With beautiful parks, a thriving arts scene and plenty of chic cafes, Toowoomba is the perfect place for a 48-hour getaway.
Toowoomba has been referred to in conversation as a “quaint country town”.
In my opinion those three words are a little trite. Toowoomba is so much more than quaint.
Their arts scene packs a punch, their restaurants and cafes offer food and wine to rival our capital cities and there’s a coolness in the air providing a pleasant respite from the humidity in other parts of South East Queensland.
But contemporary culturalisation doesn’t mean Toowoomba has lost its country charm. Rest assured, the friendliness of locals remains.
Like the many historical character houses that have undergone a facelift, Toowoomba has marched into the 21st century – and is now an urban city that oozes charm, character and contemporary style.
So, with all these reasons drawing me, I packed my pooch and his belongings into the car for a two-night stay at pet-friendly Cosy Cat Cottage in the heart of Toowoomba.
From my home on Brisbane’s southside it takes just under two hours before I’m pulling up at the Cosy Cat Cottage on Boulton Terrace.
Owners Janice and Michael are animal lovers and they have created a peaceful haven inside their restored heritage-listed character cottage.
The cottage sleeps up to six (adult) guests, has generous-sized living areas, an outdoor deck and small fully fenced yard.
The cottage has two queen-sized bedrooms but the loft with two single beds and windows that open for a lovely cross-breeze appeals to my inner child.
Cosy Cat Cottage owners Janice and Michael with Ash.
Laurel Bank Park during Carnival of Flowers.
My visit was planned to coincide with the iconic Carnival of Flowers spring event – a month-long celebration held during September (spilling into the first week of October).
There are a few locations to view the flowers, but Queens Park and Laurel Bank Park would be my picks.
Queens Park is a manicured 26ha heritage-listed green oasis in the centre of town.
I remember as a child going on family road trips and Queen’s Park was the first stop to stretch our legs.
It felt quite nostalgic to be back in Queen’s Park, this time with my dog, Ash, ready to burn off some energy.
We then head to the Botanic Gardens where garden bed after garden bed was awash with colour.
We visit Laurel Bank Park the next day. A platform above the main section gives an elevated view.
With an array of food trucks in the park during the carnival, if you feel like a snack or a meal, pack a picnic blanket to savour the stunning location.
There are a few locations to view the flowers, but Queens Park and Laurel Bank Park would be my picks.
Queens Park is a manicured 26ha heritage-listed green oasis in the centre of town.
I remember as a child going on family road trips and Queen’s Park was the first stop to stretch our legs.
It felt quite nostalgic to be back in Queen’s Park, this time with my dog, Ash, ready to burn off some energy.
We then head to the Botanic Gardens where garden bed after garden bed was awash with colour.
We visit Laurel Bank Park the next day. A platform above the main section gives an elevated view.
With an array of food trucks in the park during the carnival, if you feel like a snack or a meal, pack a picnic blanket to savour the stunning location.
I choose a different route home via Crow’s Nest (43km from Toowoomba) and Esk.
I stop at Highfields and head into McCartney & Creed for some retail therapy and the Chocolate Cottage Cafe for sweet treats to bring home.
At Crow’s Nest I drop into Nolan’s Block and discover beautiful homewares stores inside the restored 1916 building. (Note that it is only open Thursdays to Sundays).
At the back of Nolan’s Block, is a courtyard with tables and benches. Ash is happy lying on the grass while I tuck into a lemon meringue tart from My Little Blue Berry – as delicious as it is pretty.
After my relaxing stay in Toowoomba this is a perfect trip home.
McCartney & Creed retail store in Highfields.