The 9 Best Things to do in Highfields, Queensland

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.

Davidson Arboretum (Latin for ‘tree garden’) is a one-hectare park in Highfields - a 15 minute drive north of the Toowoomba CBD. Entrance to the arboretum is via Cawdor Road (located in between 11-13 Cawdor Road), Flamingo Road or Powell Court. Davidson Arboretum has a focus on ornamental trees and some shrubs from the northern hemisphere which are predominantly deciduous. The collection includes different species of maple, ash, conifer and oak, flowering trees such as blossoms and magnolias, and many other rare and special trees. The Arboretum features walkways and avenues of trees, a formal arbour and a rest shelter making it a tranquil space to enjoy all year round. From May to June, the gardens transform with deciduous species bursting into a brilliant display of autumn colours.

Spring Bluff Railway Station is a heritage listed site located on the main railway line between Ipswich and Toowoomba. Its significance stems from 150 years of railway history and the attraction of its beautiful landscaped gardens. We invite you to experience a special part of local history. The station was decommissioned in August 1992, and the ganger and fettler crew withdrawn in September 1993. The importance of the station was recognised with the formation of the Spring Bluff Railway Station Trust to preserve and maintain the grounds and station. The original trust consisted of Toowoomba City Council, Gatton Shire Council, Crows Nest Shire Council & QR and following amalgamation in 2008, changed to Toowoomba Regional Council, Lockyer Valley Regional Council & Queensland Rail. The National Trust of Queensland listed the Main Range Railway on its Register in March 1994.

Playgrounds, barbecue facilities and skateparks have been closed following the outbreak of the coronavirus. This will be reviewed following recommendations and advice provided by the State and Federal Governments. Peacehaven Botanic Park is located just 15 minutes’ drive north of Toowoomba’s CBD at Highfields. The park has magnificent trees, established gardens and grassy areas, wheelchair-friendly pathways and stunning views towards the Bunya Mountains. Peacehaven is one of the region’s gems, and exists today because of the generosity and far-sightedness of local dairy farmer Stan Kuhl. In 2004 Stan donated 4.7 hectares of land adjacent to his house to be developed into a botanic park. Sadly, Stan died in 2005 before his dream was realised, but his vision lives on. The park was officially opened in 2006 and was expanded in 2012, increasing the total area to 5.4 hectares. There are picnic tables, barbecue facilities, a grand rotunda, seating, open spaces, an nature inspired adventure playground for children (including a water pump, creek and sandpit) and amenities for public use. The park is popular for weddings, family get-togethers, walks, picnics or just bringing the kids to kick a ball.

Highfields Falls is a great place to visit for bird watching. There are two one-way walks (Bowerbird and Cuckoo-Dove walks) and five circuits in this park, all named after birds that live in the area (Yellow Robin, Lorikeet Walking, Rosella, Kingfisher and Golden Whistler walking circuits). The walks are relatively short but very pleasant with many photo opportunities. Please leave your pets at home. Full details of walks at the website listed.

Toowoomba Regional Council has 13 library branches across our region including a mobile library service. These offer free access to books, magazines, movies, music, internet, eResources, online learning and more. Also on offer are a wide variety of free programs ranging across early childhood, community interest, education and much more. Library memberships are free to all Queensland residents.

The Highfields Fitness and Recreation Centre has a range of activities and classes available in the pool and at the gym. Facilities include: 25 metre, eight-lane heated outdoor lap pool Heated children's wading pool BBQ's, picnic tables and natural grass to relax on Toddler's water slide Lifeguards patrolling Available for group hire Learn to swim classes Onsite parking Highfields swimming club Large sports stadium Playground Basketball court Kiosk