We LOVE this regional city in QLD so we have compiled this list of the best things to do in Toowoomba with kids! From museums to play centres, from camping options hotels equipped with kid friendly facilities, our article will cover everything you need to know to enjoy a stay in Toowoomba, regardless of the weather.
Best directions to Toowoomba
The best way to get to Toowoomba is by car. It is less than a 2 hour drive from Brisbane CBD, directly west.
However, Toowoomba also has an airport called Wellcamp Airport (WTB). You can fly directly from Wellcamp Airport to Sydney, Melbourne, Townsville and Western Queensland. Toowoomba is a great place to go for a day trip from Brisbane. No matter what your kids are into, there is something for everyone in Toowoomba.
A brief history of Toowoomba
The Darling Downs bore witness to the presence of Indigenous tribes, including the Jagera, Giabal, and Jarowair people, who inhabited this region for over 40,000 years before the arrival of Europeans. Pre-settlement estimates suggest an Indigenous population ranging from 1500 to 2500 individuals. The Jagera people occupied the foothills and escarpment, while the Giabal people resided in the Toowoomba area, and the Jarowair people inhabited the northern regions, extending to the Bunya Mountains.
In this rich land, known originally as the ‘upland area,’ the Indigenous inhabitants employed a unique hunting technique. They skillfully utilized controlled burns on the grasslands, as the regrowth attracted animals, facilitating their hunting efforts. Recognizing this practice, the coastal tribes referred to them as the “Gooneburra,” meaning “the ones who hunt with fire.”
Museums for kids
Toowoomba is full of great measures that kids will love. Here’s our top pick of museums in Toowoomba.
1. Cobb and Co
The Cobb & Co Museum is located in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia and was originally established to house The Cobb & Co. Collection of W. R. F. Bolton consisting of over thirty 19th Century horse drawn vehicles which he collected and had restored over a period of more than thirty years.
Location: 27 Lindsay St, Toowoomba City QLD 4350
Website: Click here
2. Highfields Pioneer Village
The Highfields Pioneer Village covers an area of 20 acres of picturesque grounds with over 70 buildings of historic interest, pleasant surroundings and picnic facilities. It is located at 73 Wirraglen Rd Highfields, just 15kms North of Toowoomba.
Location: 73 Wirraglen Rd, Highfields, Queensland 4352, Australia
Website: Click here
3. DownsSteam Tourist Railway & Museum
If you’re a train buff you cannot miss this. Operated by volunteers, DownsSteam is dedicated to establishing a tourist railway. A place for tourists to discover and rediscover their passion for rail. After lovingly restoring trains and carriages they welcome everyone to come along to their regular meetings and events to experience themselves the trains from years gone by.
Location: Ball St & Cambooya St
Website: Click here
4. Jondaryan Woolshed: Open Air Working Museum
Weddings, camping or cabins…take your pick. Jondaryan Woolshed is the ultimate introduction to farm life for any tourist. Just 40mins from Toowoomba, tuck into a Ploughman’s Lunch in the Woolshed Restaurant and explore this heritage-listed open air museum which is the largest and oldest operating Woolshed in the world. Check out their upcoming events and self-guided tours for that extra rural injection.
Location: 264 Jondaryan Evanslea Road, Jondaryan
Website: Click here
Toowoomba Parks & Gardens
If you’re more into some great parks and gardens, then this will be your favourite part of the article.
5. Queens Park
Centrally located in the heart of Toowoomba, you have to visit Queen’s Park. With 7 different areas to explore it’s bound to keep the kids on their toes whilst you rekindle a romance or simply breathe in the the fresh air and take in the moment. Discover the vibrant flowers peppered throughout this expansive heritage park, visit “Frogs Hollow”, the children’s play area, the off leash dog park, the amphitheatre or the ovals throughout the grounds for a fun filled day out.
