Grand parks & gardens trail

For a grand welcome to Toowoomba, follow an avenue of stately hoop pine to the heritage-listed Picnic Point Parklands. This 38-acre reserve can be traced back to 1885 and is one of Toowoomba’s oldest public recreation areas. Perched high on the crest of the Great Dividing Range, prepare to be awestruck by the breathtaking panoramic views to Table Top Mountain and the Lockyer Valley from Picnic Point Lookout. As the name suggests, it’s the perfect place for a picnic. There are BBQ facilities, walking trails, a waterfall lagoon, children’s playground and onsite café/restaurant.

Next stop is the beautiful heritage-listed Queens Park and Botanic Gardens. Boasting more than 25 hectares, this impressive parkland has been welcoming generations of visitors since the late 1800s. Stroll through this exceptional greenspace to discover a wonderous collection of seasonal plants, extensive lawns, shrubs and lofty aged trees. This is the place to be at the annual Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers when rows of garden beds beckon with riotous colour and intricate designs.

Take a short drive to heritage-listed Boyce Gardens and Rainforest, entry opposite 26 Jellicoe Street, Mount Lofty. This magnificent park, covering six hectares, was established as a private garden by leading Toowoomba citizens Leslie and Margaret Boyce in 1930. It was gifted to the University of Queensland in 1969. Explore this beautiful garden of contrasts with its cool rainforest, sunken garden (now the white garden), a terraced flower garden, western walk and shrubbery, walled garden, and beautiful lawn terraces.

Nearby is the Queensland State Rose Garden boasting a collection of some 2000 roses. A highlight is the Heritage Rose Garden featuring 180 roses that were introduced before the year 1900. The peak months to see these blooms are October and November, however, the roses can be viewed from October through to April.

Close to the city centre, Laurel Bank Park is a 4.5-hectare hidden floral gem that smells as good as it looks. The park incorporates a garden of richly scented flowers and herbs, designed and established back in the 1980s in consultation with the Downs Association for the Blind. Topiaries, rolling lawns and recreational facilities make the space popular with families. It’s definitely worth seeking out and perfect for a twilight stroll too!

Before you leave Toowoomba, be sure to visit the Ju Raku En, a traditional Japanese strolling garden at the University of Southern Queensland. This truly beautiful creation features hundreds of Japanese and native plants. Wander over three kilometres of paths passing a mountain stream, waterfall, central lake and beautifully manicured green spaces. Seek out one of the gorgeous gazebos for a morning picnic cuppa.

The Gumbi Gumbi Gardens are also located on the University of Southern Queensland grounds. Covering approximately 2.2 hectares, these gardens celebrate ancient traditions and cherished stories of the local indigenous community. Expect to see an extensive array of indigenous plants used by the local Aboriginal communities.

Today’s garden visits emphasise the wonderful blending of cultures that has and continues to shape the Toowoomba region.

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.

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