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Country scenery along self-drive to Toowoomba

Hit the road and explore at your own pace with these suggested itineraries!

Looking over beautiful Queens Park in Toowoomba

Grand parks & gardens trail

Love parks and gardens? Then this is most certainly the drive for you. Australia’s second largest inland city surveys the surrounding regions from a lofty 700 metres above sea level. So, with the cooler temperatures, you’ll see a much more varied range of plants and trees.

Ravensbourne National Park

High Country hamlets discovery

Uncover the delicious visual and tasty delights of Toowoomba’s high country micro region. Base yourself at one of the gorgeous accommodation properties in the heart of the high country and explore! Discover beautiful national parks, walking trails, local produce, arts & crafts and more.

tourist drive toowoomba

Pioneers & pubs trail

Visit a town featured in a blockbuster Aussie TV miniseries on this classic Pioneers & Pubs trail through the heart of Steele Rudd Country. Discover powerful stories of pioneering heroes and colourful characters as you travel just over 200km of quintessential country roads.

tourist drive toowoomba

Western Downs discovery trail

Follow the Warrego Highway way out west to have a true country Queensland experience. Discover genuine rural hospitality and the area’s rich farming and military history.

Things To Do In Toowoomba

Tourist Drives

Looking for more? Here are some additional tourist drives and spots that you can add on your list of Things-to-do-in-Toowoomba that will make your experience of this place a memorable one. Tourist Drives Read More »

Great Bunya Drive

The Great Bunya Drive is a lovely drive which turns into beautiful landscapes between Toowoomba and Gympie. The drive which is in the West of Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast houses a magnificent park, dams, homesteads and rural towns where sumptuous wines and gourmet cafes are found. If you are up for exploring more, you… Read More »

Cobb & Co Tourist Drive

No matter the direction you come to Toowoomba from, the Cobb & Co Tourist Drive is the best place to start your tour of the Garden City and we recommend it is the first on your to-do list. To learn more about Cobb & Co Tourist Drive, check out this website Cobb & Co Tourist… Read More »

Picnic Point

Picnic Point

Picnic Point Toowoomba is situated approx. 700 metres above sea level, has a proud history of offering hospitality to the people of Toowoomba & tourists. In the past, Picnic Point was popular for it’s cans of fresh mountain air, the camera obscura & Peters ice creams at Picnic Point kiosk. These days, Picnic Point has… Read More »

Carnival Of Flowers

Carnival Of Flowers

Every September, Toowoomba comes alive with the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. Not only is there a spectacular display of flowers around the city, but a whole host of activities, exhibitions, food & wine, music, dance and family entertainment. This is an event not to be missed. The dates for The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers 2015… Read More »

Japanese Gardens

Japanese Gardens

Toowoomba is known for its parks, and one of the best is the University’s Japanese Gardens. On over 4.5 hectares with over 230 species of trees & plants, lush lawns, stream and a waterfall, this is Australia’s largest and most traditionally designed Japanese garden. A popular location for weddings and photographers, you can relax in… Read More »

Rudd’s Pub

No visit to the Darling Downs is complete without a visit to Rudd’s Pub in Nobby. Originally built in 1893 and known as the Davenporter Hotel. Legend has it that Steele Rudd, author of the famous Dad & Dave stories, sat by the fireplace at the Davenporter to write. In honour of this, the pub’s… Read More »

Cobb and Co Museum

Cobb and Co Museum

Part of the Queensland Museum, and home to the National Carriage Collection, the Cobb and Co Museum has on display original Cobb and Co Coaches, including vehicles from the horse-drawn era. Not only that, there are a range of hands on workshops on offer including blacksmithing, silversmithing, leadlighting and leather work. The museum houses an… Read More »

Empire Theatre

Empire Theatre

The theatre is often considered the heart of a city, and the Empire Theatre has been entertaining Toowoomba since 1911. Why not enjoy a show, or take a tour of this landmark building, learn about its history and stunning architectural features. The Empire Theatre is at 54-56 Neil Street, Toowoomba. Visit Website Read More »

Art in Toowoomba

Art in Toowoomba

First Coat Take a walk around Toowoomba to see the amazing street art. The streets of Toowoomba are being transformed by award winning local, national and international artists. Visit Website   Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery Established in 1937, the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery is the oldest public art gallery in regional Queensland, and home to… Read More »

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  • 1 Understand
  • 2.1.1 Airport transportation
  • 2.2 By train
  • 4.1 Museums
  • 4.2 National parks
  • 4.3 Parks and gardens
  • 4.4 Historic sites
  • 5.1 Festivals
  • 7.2 Mid-range

Toowoomba (also referred to by locals as "Woombie" or "T-ba") is a regional centre in Queensland , 127 kilometres WSW from the City of Brisbane and 90 kilometres west of Ipswich. With a population of 142,163 (2021), Toowoomba is Australia's largest inland city that is not a planned city (i.e. not Canberra ).

Understand [ edit ]

It's 130 km west of Brisbane on the escarpment of the Great Dividing Range; travel time is approximately 90 minutes by road. After Canberra , Toowoomba is the second largest inland city in Australia .

Get in [ edit ]

Map

By plane [ edit ]

There are few passenger flights operating from the airport. Services include:

  • QantasLink operates direct services to Sydney . There are 2 flights on weekdays and 1 flight a day on weekends.
  • Regional Express (REX) operate services from Brisbane to Toowoomba and onwards to the rural towns of St George , Cunnamulla , Thargomindah , Charleville , Quilpie , Windorah , Birdsville , Bedourie , Boulia and Mount Isa .
  • Bonza operates direct services to Townsville and Melbourne . Flights to Townsville operate on Sundays & Wednesdays, while flights to Melbourne operate on Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays.

Airport transportation [ edit ]

  • Rental car companies are represented at the airport. Given this is not a major airport it may be advisable to reserve a vehicle in advance.
  • Taxis are available from the airport into Toowoomba City however considering the considerable distance from the CBD, commuters should expect at least a $50 fare.
  • No public transport services exist for the airport.

By train [ edit ]

Toowoomba does not have frequent rail services – it is not at all a popular means of getting into the city. Queensland Rail's Westlander service passes through the city twice a week on its journey between Brisbane and Charleville. Travel time by train between Brisbane and Toowoomba is approximately 3.5 hours, making the train journey substantially longer than the 90-minute trip by car or bus.

  • The westbound service departs Brisbane at 7:15PM on Tuesday and Thursdays, travelling through the night to arrive in Toowoomba at 11PM.
  • The eastbound service departs Toowoomba at 7AM on Thursday and Saturday, arriving in Brisbane at 11:30AM.

The east bound service descends down the Toowoomba Range in the early morning, offering excellent views of the rugged landscape.

By car [ edit ]

There are three main ways to get into Toowoomba from the south, though there are some additional highways coming from the north and northwest. They include:

  • From Brisbane , it's about an hour and a halfs drive west via the A2 Warrego Highway and the A21 Toowoomba Connection Road from Brisbane.
  • From Stanthorpe , it's about 1 hour 45 minutes drive north for 144 km (89 mi) via the A3 and A15 New England Highway, and is also the route that you'll need to take if you're coming from Armidale or Tamworth .
  • From Goondiwindi , it's about a 2.5-hour drive northeast via the A39 Gore Highway and the A139 Toowoomba Athol Road, and the route you'll need to take if you're coming from Victoria or Central NSW.

By bus [ edit ]

Regular bus services are available between Toowoomba and Brisbane and Toowoomba and towns to the west.

  • Greyhound Australia operate frequent services between Toowoomba and Brisbane with some services connecting to Brisbane Airport . Greyhound also operate less frequent services between Brisbane and Charleville via Toowoomba.
  • Murrays Coaches operate services between Toowoomba and Brisbane and onwards to the towns of St George and Chinchilla . Some services connect through to Brisbane Airport .
  • Crisps Coaches operate services between Toowoomba and Warwick , and onwards to Stanthorpe and Moree .

