What to do and see in Toowoomba, Queensland: The Best Free Things to do

Some of the most loved (and most photographed!) features of Toowoomba’s street scape are the more than 80 large scale street art murals dotted throughout the city. The amazing works are thanks to the First Coat International Art Festival that has brought nationally and internationally recognised outdoor artists to Toowoomba over many years. Grab your camera and wander through our streets and lanes to see how these once blank spaces have been brought to life by dozens of talented artists. Be sure to also check out the First Coat Artist Studio Space and Indoor Gallery run by the team behind organising this festival - based at 6 Laurel Street Toowoomba.

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.

Jim's Jerky was created by Jim & Cathie Tanner at Charlton QLD in 2004, Jim & the team strive to create the best tasting Jerky, Biltong & Smallgoods in the world, While all Jim's fantastic products are available at the Charlton retail store, a brand new store including other great Aussie products is now open at 4/182 Hume st Toowoomba. Come say Hi & become our next Jerkaholic!