The Toowoomba Region is full of artistic experiences to inspire and excite. We asked members of the region’s art community what their recommendations are for travellers to the region.
First Coat outdoor gallery
Some of the most loved (and most photographed!) features of Toowoomba’s streetscape 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.
Check out our interactive map of the works, or just park anywhere in the inner CBD and start exploring!
View our interactive First Coat street art map.
Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery
Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery was established in 1937, making it the oldest public art gallery in regional Queensland. Located in the heart of the city, use it as your starting point to explore the CBD’s attractive inner-city parks, quirky cafés and famous street art murals.
The gallery houses three permanent collections that include some of Australia’s most loved painters, including Frederick McCubbin, Arthur Streeton, Tom Roberts and Rupert Bunny.
Call ahead to view the gallery’s exceptional library which includes rare books, maps and travel journals, including letters written by early European explorers to Australia such as Ludwig Leichhardt.
Guided tours of the gallery are available. Both individuals and groups are welcome and are encouraged to book at least two weeks ahead if a guide is required.
Location: 531 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba CBD, beside City Hall.
Visit Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery’s website for current opening hours and exhibition information.
Rosalie Gallery, Goombungee
Rosalie Gallery is a hidden gem in the quaint village of Goombungee, 40 mins drive north west of Toowoomba. Owned and operated by Toowoomba Regional Council, it is a small but modern gallery with impressive light and space. Its monthly rotating exhibitions showcase a diverse array of artists, from the traditional to the avant-garde.
Call ahead to ask about upcoming exhibition opening events. We recommend heading there on the first Saturday of November to take part in Goombungee’s Jacaranda Day community festival.
Location: 89 Mocatta Street, Goombungee, 40km from Toowoomba via Warrego Highway then turn right onto Kingsthorpe Haden Rd.
Visit Rosalie Gallery’s website.
First Coat Studios gallery and artist studios
Run by local artists, First Coat Studios includes a gallery, artist studios, a dedicated workshop space and more. Featuring mostly local and regional artists, the gallery space focuses on generating interest in, and discussion about, contemporary art. The team at First Coat is also responsible for facilitating amazing public art projects, including the diverse array of street art scattered throughout the city.
Location: 6 Laurel St, Toowoomba City
Toowoomba Art Society
Located just a few steps away from the stunning Queen’s Park Botanic Gardens, this purpose-built gallery space is a hub for the local art community.
It hosts regular exhibitions as well as talks, gallery tours, art classes for all ages and more.
Founded in 1925, the Toowoomba Art Society now embraces all forms of art including painting, drawing, printmaking and art in bark.
They have a busy calendar of events that allows artists and community members to meet and share knowledge in a friendly environment.
Visit Toowoomba Art Society’s website.
Millmerran murals
The history of the Millmerran district is on display in a series of six larger than life murals located around the township.
Their impressive water tank mural is part of the famous Australian silo art trail.
A map with information about each of the artworks is available at the Tourist Information Centre and online.
Find your way around all five works with a map from Millmerran Commerce and Progress Inc.