Get around [ edit ]

  • There are two taxi companies operating in Greater Toowoomba: Garden City Cabs and Yellow Cabs. Both companies have very reasonable metered fares compared to capital cities.
  • Silver Service is a lesser-used taxi service that offers fully qualified drivers and is often regarded as a pricier but better service.
  • A limited bus service operates in Toowoomba, with 6 bus routes covering the city. For the most part frequencies are hourly, increasing slightly for the AM and PM peak period. On Saturdays some routes are less frequent and others do not operate. No routes operate on Sundays. Information on timetabling and fares is available from the Queensland Government website .

tourist drive toowoomba

Getting around Toowoomba by car is the most convenient option, as with almost every regional city with a population fewer than 200,000, public transport options are severely limited.

There are three major roads that traverse and connect Toowoomba.

  • The A21 is no longer one single road, but a series of roads that make up the old A2 Warrego Highway. A21 starts at Helidon Spa just before when the A2 Warrego Highway becomes a motorway, heads up towards East Toowoomba, winds its way through the CBD, and then heads west back toward the A2 Warrego Highway where it continues west.
  • The A3 New England Highway traverses Toowoomba in a north-south direction, also passing through the CBD.
  • The A139 Toowoomba-Athol Road connects Toowoomba to the locality of Athol about 10 kilometres southwest. It makes up the road of what used to be the A39, before it got rerouted towards the Warrego Highway on the new bypass.

The last one doesn't traverse Toowoomba, but connects the outer suburbs, the A2 Warrego Highway is Toowoomba's only motorway, mostly two lanes in each direction, but not a very convenient route in getting around Toowoomba. The motorway is perhaps one of the most scenic as it passes through mountainous terrain (and no other motorway in Australia outside the ACT goes through this kind of terrain), but it is tolled – as of early 2024, the tolled motorway costs $2.71 for cars and $1.36 for motorcycles, but only if you pass under the New England Highway. Otherwise, it's free to use.

See [ edit ]

  • Picnic Point, a beautiful outlook on the edge of 'The Range'.

Museums [ edit ]

National parks [ edit ].

There are no national parks "in" Toowoomba, but there are plenty of national parks in the LGA. Surprisingly, unlike most other parks in the state, the state government has invested in a lot of money in bushwalking trails, facilities, barbecue areas, picnic areas etc.

Parks and gardens [ edit ]

tourist drive toowoomba

  • -27.599829 151.931231 6 Ja Raku En ( Japanese Gardens USQ QLD ), Regent St., Darling Heights . Daily 7AM–6PM . The University of Southern Queensland's Japanese Garden featuring a Japanese lake, a waterfall and several style Japanese bridges, with a strong emphasis on the water elements of the garden. ( updated May 2022 )

Historic sites [ edit ]

  • Spring Bluff Railway Station, a former railway station with excellent gardens and picnic areas.
  • Toowoomba Railway Station Building

Do [ edit ]

  • There is a tourist drive around the City, there are distinctive signs that mark this route.
  • Empire Theatre , 54-56 Neil St , toll-free: 1300 655 299 . Established in 1911, watch a show at the heritage-listed threatre. The seating capacity is 1,565. ( updated Nov 2020 )
  • Visit the Sunday Markets at the Toowoomba PCYC

Festivals [ edit ]

The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is hosted by the city in late September each year. Commencing in 1949 the Carnival capitalises on the city's reputation of being the 'Garden City'. While there are many events that make up the carnival period, Toowoomba is known for its annual garden competition and the carnivals street parade.

Buy [ edit ]

  • Toowoomba has a very spread out and lively city centre, brimming with small shops and cafes. There are also many shopping centres littered through the suburbs, two notable ones being Grand Central in the City and Clifford Gardens in Newtown.
  • The Linen Chest , 211 Margaret St , ☏ +61 7 4638 4931 . 9AM - 5PM . A large range of stunning women's wear and accessories by Australian and International designers. Includes Mother of the Bride, Racewear, Party wear and a great selection of formal and informal designer wear.  
  • -27.5646 151.9322 1 Clifford Gardens , Corner James Street and Anzac Avenue , ☏ +61 7 4634 1371 . Clifford Gardens is one of two major shopping centres in Toowoomba ( updated Jan 2016 )

Eat [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ].

Toowoomba doesn't have many budget restaurants, but there are plenty of fast food chains that are there if you're on a budget.

  • -27.56321 151.9527 1 Dee's Vintage Thai , 515 Ruthven St , ☏ +61 7 4632 5125 , [email protected] . Daily 11:30AM–2PM, M 5:30–9PM . Another typical Australian Thai restaurant with all the regulars. Nothing too special about this specific restaurant, except the food you get is exceptionally good for the low price. ( updated May 2022 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

  • -27.5612 151.9537 2 kocu , 198 Margaret St , ☏ +61 493 412 202 . Daily 11AM–2PM, 5–8:30PM . A Korean barbecue restaurant with some great wings and dumplings, modernised to a rural-Australian plate. It's one of the cheaper mid-range restaurants in Toowoomba, and both dine-in and takeaway options available. ( updated May 2022 )
  • -27.5611 151.9552 3 La Pizzaiola , 173 Margaret St , ☏ +61 7 4632 2997 . Tu–Sa 5:30–9PM (closed Su M) . A southern Italian restaurant, well, known for its pizza as the name of the restaurant says. Apart from pizza, there's some great pasta and spaghetti available too, with both dine-in and takeaway options. Around $20-35 . ( updated May 2022 )
  • -27.5614 151.9548 4 Sofra Turkish Cuisine , 164 Margaret St , ☏ +61 7 4638 0044 . Daily 11:30AM–9PM . A very vivid and vibrant Turkish restaurant, claiming to be authentic – as for that, the interior gives a Turkish vibe, and many of the dishes are homemade Turkish dishes. Prices range around $30-50 . ( updated May 2022 )

Drink [ edit ]

  • Due to Toowoomba's large student population, there are a number of clubs and nightclubs in the city centre itself, they are mostly in the eastern half of the CBD area.
  • Preston Peak Wines , 31 Preston Peak Lane ( ten minutes south of Toowoomba on the New England Highway ), ☏ +61 7 46309499 . W-Su 10AM-5PM . Great views, with a simple menu designed to complement their wines.  
  • Spotted Cow , North end of Ruthven St . A pub with a huge selection of local and imported beers and wines. Staff knowledgeable to assist even the most amateur drinker  

Sleep [ edit ]

Toowoomba has a large number of hotels and motels due to its strategic location on the crossroads of 3 major highways. You will see these as you drive through the city.

  • Burke & Wills Hotel , 554 Ruthven St , ☏ +61 7 4632 2433 . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 10AM . ( updated Jun 2021 )
  • -27.5708 151.9629 1 Country Gardens Motor Inn , 94 James St , ☏ +61 7 4632 3099 . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 10AM . ( updated May 2022 )
  • -27.5662 151.978794 2 Econo Lodge Toowoomba Motel , 2 Burnage St, East Toowoomba , ☏ +61 7 4641 7999 . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 10AM . ( updated May 2022 )
  • -27.571067 151.964072 3 James Street Motor Inn , 88 James St , ☏ +61 7 4639 0200 . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 10AM . ( updated May 2022 )
  • -27.573365 151.951772 4 Leichhardt Motor Inn , 682 Ruthven St , ☏ +61 7 4638 4644 . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 10AM . ( updated May 2022 )
  • -27.578183 151.950594 5 Villa Nova Motel , 736 Ruthven St, South Toowoomba , ☏ +61 7 4636 9200 , [email protected] . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 10AM . ( updated May 2022 )

Go next [ edit ]

tourist drive toowoomba

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Frugal Travel

Looking for the perfect weekend getaway to the Queensland countryside? Toowoomba is the perfect place for you. Check out my guide to spending a weekend here and some of the top things to do in Toowoomba.

Exploring Queensland’s Darling Downs: 17 of the best things to do in Toowoomba

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If you’ve been following my time in Australia, you’ll know I’m a bit of a Brisbane fangirl and one of the reasons I love it so much is it’s proximity to some amazing places. I recently spent the weekend just a couple of hours away in the city of Toowoomba thanks to Visit Darling Downs and to be honest, I absolutely loved it. In fact, I think I’m now a Toowoomba fangirl as well. There are so many things to do in Toowoomba and it’s a city with a complete amalgamation of old meeting new.

If you love street art, historic architecture and the great outdoors, a weekend in here is perfect for you. Really, there’s far more than you can fit into a couple of days but here’s a guide to visiting this city and some of the best things to do in Toowoomba.

