boutique clothing, unique homewares and handcrafted gifts at specialty shops dotted along the highway.

If it’s time for a tipple, head to nearby Monty Brewing Co for locally crafted beers and ciders, delicious meals and epic views overlooking the Lockyer Valley. A little further out of town you’ll discover the tranquil, leafy surrounds of Rosalie House Vineyard &Cellar Door Restaurant. Embrace the quiet serenity and enjoy a stunning sunset over the Lilyvale Valley while enjoying a quiet wine paired with a delectable grazing menu served on the veranda.

Fun For The Family

For those travelling with young family, the Toowoomba region delivers plenty of exciting entertainment options to keep the kids amused.

If you have access to a car, the Darling Downs Zoo provides a fun-filled day of up-close animal encounters that are sure to create lasting memories. From native Aussie animals to majestic big cats, cheeky primates and slippery and slithery reptiles, this amazing collection of creatures is sure to surprise and delight visitors of all ages. Darling Downs Zoo is a great place to encounter rare and unique animals minus the crowds. It’s located a scenic 40-minute drive south of the CBD, but is well worth the effort.

Within the city centre, there’s plenty of places to play the day away. Tee off with a round of Putt Putt Golf, bounce off your energy at Kloud9ine Trampoline Park, or strike it lucky at Sunset SuperBowl. For the ultimate family or team challenge, put your detective and puzzle-solving skills to the test at Toowoomba’s own Tick Tock Escape Room, with three thrilling rooms to choose from.

Nearby, Grand Central Shopping Centre is the perfect place to indulge in some retail therapy, with Events Cinemas onsite for your big-screen entertainment.

Accessibility – Toowoomba

Potters Hotel Toowoomba is conveniently located in the heart of the Toowoomba CBD at 258 Margaret Street. The ‘Garden City’ of Toowoomba is perched on the edge of the Great Dividing Range, about one-and-a-half hours’ drive west of the Queensland capital, Brisbane. Domestic flights are available to Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, which is just a 20-minute drive down the road from our hotel. Regular bus services are also available from Brisbane CBD with Greyhound Australia and Murrays Coaches.

Toowoomba City is serviced by a local bus network. There is a bus stop across the road from the hotel entrance on Margaret Street at Clifford Street, and local bus services 905 and 907 both offer a stop here. These buses connect with major shopping centres and suburban areas around town. For journey planning and ticketing information please visit translink.com.au or call 13 12 30. Taxis and ride share services are also available within the Toowoomba city area.

Toowoomba Sightseeing offers a range of tours, transfers and private hire options to help you get about town and discover all that’s on offer. They also offer airport transfers. For further information please visit toowoombasightseeing.com.au.

Our friendly reception staff are always happy to offer local insights or suggestions for things to see and do in the area. The Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre is another great source of local travel tips and information. This accessible centre is located at 82-86 James Street (on the corner of Kitchener Street). The Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre is open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 1:30pm on weekends and selected public holidays, with additional opening hours in September. For further information please refer to our Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre audio guide or give the team a call on 1800 33 11 55 or email infocentre@tr.qld.gov.au.

This audio guide is intended to highlight some of the local attractions and events in the area. For detailed accessibility information pertaining to individual attractions or experiences, please contact the operator directly.