Learn the story of our beautiful heritage city by taking a leisurely stroll around its historic precincts.
We have put together a summary of Toowoomba Regional Council’s eight self-guided historic walks of Toowoomba, developed by local historians.
These are available in full online and include detailed maps, informative summaries of each site, historical photos and sketches of architectural details. If you would prefer a hard copy, brochures are available at the region’s Visitor Information Centres.
Cultural and Legal Precinct historic walk – Toowoomba CBD
This walk includes impressive buildings on Margaret, Neil, Herries and Ruthven streets and explores the history of institutions that helped develop the cultural, spiritual, legal and social life of the city. Highlights include the former Court House built in 1878, the art deco era Empire Theatre (now the largest regional performing arts precinct in Australia), City Hall and The Strand Theatre (the longest continually operating purpose-built cinema in Queensland).
You can complete this walk in approximately 45 minutes but give yourself more time if you prefer a leisurely pace.
Toowoomba Region historic walks webpage.
Queens Park and surrounds
State heritage-listed Queens Park is the jewel in the crown of the Garden City. This walk focuses on areas of historical interest in the gardens and its surrounding streets. You will discover some fascinating pieces of Toowoomba’s past, including a café that used to be a hospital for female prisoners, the 1864 courthouse building and information about the many memorials throughout the park.
You can complete this walk in approximately one hour but give yourself more time if you prefer a leisurely pace.
Toowoomba Region historic walks webpage.
Caledonian Estate historic walk
Just south of Queens Park, the Caledonian Estate is full of quaint workers cottages dating from the early 1900s, impressive historic trees and even the massive basalt rock foundations of the original Toowoomba gaol at 1A Stirling Street. Caledonian is a geographical term used to refer to places, species, or items in or from Scotland, and the street names reflect the city’s Scottish connections.
You can complete this walk in approximately 30 minutes but give yourself about an hour if you prefer a more leisurely pace.
Toowoomba Region historic walks webpage.
Mort Estate historic walk
Established in 1862, the Mort Estate is Toowoomba’s oldest subdivision. Starting at the Toowoomba Railway Station, wander through the area to learn about the families who lived here and Toowoomba life in the late 1800s. It includes many houses with original features, including 9 Boulton Terrace, which was built in the mid-1850s and is believed to be one of the oldest surviving residences in Toowoomba.
You can complete this walk in approximately 1 hour but give yourself more time if you prefer a leisurely pace.
Toowoomba Region historic walks webpage.
Russell Street historic walk
Also starting at Toowoomba Railway Station, this walk along Russell Street will take you through the history of the street’s transformation from a dirt track used by squatters to transport livestock to the bustling retail centre of today. It includes heritage listed church buildings, historic retail spaces and quirky sites like the relatively stately (but open roofed) men’s public toilet that was built in 1919.
You can complete this walk in approximately one hour but give yourself more time if you prefer a leisurely pace.
Toowoomba Region historic walks webpage.
Newtown historic walk
Starting at Newtown Park, famous for its stunning Queensland State Rose Garden, this walk explores an amazing array of homes from 1900 to post World War II in the neighbouring streets. The park itself has a history of cultural, sporting and military use. Rose Cottage is a reminder of occupation by the United States Navy for rest and recreation during World War II.
You can complete this walk in approximately 45 minutes but give yourself over an hour if you prefer a more leisurely pace.
Toowoomba Region historic walks webpage.
East Creek and Paddington Estate historic walk
This walk starts at the Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre on the corner of James and Kitchener Street, and takes you past Toowoomba Grammar School and through an area that was first developed in 1866. Discover houses and trees that are over 100 years old while learning about the families who lived here.
You can complete this walk in approximately 45 minutes but give yourself more time if you prefer a leisurely pace.
Toowoomba Region historic walks webpage.
Drayton historic walk
Now a suburb of Toowoomba, Drayton began life as a town to service weary travellers when Thomas Alford, the earliest settler in the area, built a house and general store in 1842. Begin your journey at The Royal Bull’s Head Inn, 59 Brisbane St, which was built in 1859 and now stands as a museum. Your walk will take you past historical sites at schools, churches, police stations and finishes at the DownsSteam Rail Museum where you can view their impressive display of rolling stock.
You can complete this walk in approximately 1 hour but give yourself more time if you prefer a leisurely pace.
Toowoomba Region historic walks webpage.
For personalised service and tips by friendly knowledgeable locals, be sure to drop into one of the local Visitor Information Centres or give them a call.