Watch my video from my weekend in Toowoomba here!

Don’t forget to head over to the Escapes Etc YouTube channel and subscribe!

Where is Toowoomba?

Located just 2 hours west of Brisbane, Toowoomba sits in the beautiful Darling Downs. As you drive in from Brisbane you will see signs for the Cobb & Co tourist drive if you have time but if not you will find yourself driving through the Lockyer Valley and climbing higher up the mountains before reaching Toowoomba.

Where to stay

A weekend away in Toowoomba is all about escaping busy city life and replacing it with a bit of calm and tranquillity. Vacy Hall is an AMAZING guesthouse in a perfect spot close to the city centre but it’s so quiet here you will feel a million miles away. It’s a beautiful traditional building for Toowoomba and you will feel like you’re stepping back in time. Check out my review of this dreamy place here .

Cobb + Co Museum This museum is part of the Queensland Museum and houses the Cobb & Co horse-drawn Coaches. Many of these coaches were almost destroyed in a fire in 1981 but locals bravely went into the museum at the time to rescue them. As Cobb & Co were a local business to Toowoomba, it's an interesting museum to check out.

What to pack

If you’re heading here in summer then light summer clothes are perfect, but in autumn and winter, things get a bit cooler up here. Be sure to pack a jumper or two, boots and a coat to keep nice and warm. When I visited in Autumn, it was about 5 degrees cooler here than in Brisbane!

Things to do in Toowoomba

Picnic point.

This is the perfect spot to head to for amazing views of the nature surrounding Toowoomba. Take a leisurely walk here and enjoy the sweeping views over Main Range and Lockyer Valley. If you don’t mind early mornings, I would recommend going here for sunrise. It’s pretty special seeing the sun come up over Table Top mountain and Picnic Point also has its own gorgeous gardens, a waterfall and a restaurant looking out over the views. It’s the perfect say to start a day.

Looking for the perfect weekend getaway to the Queensland countryside? Toowoomba is the perfect place for you. Check out my guide to spending a weekend here and some of the top things to do in Toowoomba.

Toowoomba Carnival of flowers

Each year Toowoomba holds the 10 day Carnival of Flowers that celebrates everything that the city has to offer. Toowoomba has over 150 parks and gardens giving it the apt nickname of the ‘Garden City’. This 10 day cultural festival allows you to experience not only some amazing floral displays in the many gardens and in their parade but also some of the delicious local produce, wine and entertainment too. To find out more and get tickets, check out the website here .

If like me, you’re a big fan of street art then you’re really going to love Toowoomba. Over the last few years, they have held the First Coat Art Festival which has allowed street art and huge murals to be created all over the city by artists from all over the world. Whilst some pieces are easy to find just as you stroll along the main streets, some are a little more hidden down the laneways so it’s a great way to explore this dimension of Toowoomba as well. Be sure to download the First Coat app on your phone to see where all the pieces are located and to learn about the artists. Exploring the street art is one the top things to do in Toowoomba so be sure to set aside a good few hours during your trip for this.

Looking for the perfect weekend getaway to the Queensland countryside? Toowoomba is the perfect place for you. Check out my guide to spending a weekend here and some of the top things to do in Toowoomba.

The Food Scene

There is no end of cute, quirky, delicious cafes and restaurants to try in Toowoomba. No matter what you fancy for breakfast, lunch, dinner or anything in between, there is something for you. There’s a real emphasis on using local produce and creating dishes from fresh ingredients. From vegan-friendly to Brazilian BBQ, you will find it here and you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Cobb + Co Museum

This museum is part of the Queensland Museum and houses the Cobb & Co horse-drawn Coaches. Many of these coaches were almost destroyed in a fire in 1981 but locals bravely went into the museum at the time to rescue them. As Cobb & Co were a local business to Toowoomba, it’s an interesting museum to check out.

Cobb + Co Museum This museum is part of the Queensland Museum and houses the Cobb & Co horse-drawn Coaches. Many of these coaches were almost destroyed in a fire in 1981 but locals bravely went into the museum at the time to rescue them. As Cobb & Co were a local business to Toowoomba, it's an interesting museum to check out.

DownsSteam Railway Museum

Historically, the railway has played a huge part in life within the whole of the Darling Downs region so a visit to DownsSteam is a must. This museum is run entirely by volunteers who have lovingly restored the carriages and steam engines there with the aim of running them as a regular tourist excursion. These volunteers are passionate about these engines so be sure to take a tour with one of them.

DownsSteam also houses a unique and incredibly striking carriage that is decorated ceiling to floor in aboriginal artwork. This carriage is named the Dreamtime Journey Coach and was hand painted by an aboriginal inmate at the nearby correctional facility, taking 19 weeks to complete. DownsSteam commissioned this project to recognise the aboriginal people’s contribution to the building of the railways. You can’t take photos in here but it’s absolutely mesmerising to walk through it.

The parks and gardens

As Toowoomba has over 150  parks and gardens dotted throughout, it’s easy to see where it gets its nickname of the ‘Garden City’ from. After taking a morning walk to Picnic Point, taking a sunset walk through one of the many parks is a great way to end a day. Head to Queens Park or Laurel Bank Park for some stunning floral displays in the summer and evergreen trees in winter or take a walk over the bright red bridges in the Japanese Gardens. Each is unique, beautifully crafted and an oasis in this vibrant city.

Cobb + Co Museum This museum is part of the Queensland Museum and houses the Cobb & Co horse-drawn Coaches. Many of these coaches were almost destroyed in a fire in 1981 but locals bravely went into the museum at the time to rescue them. As Cobb & Co were a local business to Toowoomba, it's an interesting museum to check out.

Sunflower fields

Along with the nickname of the Garden City and the carnival of flowers held annually, each summer you can see beautiful fields of sunflowers bursting with colour in nearby Nobby and Allora. I was gutted to have missed this by a couple of weeks but it looks so beautiful and well worth the trip if you can.

The laneways

What’s not to love about exploring laneways and finding something you weren’t expecting? Toowoomba has certainly taken a leaf out of Melbourne’s book and has started to use these spaces to create some great areas. Much of Toowoomba’s street art is found down these laneways but also cosy cafes, restaurants and quirky bars.

Sunflower fields Along with the nickname of the Garden City and the carnival of flowers held annually, each summer you can see beautiful fields of sunflowers bursting with colour in nearby Nobby and Allora. I was gutted to have missed this by a couple of weeks but it looks so beautiful and well worth the trip if you can.

The vibrancy of Toowoomba definitely carries on well into the night with so many places to hit up for a great night out. Muller Bros takes claim to the city’s very first rooftop bar with a big selection of beers, wine and cocktails, The Office is great if you love to have live music as a background to your night and the Chelsea Bar is a super cosy speak-easy style bar hidden behind an unmarked door.

Historic architecture

Walking around the city you will see some beautiful old architecture offering you a glimpse into the history of the area. Take a look at the beautiful railway station, the Empire Theatre, and just generally look up and around you as you meander along. The city is full of the old right next to the new but it really works here and I love seeing the contrast everywhere.

Markets For me, nothing beats strolling through a market in the mornings, and fortunately, Toowoomba has some great ones going on. The Margaret Street Markets are held on the 1st Sunday of the month and showcase some local and overseas handicrafts, plants, art and food right in the centre of the CBD. As well as this, the Farmers' Market is held every Saturday at Walton Stores and is a real celebration of the local farmers, growers and artisans and a chance to know exactly where your food has come from. Sounds delicious, right?

Walton Stores

This brand new area is a great example of old meeting new. Around the back of historic Ruthven Street, an urban outdoor area has sprung up and it’s great! You’ll walk down a laneway lit by hanging fairy lights and enter buzzy area with loads of options for a great eat and drink before a night out. I would highly recommend Junk for a delicious Asian dish and the Bavarian Beirhaus for a huge stein of German beer.

See a show at Empire theatre

The Empire Theatre is possibly the most iconic building in Toowoomba and has been there since 1911. Its beautiful art deco facade makes it unique and it’s certainly stood the test of time. All throughout the year shows and events are run here so if you love the theatre, why not book yourself some tickets and enjoy the evening here.