Location: 43 Lindsay Street, East Toowoomba
Website: Click here
6. Laurel Bank Park
Laurel Bank Park features large open grass areas so you can play cricket or football, and well kept gardens with beautiful flowers to enjoy, bridges over water features to stroll amongst, picnic tables and BBQs that are under a large covered area and a large playground for your todlers to explore. The playground has swings, rock climbing wall, suspense rope bridge, slides for toddlers as well as a tunnel slide for older kids and a spider’s climbing frame. The soft fall is sand with some areas rubber.
Location: 50 Hill St, Toowoomba City
7. Picnic Point
What better way to occupy the whole family than to relax at the Picnic Point lookout, enjoy lunch at the café and let imaginations run wild in the children’s playgrounds. The lookouts, gardens, playgrounds and café are famous for their breathtaking views across the Great Dividing Range. With 3 amazing playgrounds including a rocket ship, rotunda and hand-carved witch’s forest, Picnic Point will not disappoint.
Location: 164 Tourist Rd, Toowoomba City
Website: Click here
8. Japanese Gardens
A touch of tranquillity and stunning Asian culture in south west QLD. Sprawling across 4.5 hectares, and located at the northern side of the USQ campus, this is the most traditionally designed and largest Japanese garden in Australia. Definitely worth a visit.
Location: West Street, University of Southern Queensland,Toowoomba
Website: Click here
Play centres, activity parks & theatres in Toowoomba
Sometimes you need to take your toddler or teen to an indoor activity to help them burn off a little steam. Here are our suggestions for great trampoline and play centres in Toowoomba.
9. Kloud9ine Trampoline Park
Endless trampolines – interconnected, all shapes and all sizes. Endless opportunities to show off your mid-air skills. Jump of the walls – literally! You can’t miss Toowoomba’s only climate controlled trampoline park with 5 different areas to challenge your fitness and each other. One of our favourite things to do in Toowoomba.
Location: Bernoth Centre, 663 Ruthven Street Toowoomba
Website: Click here
10. iPlay Café & Playcentre Toowoomba
Designed with fun and safety as a priority for children up to 12yrs old, this play centre is the largest in Toowoomba. They have wifi, parking, specials, competitions, party packages and a café to name just a few of the fantastic features on offer, not to mention endless play equipment bound to challenge and entertain all little minds and bodies.
Location: 323 Ruthven Street Toowoomba
Website: Click here
11. Empire Theatre Toowoomba
Heritage listed and known for its classic art deco design, the Empire Theatre should be near the top of your to-do list especially if you have kids. With an array of children’s performances, you will almost definitely find something suitable happening for your kids while you are in town.
Location: 54-56 Neil Street Toowoomba
Website: Click here
Best Restaurants & Cafes in Toowoomba
Toowoomba has no shortage of cafes and restaurants, so if you’re a foody, take a close look at these beautiful restaurants and cafes Toowoomba has to offer. For even more options, check out our kid friendly restaurants in Toowoomba article!
12. The Chocolate Cottage and Café
Attention all chocoholics! Located in an 18th Century renovated school house, you’ll be in heaven tasting handmade chocolates whilst sipping on the finest tea the area has on offer. Soak up the sun outside or defrost by the cosy fire inside, either way you’re in for a treat.
Location: 10475 New England Highway, Highfields
Website: Click here
For an even more comprehensive list of kid friendly restaurants in cafes in Toowoomba, see our list here.
13. Ice N Spice Fine Indian Dining+Bar
Ice N Spice Fine Indian Dining+Bar in Toowoomba offers a delightful culinary experience. With its vibrant atmosphere, attentive service, and exquisite Indian cuisine, the restaurant captivates guests from the moment they step through the doors. The menu features a tantalizing array of authentic flavors, carefully crafted by skilled chefs using fresh ingredients and aromatic spices. Whether you’re craving traditional tandoori dishes, flavorful curries, or mouthwatering vegetarian options, Ice N Spice delivers an unforgettable dining experience that satisfies even the most discerning palates.
For more information, head to the Ice N Spice Fine Indian Dining+Bar website.
