Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia

The Garden City of the Darling Downs.

Nestled on the crest of the Great Dividing Range, approximately 700 metres above sea level, Toowoomba is a city that captivates visitors with its stunning floral displays, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. Located just a 90-minute drive west of Brisbane, this thriving regional centre is Australia’s second-largest inland city, behind Canberra, and serves as the capital of the picturesque Darling Downs region.
The Garden City

Toowoomba is affectionately known as the “Garden City” – and for good reason. The city boasts hundreds of parks and gardens that burst with colour throughout the year. Among the most magnificent are Queens Park, a 26.3-hectare greenspace in the city centre featuring trees imported from Europe, Asia and beyond; Laurel Bank Park, with its stunning floral displays and croquet lawns; the award-winning Queensland State Rose Garden; and the largest Japanese garden in Australia, Ju Raku En, located at the University of Southern Queensland.

The city’s rich volcanic soil supports an incredible 150 public parks scattered across the urban landscape, creating a lush, green environment that changes with the seasons – from crisp winter mornings and crunchy autumn leaves to vibrant summers and spectacular spring blooms.
A City Steeped in History

Toowoomba’s story stretches back tens of thousands of years. For over 65,000 years, the Giabal and Jarowair peoples occupied this area, with the Giabal living around present-day Toowoomba and the Jarowair hosting the Bunya Festival.

European exploration began in 1827 when English botanist Allan Cunningham discovered the rich farming and grazing lands he named the Darling Downs. By the 1840s, European settlers began arriving, and the settlement of Drayton soon followed. Toowoomba’s origins lie in a marshy area known as “The Swamp” – the name “Toowoomba” itself is thought to derive from an Aboriginal word meaning “swamp” or “place where water sits”.

The first recorded use of the name “Toowoomba” came in 1852, and the city’s first council was elected in 1861. Toowoomba was declared a city in 1904 and has grown steadily ever since. Today, the Toowoomba Region has a population of approximately 186,276 (2025 estimate) and welcomes more than 5 million visitors annually.

Things to See and Do
Queens Park

No visit to Toowoomba is complete without a stroll through Queens Park. This iconic park hosts the award-winning Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers each year and serves as a beloved gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
Picnic Point Lookout

Perched atop the Great Dividing Range, Picnic Point offers sweeping panoramic views over Table Top Mountain and the Lockyer Valley. The 160-acre parkland features scenic bushwalking trails, a tranquil waterfall area, and free barbecues – perfect for a relaxing picnic with a view.
Queensland Museum

History buffs will love the Queensland Museum Cobb+Co, home to the National Carriage Collection of horse-drawn vehicles. This fascinating museum offers guided tours that bring Toowoomba’s pioneering era to life.
The Empire Theatre

Known as the largest regional performing arts complex in Australia, this beautifully restored Art Deco gem originally opened in 1911 as “Empire Pictures”. Today, it hosts a dynamic lineup of film, drama, music and dance performances.
Street Art Trail

Toowoomba boasts one of Australia’s largest outdoor street art galleries, with more than 50 vibrant murals splashed across the city’s lanes and streets. The bulk of these large-scale artworks are located along Searles Walk, Union Street and Bank Lane.
Ja Raku En Japanese Garden

This peaceful and beautiful garden at the University of Southern Queensland offers a serene escape. Its name roughly translates to “to enjoy peace and longevity in a public place”.
The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

Spring is the most spectacular time to visit Toowoomba, when the city transforms into a riot of colour for the annual Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. Now in its 77th year, the 2026 festival runs from Friday 18 September to Monday 5 October, featuring more than 80 events and experiences.

Highlights include the Grand Central Floral Parade on Saturday 19 September, featuring 30+ spectacular floral floats, marching bands, and roving entertainers; FEASTival, the festival’s major food and artisan celebration on 26–27 September; and floral displays at Queens Park Botanic Gardens and Laurel Bank Park. The festival attracts nearly half a million visitors each year.
Living and Working in Toowoomba

Toowoomba is much more than a tourist destination – it’s a thriving regional hub with a diversified economy and excellent lifestyle amenities. The city is home to around 60 state schools and 25 private schools, including some of Australia’s largest boarding schools, as well as the University of Southern Queensland and TAFE Queensland.

The healthcare sector is the region’s largest employer, with three major hospitals and extensive allied health services. Key industries include agriculture, education, health, defence, resources and manufacturing. The region generated $15.14 billion in Gross Regional Product in 2024 and supported an estimated 96,730 jobs.

With its affordable housing, excellent schools, strong job market, and beautiful natural environment, it’s no surprise that more and more people are choosing to call Toowoomba home.
Getting There

Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport is located approximately 25 minutes’ drive from the city centre, with regular flights connecting to major Australian cities. The city is also easily accessible by road, located 127 kilometres west of Brisbane along the Warrego Highway. Once in Toowoomba, the inner city is easily explored on foot or by bicycle.

Whether you’re planning a visit to experience the spectacular Carnival of Flowers, exploring the city’s rich heritage, or considering making Toowoomba your home, this remarkable city at the edge of the Great Dividing Range offers something for everyone. As Queensland’s Garden City, Toowoomba truly is a destination for all seasons.