Markets For me, nothing beats strolling through a market in the mornings, and fortunately, Toowoomba has some great ones going on. The Margaret Street Markets are held on the 1st Sunday of the month and showcase some local and overseas handicrafts, plants, art and food right in the centre of the CBD. As well as this, the Farmers' Market is held every Saturday at Walton Stores and is a real celebration of the local farmers, growers and artisans and a chance to know exactly where your food has come from. Sounds delicious, right?

Highfields Pioneer Village

Just a short drive from the CBD you enter into the leafy green road that leads to Highfields. The Pioneer Village over here is a sort of open-air museum whereby you can experience Australian life from the past. From the Heritage Chapel to the old style shops and the fire brigade museum, it’s a fascinating place to explore and great for kids.

Hidden things in Highfields

Whilst you’re in Highfields, stop off into both the Cuckoo Clock shop and Danish Flower Art Complex to transport yourself to the other side of the world. Transport yourself to Germany in the cuckoo shop with walls full of the intricate wooden clocks and trinkets. Every few minutes you will hear a unique chime coming from them and a variety of performances from them. Just along the road from here, you’ll find the Danish Flower Art Complex where you will find painted gourds, crafts, shops and a cafe with a garden.

Markets For me, nothing beats strolling through a market in the mornings, and fortunately, Toowoomba has some great ones going on. The Margaret Street Markets are held on the 1st Sunday of the month and showcase some local and overseas handicrafts, plants, art and food right in the centre of the CBD. As well as this, the Farmers' Market is held every Saturday at Walton Stores and is a real celebration of the local farmers, growers and artisans and a chance to know exactly where your food has come from. Sounds delicious, right?

For me, nothing beats strolling through a market in the mornings, and fortunately, Toowoomba has some great ones going on. The Margaret Street Markets are held on the 1st Sunday of the month and showcase some local and overseas handicrafts, plants, art and food right in the centre of the CBD. As well as this, the Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday at Walton Stores and is a real celebration of the local farmers, growers and artisans and a chance to know exactly where your food has come from. Sounds delicious, right?

Table Top Mountain

You will have been able to see Table Top Mountain from Picnic Point, but nothing beats the views from the top of it. Climbing Table Top Mountain was certainly a challenge for a sloth like me, with much of being steep and rocky, but it was so worth it. Toowoomba is surrounded by nature so spending some time exploring it is a must and the views are breathtaking.

Markets For me, nothing beats strolling through a market in the mornings, and fortunately, Toowoomba has some great ones going on. The Margaret Street Markets are held on the 1st Sunday of the month and showcase some local and overseas handicrafts, plants, art and food right in the centre of the CBD. As well as this, the Farmers' Market is held every Saturday at Walton Stores and is a real celebration of the local farmers, growers and artisans and a chance to know exactly where your food has come from. Sounds delicious, right?

Vacy Hall: This is the luxury hotel in Toowoomba you need to know about

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Things to do, accommodation, food & wine, local guides, what's on, nature & outdoors, eat & drink, adventure & adrenalin, history & heritage, arts & culture, camp & caravan, unique country stays, resorts & retreats, hotels & motels, brews, cider & unique produce, cafes & restaurants, food trails & cooking schools, vineyards & cellar door, festivals and celebrations, food and wine tours, workshops and talks, sunset way tourist drive.

Take the road less travelled, through a string of tiny country towns along Queensland’s Sunset Way Tourist Drive. It’s a place where historic treasures and riverside camping locations are around every corner, on a journey of beautiful sunsets and sweeping plains. It’s guaranteed no traffic lights, or even roundabouts along this relaxed country drive, travelling west from Tara in Southern Queensland Country and following sunsets across big open skies until you reach Surat, three hours west, on the edge of Queensland’s Outback. It’s a drive of nostalgia and Australiana, falling in love with Aussie flora at Myall Park Botanic Garden and then happening upon a roadside vintage garage straight out of the 1940s! You’ll re-visit the class and hardships of coach travel at Surat’s Cobb and Co Changing Station and re-connect with the stories of Aussie diggers at Meandarra’s impressive ANZAC Memorial Museum. Riverside walks and picnic stops, as well as freshwater fishing and camping spots are everywhere, but if you’d prefer to find a bed, you’ll find one in each town. Accessible three and a half hours west of Brisbane, or as a side route if you’re travelling north/south on the Leichhardt Highway or Great Inland Way.

tourist drive toowoomba

Moonie Highway to Tara

The Sunset Way follows Surat Development Road, so travelling east to west you’ll begin your journey turning off the Moonie Highway (between Dalby and Moonie) and heading for the town of Tara. In Tara a walk of the main street is first port of call, where the café offers coffee with a view to a wall of artist Barbara Geisel’s amazing sheep’s wool pictures. Across the road, the town’s market square park is home to ‘Clarence’ the camel, joined by a few artfully sculpted emus. It’s a place to be reminded that this tiny town swells to host the famous Tara Festival of Culture and Camel Races in August! You must check out the bakery – it’s easy to spot, it’s the building with the old wool press on the roof and inside you’ll find more reminders of Tara’s proud fine wool connections in the shearing themed dining area. Now timing is important, because Tara Lagoon is absolutely beautiful at sunset, stroll or cycle it’s riverside walkway, or drop in a line as the sun sets spectacularly across the lagoon. If you’re keen on freshwater fishing, the locals say this is a top spot and there’s budget priced camping too.

tourist drive toowoomba

Tara to Meandarra

Travelling between Tara and Meandarra you’ll travel through the tiny community of The Gums. Passing through you’ll see their quaint historic church and also a small bush school by the roadside. The Gums Store is a petrol and dining stop, sitting right on the crossroads of the Leichhardt Way. Hannaford, another tiny community, sits a few kilometres off the road between The Gums and Meandarra. It’s got the tiniest post office with a history display and it’s another lovely quiet spot to keep in mind for camping at the Hannaford Sports Club. A short drive further and you’ll arrive in Meandarra, where a walk through the main street will have you familiar with the faces of the locals and small town living in no time. You’ll find the most prominent landmark along the main street is the Meandarra ANZAC Memorial Museum. Outside you’ll find the “Me and Darra” statue that tells the story of the town’s name origins. A favourite travellers spot is Brigalow Creek, which runs the length of Meandarra, offering a walking track, picnic/barbecue spots and popular overnight camping with facilities, all just a walk to the pub.

tourist drive toowoomba

Meandarra to Glenmorgan and Myall Park

The road from Meandarra to Glenmorgan follows the railway line, but it’s here in Glenmorgan the line comes to an end. Parliament approved the rail to continue through to Surat back in 1914, but the locals having given up waiting, now maintain the historic ‘End of the Line’ railway siding as a great picnic and overnight rest stop. But the first thing you’ll see as you enter Glenmorgan is likely the most surprising, as Monty’s Vintage Garage greets visitors on entry, in really cool 1940s vintage style! Here John has been sharing his passion for vintage motor vehicle restorations and memorabilia for decades and continues to only ask a donation for your stop at what is definitely a must-experience attraction along the Sunset Way! That’s far from the end of surprises in Glenmorgan – it’s internationally recognised for the collection of semi-arid Australian flora, on living display within the walking tracks of Myall Park Botanic Garden! Myall Park is north of Glenmorgan and welcomes visitors to explore its self-guided walks, floral art gallery and gift shop. You'll see the origins of the now world famous Robyn Gordon Grevillea and fall in love again with the beauty of Aussie flora.

tourist drive toowoomba

Glenmorgan to Surat

With its picturesque wide streets, quaint stores and intriguing history from the times of Cobb & Co, Surat is a small town which with a small town lifestyle to fall in love with. Sitting on the banks of the Balonne river, you can take a riverside walk through the town. There is riverfront accommodation to enjoy, plus fishing and camping at the very popular Fisherman’s Campground. The town’s history of Cobb & Co has left behind an original Changing Station, where the history of coach travel has been preserved in museum displays, including a full size replica coach. You can also find a large freshwater aquarium, where you’ll see the Murray Cod and other species that inhabit and are often caught in the Balonne River. Lions Park is the ideal spot to discover the history of Surat’s development, with story boards placed throughout a really delightful garden walk that connects the main street with the Balonne riverside. Around the corner from the main street, the beautiful Shire Hall building is a top spot to capture a sunset view, behind the building’s timeless 1930s beauty.