Address: 177A-179 Margaret St, Toowoomba City
14. Sofra
Sofra, a Turkish restaurant in Toowoomba, invites you on a culinary journey like no other. Their goal is to immerse you in the authentic flavors of traditional Turkish cuisine, offering a vibrant and memorable dining experience. With a menu inspired by generations of family recipes, Sofra brings you the best of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences with a delightful twist of Asian flavors.
Check out the Sofra website.
Address: 164 Margaret St, Toowoomba City
Whats on in Toowoomba
The best way to find out whats on in Toowoomba in to use the local Toowoomba council website Whats On Calendar. They will give you information about whats on in Toowoomba today as well as whats on in Toowoomba this weekend.
Whats on in Toowoomba – Seasonal Events
It is best to make a note of these seasonal events that occur in Toowoomba each year. If you are planning to visit make sure you book your accommodation well in advance. All the best places to stay in Toowoomba with kids get booked up quickly during events! See our accommodation recommendations below.
- Australia Day – January
- Toowoomba Royal Show – March
- The annual Hampton High Country Food & Arts Festival – May
- Languages and Cultures Festival – August
- Carnival of Flowers – September
- Christmas and New Year – December
Best things to do near Toowoomba
15. Bunya Mountains
Bunya Mountains is a locality split between the Western Downs Region and the South Burnett Region, Queensland, Australia. It completes encloses the locality of Mowbullan and the town of Mount Mowbullan is located on the boundary of Bunya Mountains and Mowbullan
16. Murphy’s Creek Escape
Fancy camping Toowoomba style? The ultimate camping and adventure experience for the whole family only 20 minutes from Toowoomba at the base of the Toowoomba range. Simply put your feet up and unwind without the interruptions of everyday life. Or for those more adventurous why not take a hike in the Lockyer National Park, take a dip in the creek or try out some awesome activities like abseiling, mountain biking, archery or test your skills on the ropes course.
Location: 356 Thomas Road, Murphy’s Creek QLD
Website: Murphy’s Creek
Kid-friendly accommodation in Toowoomba
17. Highlander Motor Inn & Apartments
The Highlander, situated in the heart of Queensland’s Garden City, is a centrally located motel and apartment complex that prides itself on being Toowoomba’s friendliest accommodation. Experience our range of standard, family, and executive motel rooms, some even equipped with spa baths. Additionally, we offer fully self-contained apartments with 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms. Conveniently situated just a short drive away from the city center, The University of Southern Queensland, and providing direct access to the Toowoomba Base Hospital.
Visit the Highlander website for more details.
Address: 226-228 James St, South Toowoomba
18. Quest Toowoomba
Quest Toowoomba Apartment Hotel beckons with six levels of exquisitely furnished and fully equipped serviced apartment accommodation. Situated mere minutes away from popular attractions such as Empire Theatre, Grand Central Shopping Centre, Queens Park, Botanical Gardens, and Clive Berghofer Stadium, guests can indulge in the city’s offerings with ease. With a range of options to select from, including 74 studio, one, two, and three-bedroom serviced apartments, visitors can find the ideal lodging for both short overnight stays or extended periods. This purpose-built property presents a remarkable alternative to the conventional motel room, promising a distinctive and satisfying experience.
Check out the Quest website for more details.
Address: 133 Margaret St, Toowoomba City
19. Potters Hotel
Experience the epitome of premier accommodation in Toowoomba at Potters Boutique Hotel on Margaret Street. Indulge in the luxurious amenities and stylish ambiance that define this exceptional establishment. Guests will appreciate the effortless accessibility, thanks to the direct off-street access provided exclusively for their convenience. Situated a mere 2-minute walk from the vibrant Toowoomba CBD, visitors can easily explore an array of restaurants, laneway bars, theaters, boutique shops, and leisure activities. Additionally, the picturesque Queens Park is just a short 5-minute stroll away, while the city center remains within convenient walking distance.
Head to the Potters Hotel website for more details.
Address: 258 Margaret St, Toowoomba City
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