The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Toowoomba, Queensland

The Empire Theatres is the largest performing arts precinct in regional Australia and boasts several performance and function spaces. Renowned for its classic art deco architecture, the heritage listed theatre is the jewel of the Darling Downs.

DownsSteam is a community based solely volunteer run organisation dedicated to the establishment of a tourist railway for the Darling Downs region. DownsSteam was formed to enable the preservation and active restoration of the last remaining steam locomotive built at the historic Toowoomba Foundry Company, C16-106 Southern Cross Works No. 28 circa 1914. DownsSteam plans to run regular passenger services that would become part of an integrated tourism transport trail across the Darling Downs. Fine food excursions to Warwick and Stanthorpe will give our guests the opportunity to sample the best our region has to offer. Shorter trips to Nobby and Pittsworth will celebrate our regions rich heritage. Since formation in 2001, DownsSteam has established an active railway precinct on the former Drayton sidings & acquiried a large rolling stock fleet.

Toowoomba's must-see tourist destination! Part of the Queensland Museum Network and home to the National Carriage Collection, discover a variety of interactive displays, exhibits and heritage trade workshops. Immerse yourself in Toowoomba's natural and cultural history and revisit an Australian transport era. Wander through the charming National Carriage Collection and discover how the 47 horse-drawn vehicles played an important role in the development of Queensland. Put your power to the test in the Energy for Life Discovery Centre and explore how your body uses and stores energy and how we can use energy more sustainably. The kids will love stepping back in time to play in The Coach Stop play area. Watch them become shop attendants in the old Museum General Store, dress them up in old fashion clothes or give them a ride on the life-sized replica horse. Get your hands on history with a variety of heritage workshops with one to five day workshops suited from beginner to expert. Experience the satisfaction of learning a traditional skill and creating something beautiful yet functional by hand. Take a break in Cobb's Coffee Shop and try Toowoomba's best scones! Located a just short walk across from Toowoomba's iconic Queens Park. Museum admission is free for Toowoomba Regional Council residents with proof of residency.

Laurel Bank Park is a beautiful 4.5 hectare parkland close to Toowoomba's city centre, featuring spectacular manicured gardens, a scented garden, a collection of exotic trees, a playground, picnic area, gazebo and croquet greens. Beautiful year-round, but known for its sublime spring displays and avenues of cherry blossoms, it is most magnificent during Carnival of Flowers each September. The Scented Gardens, are a 'garden within a garden' created from ideas presented by the Downs Association of the Blind, and feature fragrant blooms, herbs and shrubs in raised beds. The park came into being in 1932 when Darling Downs Building Society Managing Director, Mr Samuel George Stephens, donated the land to the people of Toowoomba, with the City Council official custodian. Prior to gifting the land, Mr Stephens improved it with shrubs and flowers, and was known to many as 'the man of flowers'.

A stroll through the State Heritage listed Queens Park and Botanic Gardens is an absolute must for any visitor to the Garden City. Set across more than 25 picturesque hectares, the parkland has been enjoyed by generations of locals and regional visitors since it first opened to the public in the late 1800s. It's a beautiful calm space where nature showcases its seasonal offerings, alongside the city's bustling CBD. In spring and summer, riotous colour spots garden beds in a shout out to the warmer weather, while autumn obliges with its own radiant show. Dollops of red and orange swirl across the landscape as the leaves of giant deciduous trees transform and fall, laying a textured, multi-coloured carpet underneath. A variety of community activities and annual events are also hosted at Queens Park and Botanic Gardens with Toowoomba's internationally renowned Carnival of Flowers and its signature Flower, Food and Wine Festival leading the way.

With a wealth of local knowledge, the team can give you first-hand tips for exploring the Toowoomba and Darling Downs area. Accommodation and touring information for the Toowoomba region and other Queensland destinations is available. Drop in for maps, brochures, locally-produced food and artisan-made items, Toowoomba souvenirs and refreshments. Facilities include: - Free Wi-Fi and digital-charging lounge - Car, coach and caravan parking - Public toilets - Picnic area, BBQ and playground in adjacent East Creek Park - The Centre is suitable for guests who depend on the use of a wheelchair; and is a convenient stop for travellers on a long journey.