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Brisbane to Toowoomba drive: Distance, time & road trip stops

  • David Whitley
  • Attractions

Brisbane to Toowoomba drive: Distance, time & road trip stops

The Brisbane to Toowoomba drive is 127km in distance, with a Brisbane to Toowoomba driving time of just over 90 minutes. Road trip stops on the way include the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Wolston Park Golf Club and Laidley.

Toowoomba is Queensland ’s largest inland city, although it rarely features on tourist itineraries. For the population of Toowoomba , being relatively close to Brisbane is part of the city’s appeal. For visitors, however, taking the drive to Toowoomba is an opportunity to string together several key attractions.

Toowoomba accommodation picks include the roomy apartments of  Oaks Toowoomba , the surprisingly plush Burke and Wills Hotel  and the pool-toting  Athena Motel .

DownsSteam Tourist Railway and Museum in Toowoomba, Queensland

Brisbane to Toowoomba drive: Distance and driving time

The distance of the drive from Brisbane to Toowoomba is 127km . That makes for a Brisbane to Toowoomba driving time of about one hour and 36 minutes.

6 supreme Brisbane day trips that will improve your holiday

tourist drive toowoomba

  • Moreton Island day trip – with kayaking, sandboarding and snorkelling or with dolphin-feeding and desert dunes adventure .
  • Springbrook National Park glowworms and rainforest tour – including Tamborine Skywalk.
  • Eumundi Markets day trip – Australia’s best markets, plus the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa.
  • North Stradbroke Island day tour – with cruise, wildlife spotting and guided walk.
  • Tamborine Mountain winery tour – with gourmet lunch.
  • Maialia rainforest walking and wildlife tour – visit lesser-known D’Aguilar National Park.

Tackle the Brisbane to Toowoomba drive, however, and you can string together several of Brisbane’s top attractions with only tiny deviations from the quickest route. Great road trip stops on the way out of the Queensland capital include the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Anzac Park in Toowong and Mt Coot-tha. Following the M5, you’ll also skirt the edge of Fig Tree Pocket – home to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary .

Brisbane to Toowoomba drive: Ipswich Motorway and Warrego Highway

The Brisbane to Toowoomba drive continues through suburbia – the Jindalee Pool , Sinnamon Park, Jamboree Heights – until you join the Ipswich Motorway. The Ipswich Motorway then skirts close to several points on the Brisbane River . These include the Gailes Golf Course, Wolston Park Golf Club and Moggill Ferry Park.

The route then skirts over the top of Ipswich, before joining the Warrego Highway .

Brisbane to Toowoomba road trip stops

There isn’t much to see directly along the path of the Warrego Highway, but there are a few good options if you’re happy to take a short diversion. These include the Kholo Botanic Gardens, Lake Wivenhoe , the Lockyer State Forest and heritage town Laidley .

Top Toowoomba accommodation recommendations

The best Toowoomba accommodation options are:

  • For central location and undercover parking at a 4.5 star with a pool: Oaks Toowoomba .
  • For well-equipped apartments: Athena Motel Apartments .
  • For a holiday park with plenty for the kids: Big4 Toowoomba Garden City .
  • For a surprisingly good motel at cheapish rates: Applegum Inn .

9 brilliant Brisbane experiences to book in advance

  • Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary tickets (or entry plus river cruise combo ) – hold a koala and see lots of adorable native wildlife.
  • Brisbane River cruise – see the key sights and learn about the city on the way.
  • Story Bridge Adventure Climb – walk along the top of Brisbane’s famous bridge, with 360 degree views.
  • Combine the Southbank Parklands, City Botanic Gardens and Kangaroo Point Cliffs on a fun Segway tour .
  • Helicopter flight – see the city from a bird’s eye view.
  • Kayaking tour – choose the night tour to see the city light up, the day tour to enjoy the sunshine.
  • XXXX brewery tour – see how Australia’s most famous beer is made.
  • Guided wine flight tasting – get an Aussie wine introductory course.
  • See Brisbane’s spooky side on a city centre ghost tour .

More Queensland road trips

How long is the Dalby to Roma leg of the Toowoomba to Roma drive?

Stay beachside at the Dingo Beach Hotel on the Mackay to Bowen drive .

Stop at Hideaway Bay on Cape Gloucester on the drive from Airlie Beach to Townsville .

How long are the driving times in Queensland ?

Stop at Clairview on the Yeppoon to Mackay drive .

Brown Signs

  • Visitor Information

Cobb & Co Tourist Drive

  • Destinations

Free

The Cobb & Co Tourist Drive follows the railway line and the original Cobb & Co route between Ipswich and Toowoomba, covering a distance of about 130 kilometres.

Brown Sign link

The main focus of the tourist drive is the history of the Cobb & Co mail route and Queensland’s first railway main line.

From Ipswich to Toowoomba

The tourist route starts at Ipswich, then continues west through Walloon, Rosewood, Grandchester, Laidley, Gatton, Murphys Creek, Spring Bluff, and finishing in Toowoomba.

Start of Tourist Drive

The start of the drive can be found travelling west along the Warrego Hwy on approach to the Mt Crosby Rd exit to Tivoli. At the roundabout off the exit, continue straight towards Tivoli and Ipswich Central. Follow Mt Cosby Rd for around 3.6 kilometres to Downs St. Mt Cosby Rd changes names a couple of times but follow straight all the way.

The Workshops Rail Museum

Brown sign for The Workshops Rail Museum

Ipswich CBD

From here, head back up Delacy St and turn right onto Downs St. Follow Downs St for around 1.4 kilometres to a roundabout on Pine St. Head to the right and cross over the bridge into the CBD of Ipswich.

Take the first left immediately after crossing the bridge to take you to the waterfront, turn left at the roundabout onto Bremer St. Follow for about 500 metres to turn right into a parking area to access the River Heart Parklands.

Just before the car park, turn left into Ellenborough St (turn right if coming back out of the car park). 300 metres ahead on the corner of Brisbane Street and Ellenborough Street is St Paul’s Anglican Church. St Paul’s is a heritage-listed church built in 1855.

Brisbane Street is a one-way street heading in the wrong direction. Turn right onto East Street and the next right onto Limestone Street. Alternatively, you can cross Brisbane Street and turn right on Limestone Street when coming up Ellenborough Street.

To head out of the Ipswich CBD, follow Limestone Street until it comes to cross Brisbane Street. Turn left into Brisbane Street to follow the brown sign for Cobb & Co Tourist Drive.

Follow Brisbane Street, which becomes Old Toowoomba Road, for about 1.8km to a roundabout. Turn right heading towards Rosewood and follow for 9.5km to Walloon.

Walloon is the first town out of Ipswich along the Cobb & Co Tourist Drive. It is only 15 minutes out but is a quieter spot to stop if you are leaving the busy Ipswich CBD.

Here you can find the Henry Lawson Bicentennial Park, an ideal spot if you want to stop at a park with a playground to occupy the kids for a bit. The park is also a memorial to the lost Babies of Walloon, commemorating the tragic drowning of two school children at a local waterhole.

The drowning is the subject of a poem, “The Babies of Walloon”, by Henry Lawson, hence the name of the park. The poem is carved into railway sleepers around the memorial and there is a bronze statue of the two children who drowned.

The park has sheltered BBQs and toilets, as well as the important playground for the kids, including a BMX track and skate park.

Rosewood Staging Post

Continue west along Karrabin Rosewood Rd for about 8 kilometres to reach Rosewood, where the first of three staging posts along the Cobb & Co Tourist Drive is located. Turn left at the roundabout at John Street to head into the main street at Rosewood. The Rosewood Staging Post is on the corner of Williams St about 650 metres on the left.

The staging post has a Cobb & Co stage coach on display with information about Cobb & Co and points of interest in Rosewood. At the far end of the park is a playground for small kids and a Queensland Bottle Tree with information about it.

The Old Jail was built in 1908 and placed in the Cobb & Co Heritage Park in 2015 for its second relocation, first moved in 1987 to make way for a new police station.

For some additional railway history, take a quick detour to Kunkala, The Rosewood Railway. The railway museum is a a few kilometres north of Rosewood on the Scenic Rim Tourist Drive 16, which intersects with Cobb & Co Tourist Drive in Rosewood.

Grandchester formerly known as Bigges Camp

Leave Rosewood towards Grandchester on Lanefield Road which becomes Rosewood Laidley Rd. Grandchester is just over 12 kilometres to the west but was first known as Bigges Camp, a stopping point for Cobb & Co and travellers heading west towards Gatton and Toowoomba.

Laidley and Lake Dyer

From Grandchester, continue west along Rosewood Laidley Road for about 8km to reach Laidley.

Turn north into main township of Laidley

Forest Hill Staging Post

Gatton staging post.

Murphys Creek

tourist drive toowoomba

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tourist drive toowoomba

COBB and CO Tourist Drive, QLD Australia

Ipswich to Toowoomba, Queensland Australia

  • Featured Trip Guides

Created by Inviting Thoughts - May 23rd 2018

On Jan 1st 1866 the first Cobb & Co mail service in Queensland commenced, from Brisbane to Ipswich. Passengers and mail heading further west were taken from Ipswich to Grandchester by train and than another Cobb & Co coach for the rest of the journey to Toowoomba. Up to 40 horses and six staff were needed for an average days journey of about 80km. Teams of horses were changed at depots spaced every 25 to 40 kilometres along the routes (Staging Posts).

Photo of The Workshops Rail Museum

North St, QLD, AU

The Workshops Rail Museum

Walloon, Queensland, Australia

Rosewood, Queensland, Australia

Photo of Grandchester Railway Station

Rosewood Laidley Road,, QLD, AU

Grandchester Railway Station

Laidley, Queensland, Australia

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Patrick Street, QLD, AU

Das Neumann Haus Museum

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40 Victoria St, QLD, AU

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38 william street forest hill queensland|forest hill, QLD, AU

Forest Hill Hotel

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Gordon Street, QLD, AU

Forest Hill War Memorial

Photo of University of Queensland Gatton Campus

warrego highway lawes queensland|lawes gatton queensland|gatton, QLD, AU

University of Queensland Gatton Campus

Gatton, Queensland, Australia

Photo of Queensland Transport Museum located in the Lockyer Valley

34 Lake Apex Drive, QLD, AU

Queensland Transport Museum located in the Lockyer Valley

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34 Lake Apex Dr, QLD, AU

Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre

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Helidon railway station

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7828 Warrego Highway, QLD, AU

Helidon Mineral Spa Resort

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Cobb+Co Museum

Banner Photo Credit: Cobb+Co Museum

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tourist drive toowoomba

30 Best Stops Between Tenterfield and Toowoomba

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How long is the drive from Tenterfield to Toowoomba?

The direct drive from Tenterfield to Toowoomba is 125 mi (201 km) , and should have a drive time of 2 hrs 45 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Tenterfield to Toowoomba, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with top places to visit like Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts - Cinema, Museum & Theatre and Tenterfield Railway Museum, or the ever-popular Tenterfield Visitor Information Centre.

tourist drive toowoomba

Best stops along Tenterfield to Toowoomba drive

Tenterfield visitor information centre.

tourist drive toowoomba

Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts - Cinema, Museum & Theatre

tourist drive toowoomba

Tenterfield Railway Museum

Tenterfield saddler, glenlyon dam tourist park.

tourist drive toowoomba

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

tourist drive toowoomba

Boonoo Boonoo Falls Rd

Bald rock national park, girraween national park, ballandean estate wines, tobin wines.

tourist drive toowoomba

Wine Discovery Tours

The granite belt maze, lawdogs australia, suttons juice factory, stanthorpe cheese.

tourist drive toowoomba

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

tourist drive toowoomba

Queen Mary Falls Caravan Park

Downs explorer (formerly southern downs steam railway), warwick visitor information centre, glengallan homestead & heritage centre, darling downs zoo, fordsdale farmstay, harrow homestead, unisq japanese garden qld, lockyer valley visitor information centre, lockyer valley cultural centre.

tourist drive toowoomba

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Never dig through your emails again — access all your flights, lodging, and any reservations in 1 place.

tourist drive toowoomba

Picnic Point Toowoomba

Laurel bank park, queens park toowoomba, queensland museum cobb+co | toowoomba, ravensbourne national park, other popular road trips from tenterfield, explore nearby places.

  • Groomsville
  • Ravensbourne
  • Kings Creek
  • the Forest Hill
  • Crowley Vale
  • Hatton Vale
  • Grandchester

All related maps of Toowoomba

  • Map of Toowoomba
  • Map of Highfields
  • Map of Cabarlah
  • Map of Helidon
  • Map of Cambooya
  • Map of Lilydale
  • Map of Hampton
  • Map of Groomsville
  • Map of Ravensbourne
  • Map of Gatton
  • Map of Oakey
  • Map of Crows Nest
  • Map of Pittsworth
  • Map of Kings Creek
  • Map of the Forest Hill
  • Map of Jondaryan
  • Map of Crowley Vale
  • Map of Laidley
  • Map of Hatton Vale
  • Map of Thornton
  • Map of Allora
  • Map of Grandchester
  • Map of Emu Creek
  • Map of Calvert
  • Map of Goomburra
  • Map of Minden
  • Map of Coominya
  • Map of Maclagan
  • Map of Maryvale
  • Map of Marburg

Toowoomba throughout the year

  • Toowoomba in January
  • Toowoomba in February
  • Toowoomba in March
  • Toowoomba in April
  • Toowoomba in May
  • Toowoomba in June
  • Toowoomba in July
  • Toowoomba in August
  • Toowoomba in September
  • Toowoomba in October
  • Toowoomba in November
  • Toowoomba in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Toowoomba?

Get inspired for your trip to Toowoomba with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

  • 1-Day Toowoomba Itinerary
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  • 3-Day Toowoomba Itinerary
  • 4-Day Toowoomba Itinerary
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from tenterfield to toowoomba.

Yes! You can drive from Tenterfield to Toowoomba.

How far is Toowoomba from Tenterfield by car?

The drive from Tenterfield to Toowoomba is 125 miles (201 km).

How long does it take to drive from Tenterfield to Toowoomba?

Driving from Tenterfield to Toowoomba should take you 2 hrs 45 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Tenterfield to Toowoomba?

Gas from Tenterfield to Toowoomba would cost around $11 to $26 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Tenterfield to Toowoomba?

You could check out Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts - Cinema, Museum & Theatre and Tenterfield Railway Museum, or the always popular Tenterfield Visitor Information Centre!

What's the weather like in Tenterfield?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

  • Weather in Tenterfield in January
  • Weather in Tenterfield in February
  • Weather in Tenterfield in March
  • Weather in Tenterfield in April
  • Weather in Tenterfield in May
  • Weather in Tenterfield in June
  • Weather in Tenterfield in July
  • Weather in Tenterfield in August
  • Weather in Tenterfield in September
  • Weather in Tenterfield in October
  • Weather in Tenterfield in November
  • Weather in Tenterfield in December

What are some other road trips from Tenterfield?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Tenterfield.

  • Tenterfield to Sydney drive
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  • Tenterfield to Canberra drive
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  • Tenterfield to Port Macquarie drive
  • Tenterfield to Toowoomba drive
  • Tenterfield to Newcastle drive
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  • Tenterfield to Ipswich drive
  • Tenterfield to Kingscliff drive

tourist drive toowoomba

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tourist drive toowoomba

People Are Sharing The Most Ignorant Thing A Tourist Has Said About Their Country, And Sheesh, People Are Wild

I 'm sure wherever you live, you've heard people make some wild comments about your country. some people just don't have a filter when reddit was asked, " what's the most ignorant thing a tourist has said about your country " people went off in the comments. here is what some of them had to say:, 1. "in thailand, people berate locals for eating italian food because thai food is 'so tasty.' boo, thai people eat thai food every day. going out for italian is like you going out for thai food in your home country.", 2. "a tourist in london once said, 'everyone here speaks such good english'".

— u/ExpectedBehaviour

3. "I was talking to a lady in a bar in NYC once and told her I grew up in Malaysia and she genuinely asked me 'Do you guys use money there or trade stuff?'"

4. "someone compared canadian money to monopoly money and then asked if we had monopoly in canada.".

— u/devlingrace444

5. "I've been here three days and haven't heard the British accent yet.' Yeah, that's because you've heard several. We have a multitude of accents and dialects, like every other country. There is no one 'British accent.'"

— u/EnigmaMissing

6. "'So, I'll be able to make it to New York in a few hours from here.' Ma'am. You are in Southern California. You're talking about driving to New York. That is the complete opposite side of the country and is a long way from here. You have no concept of the scale of this country. You'll be really upset when it takes you six hours to get across Riverside County, let alone the other five days, maybe six or seven, to drive to New York. No, you cannot get to New York in a few hours without flying."

— u/Madame_Kitsune98

7. "These were overheard in a souvenir shop in Amsterdam. Cashier: 'That'll be 30 euros, please.' American tourist: 'What's that in real money? (Different) American tourist: 'What do you mean you don't accept dollars?'"

— u/ConstableBlimeyChips

8. "An Australian asked me when the igloos would go up and did we have to move our work and school into them every year while in Vancouver, BC, a location in Canada with similar weather to Seattle."

— u/foxtongue

9. "This is kind of the inverse, but I think it still counts. I’m an Australian, and I went on holiday in America. I ended up at an Outback Steakhouse for shits and gigs. The menu had a seafood dish associated with Toowoomba. Toowoomba’s inland. Also, I was talking to the waitress, and for the longest time, they had the flag upside down and it took another Australian to point it out. Like surely they saw a picture of the flag, they had to. And it was still upside down."

10. "i was a tourist, and i was told by many concerned coworkers and friends that i shouldn't travel alone as a woman to dangerous eastern europe because i was going to get trafficked or something. the dangerous eastern european country with criminals waiting behind every corner to snatch away spanish women slovenia.".

— u/Four_beastlings

11. "I lived in Costa Rica for several years, working in tourism. Once, a woman said what a lovely island it was (not an island at all) WHILE THERE. Also, a woman said she was 'going to complain to Congress' about the state of the roads. Costa Rica is not part of the US, congress has nothing to do with it."

— u/Alchisme

12. "'Wow, I'm surprised at how modern and up-to-date everything is around here, they even have Apple stores, I thought everyone would ride around in horses and hats.' I am from Mexico City and work in an area where there are more foreigners daily (USA and Europe). I can easily hear how surprising it is that we are not technologically behind."

13. "when visiting la, i was chatting with a girl at a party, and when she asked where i'm from, i told her london. she then said, 'omg, i hate london.' i was slightly confused and asked if she'd ever been, and she said 'no.' i was like, 'okay, nice chatting with you'".

— u/addicted2skooma

14. "I knew someone who was shocked that we don't live in stone cottages and thought Ireland was like a developing world country."

15. "foreigners coming to india and speaking hindi in non-hindi states. half of india doesn't speak hindi.".

— u/yesiamnonoiamyes

16. "'Where do you keep the Vikings?' An American tourist visiting Denmark asked. I left him very confused and a little disappointed by telling him the truth about Vikings and that we did, in fact, not have reservations or anything."

— u/hyllested

17. "I overheard an American woman saying that she was surprised at how well we Australians spoke American, although the accent made it a little hard to understand."

18. "my own wife in tokyo looking at a map of all the towers in japan: 'let's go visit them all' me: 'honey, that map represents the size of the whole us eastern seaboard. we are only here for three more days.'".

— u/ImCaffeinated_Chris

19. "I met an American once who was under the impression that suburban Canadians all lived in wood cabins in the wilderness. At first, I thought he was kidding. Then he asked if we had winters all year round and was astonished to learn we have lengthy summers."

— u/HappyChilmore

Do you have anything to add to this list? If so, share it with me in the comments below!

People Are Sharing The Most Ignorant Thing A Tourist Has Said About Their Country, And Sheesh, People Are Wild

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19 Times People Were Confidently Very Wrong About Other Countries

"A tourist in London once said, 'Everyone here speaks such good English!'"

Fabiana Buontempo

BuzzFeed Staff

I'm sure wherever you live, you've heard people make some wild comments about your country. Some people just don't have a filter! When Reddit was asked, " What's the most ignorant thing a tourist has said about your country? " people went off in the comments. Here is what some of them had to say:

Man in a suit seated with a microphone, possibly during an interview or talk show

Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity. 

1. "In Thailand, people berate locals for eating Italian food because Thai food is 'so tasty.' Boo, Thai people eat Thai food every day. Going out for Italian is like you going out for Thai food in your home country."

Person eating noodles from a takeout box, conveying enjoyment of local street food

— u/whatdoihia

2. "A tourist in London once said, 'Everyone here speaks such good English!'"

— u/ExpectedBehaviour

3. "I was talking to a lady in a bar in NYC once and told her I grew up in Malaysia and she genuinely asked me 'Do you guys use money there or trade stuff?'"

Person holding a wine glass up to their face, distorting their features for a humorous effect

— u/HiThisIsMichael

4. "Someone compared Canadian money to Monopoly money and then asked if we had Monopoly in Canada."

— u/devlingrace444

5. "I've been here three days and haven't heard the British accent yet.' Yeah, that's because you've heard several. We have a multitude of accents and dialects, like every other country. There is no one 'British accent.'"

— u/EnigmaMissing

City street at dusk with traffic and illuminated signs, capturing the urban travel vibe

6. "'So, I'll be able to make it to New York in a few hours from here.' Ma'am. You are in Southern California. You're talking about driving to New York. That is the complete opposite side of the country and is a long way from here. You have no concept of the scale of this country. You'll be really upset when it takes you six hours to get across Riverside County, let alone the other five days, maybe six or seven, to drive to New York. No, you cannot get to New York in a few hours without flying."

— u/Madame_Kitsune98

7. "These were overheard in a souvenir shop in Amsterdam. Cashier: 'That'll be 30 euros, please.' American tourist: 'What's that in real money? (Different) American tourist: 'What do you mean you don't accept dollars?'"

— u/ConstableBlimeyChips

8. "An Australian asked me when the igloos would go up and did we have to move our work and school into them every year while in Vancouver, BC, a location in Canada with similar weather to Seattle."

— u/foxtongue

9. "This is kind of the inverse, but I think it still counts. I’m an Australian, and I went on holiday in America. I ended up at an Outback Steakhouse for shits and gigs. The menu had a seafood dish associated with Toowoomba. Toowoomba’s inland. Also, I was talking to the waitress, and for the longest time, they had the flag upside down and it took another Australian to point it out. Like surely they saw a picture of the flag, they had to. And it was still upside down."

Facade of Outback Steakhouse with two people walking by, suitable for a travel dining feature

— u/socksforsciencee

10. "I was a tourist, and I was told by many concerned coworkers and friends that I shouldn't travel alone as a woman to dangerous Eastern Europe because I was going to get trafficked or something. The dangerous Eastern European country with criminals waiting behind every corner to snatch away Spanish women? Slovenia."

— u/Four_beastlings

11. "I lived in Costa Rica for several years, working in tourism. Once, a woman said what a lovely island it was (not an island at all) WHILE THERE. Also, a woman said she was 'going to complain to Congress' about the state of the roads. Costa Rica is not part of the US, congress has nothing to do with it."

— u/Alchisme

12. "'Wow, I'm surprised at how modern and up-to-date everything is around here, they even have Apple stores, I thought everyone would ride around in horses and hats.' I am from Mexico City and work in an area where there are more foreigners daily (USA and Europe). I can easily hear how surprising it is that we are not technologically behind."

Man in suit making a skeptical facial expression

— u/SouthSharp9959

13. "When visiting LA, I was chatting with a girl at a party, and when she asked where I'm from, I told her London. She then said, 'Omg, I hate London.' I was slightly confused and asked if she'd ever been, and she said 'No.' I was like, 'Okay, nice chatting with you!'"

— u/addicted2skooma

14. "I knew someone who was shocked that we don't live in stone cottages and thought Ireland was like a developing world country."

Quaint village street with traditional thatched cottage and bright colored buildings

— u/PuRe_xXLethalXx

15. "Foreigners coming to India and speaking Hindi in non-Hindi states. Half of India doesn't speak Hindi."

— u/yesiamnonoiamyes

16. "'Where do you keep the Vikings?' An American tourist visiting Denmark asked. I left him very confused and a little disappointed by telling him the truth about Vikings and that we did, in fact, not have reservations or anything."

— u/hyllested

17. "I overheard an American woman saying that she was surprised at how well we Australians spoke American, although the accent made it a little hard to understand."

Man in glasses and suit gestures while speaking, with evening background. Shown in a travel article context

18. "My own wife in Tokyo looking at a map of all the towers in Japan: 'Let's go visit them all!' Me: 'Honey, that map represents the size of the whole US Eastern seaboard. We are only here for three more days.'"

— u/ImCaffeinated_Chris

19. "I met an American once who was under the impression that suburban Canadians all lived in wood cabins in the wilderness. At first, I thought he was kidding. Then he asked if we had winters all year round and was astonished to learn we have lengthy summers."

— u/HappyChilmore

Do you have anything to add to this list? If so, share it with me in the comments below!

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  2. The Best Lookout Spots in the Toowoomba Region

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  3. Top Things to Do In Toowoomba

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  5. Toowoomba Tourism

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  6. 15 Best Things to Do in Toowoomba (Australia)

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COMMENTS

  1. Self-Drives

    Western Downs discovery trail. Follow the Warrego Highway way out west to have a true country Queensland experience. Discover genuine rural hospitality and the area's rich farming and military history. VIEW ITINERARY. Hit the road and explore at your own pace with these suggested self-drive itineraries for Toowoomba Region.

  2. Great country drives

    Take a drive through the countryside Enjoy one of our many scenic and relaxing drives in the Toowoomba Region. Experience 'Steele Rudd' country or take a trip through our stunning National Parks. There is a day trip to suit all tastes. Trip times indicated on the maps are driving times only and do not include stops along the way. Your country drive can start and finish at any point along the ...

  3. Tourist Drives in Toowoomba & the Granite Belt

    Tourist Drive Toowoomba. Lake Annand is a must. Refreshing and peaceful, away from the city. It has BBQs and a fitness playground. There are camellias blooming seasonally, a Japanese bridge, and you're able to feed the ducks. There's space to play with a ball or cuddle up on a picnic blanket. Weeping willows line Kitchener St en route.

  4. Cobb & Co Tourist Drive

    The Cobb & Co Tourist Drive is a scenic route between between Ipswich and Toowoomba via the Lockyer Valley. The drive celebrates the first mail route awarded to Cobb & Co in Queensland when, on January 1, 1866 the mail service commenced from Brisbane to Ipswich. Passengers and mail heading further west were taken from Ipswich to Grandchester ...

  5. Things To Do In Toowoomba

    The Great Bunya Drive is a lovely drive which turns into beautiful landscapes between Toowoomba and Gympie. The drive which is in the West of Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast houses a magnificent park, dams, homesteads and rural towns where sumptuous wines and gourmet cafes are found. If you are up for exploring more, you… Read More »

  6. Attractions

    Take a drive through the countryside Enjoy one of our many scenic and relaxing drives in the Toowoomba Region. Experience 'Steele Rudd' country or take a trip through our stunning National Parks.

  7. Toowoomba Day Trips

    Feel the rush of The Falls Drive. Come face to face with the natural beauty of Southern Queensland Country on The Falls Drive. One of the most popular day trips from Toowoomba, this journey offers big views for little effort. Browns Falls is the first of a trio of waterfalls you'll meet today. It's just a 600metre walk to the falls, but it ...

  8. Toowoomba

    8 Old Toowoomba Court House, 90 Margaret Street, East Toowoomba. (updated Feb 2024) 9 Bishop's House, 73 Margaret Street, East Toowoomba. (updated May 2022) Do [edit] There is a tourist drive around the City, there are distinctive signs that mark this route. Empire Theatre, 54-56 Neil St, toll-free: 1300 655 299.

  9. Exploring Queensland's Darling Downs: 17 of the best things to do in

    Where is Toowoomba? Located just 2 hours west of Brisbane, Toowoomba sits in the beautiful Darling Downs. As you drive in from Brisbane you will see signs for the Cobb & Co tourist drive if you have time but if not you will find yourself driving through the Lockyer Valley and climbing higher up the mountains before reaching Toowoomba.

  10. Southern Queensland Country

    Sunset Way Tourist Drive. Distance: 219 Kilometres. Take the road less travelled, through a string of tiny country towns along Queensland's Sunset Way Tourist Drive. It's a place where historic treasures and riverside camping locations are around every corner, on a journey of beautiful sunsets and sweeping plains.

  11. List of tourist drives in Queensland

    Warwick. Killarney. Warwick. 72 km (44.7 mi) Loop route. Tourist Drive 2. Paradise Dam Tourist Drive [29] Goodnight Road. Kalliwa Road.

  12. Picnic Point Lookout And Parkland

    The lower section of the park can also be accessed via Tobruk Memorial Drive and is another ideal location for impressive vistas, picnics or a barbecue. Amenities. Carpark. Car parking available. Pet Friendly - Enquire. ... Tourist Drive, Toowoomba, Toowoomba Area Queensland 4350. Get Directions. Content Provided By Southern Queensland Country.

  13. The Toowoomba to Goondiwindi drive: Everything you need to know

    Top spots on the Toowoomba to Goondiwindi drive. While the drive from Toowoomba to Goondiwindi is only 2.5 to 3 hours, there are plenty of places to stop along the way. Given the cultural towns that are rich in history and possess a welcoming atmosphere, you'll be able to soak up the beauty of the countryside while exploring local communities.

  14. Top Things to Do In Toowoomba

    Unsurprisingly this event attracts big crowds each year, so book your accommodations early - and take a peek at ways to spend the weekend for the carnival. 7. Visit Queens Park. Toowoomba's Queens Park - all 26.3 hectares of its green space - sits right in the centre of town.

  15. Brisbane to Toowoomba drive: Distance, time & road trip stops

    The Brisbane to Toowoomba drive is 127km in distance, with a Brisbane to Toowoomba driving time of just over 90 minutes. Road trip stops on the way include the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Wolston Park Golf Club and Laidley. Toowoomba is Queensland 's largest inland city, although it rarely features on tourist itineraries.

  16. 13/18-20 Tourist Drive, East Toowoomba, Qld 4350

    13/18-20 Tourist Drive, East Toowoomba. Welcome to "Vantage", a stunning range-side project completed in 2019! The high class gated complex boasts 17 units, 16 of which are 2 storey townhouses plus 1 detached low set villa, situated at 18-20 Tourist Road in enviable East Toowoomba. Downstairs is home to the carpeted master bedroom featuring a ...

  17. Cobb & Co Tourist Drive

    The Cobb & Co Tourist Drive follows the railway line and the original Cobb & Co route between Ipswich and Toowoomba, covering a distance of about 130 kilometres. The first mail route was awarded to Cobb & Co in Queensland in 1866 from Brisbane to Ipswich. Passengers and mail continuing west used Queensland's first main

  18. COBB and CO Tourist Drive, QLD Australia

    Ipswich to Toowoomba, Queensland Australia. On Jan 1st 1866 the first Cobb & Co mail service in Queensland commenced, from Brisbane to Ipswich. Passengers and mail heading further west were taken from Ipswich to Grandchester by train and than another Cobb & Co coach for the rest of the journey to Toowoomba. Up to 40 horses and six staff were ...

  19. 151 Tourist Road, Rangeville, Qld 4350

    4 bedroom house for sale at 151 Tourist Road, Rangeville, QLD 4350, Auction. View 24 property photos, floor plans and Rangeville suburb information. ... Colliers Toowoomba operates as a partner office with a team of 40 across all sectors of the market including Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Retail, Hotels and Leisure and Project ...

  20. 30 Best Stops Between Tenterfield and Toowoomba

    How long is the drive from Tenterfield to Toowoomba? The direct drive from Tenterfield to Toowoomba is 125 mi (201 km), and should have a drive time of 2 hrs 45 mins in normal traffic.. If you're going on a road trip from Tenterfield to Toowoomba, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with top places to visit like Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts - Cinema ...

  21. People Are Sharing The Most Ignorant Thing A Tourist Has Said ...

    Toowoomba's inland. Also, I was talking to the waitress, and for the longest time, they had the flag upside down and it took another Australian to point it out. Like surely they saw a picture of ...

  22. Tourists Share Wild Misconceptions About Countries

    1. "In Thailand, people berate locals for eating Italian food because Thai food is 'so tasty.'. Boo, Thai people eat Thai food every day. Going out for Italian is like you going out for Thai food ...