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50 Things to do in Toowoomba This Year for Families!

In this article we provide a detailed guide of things to do in Toowoomba … both in the town centre and around Toowoomba that is suitable for families with children. Our suggestions include adventurous, cultural and nature activities, as well as places for your kids to play eat and fun walks. At the bottom of our article we have listed special events in Toowoomba.

In this article you will find 50 of the best things to do in Toowoomba with kids (and adults), many of these Toowoomba activities we have tried ourselves, so we know they are brilliant! These fun days out in Toowoomba will keep you and the kids entertained for the whole day!

If you are wondering what to do in Toowoomba, then you are going to love our list. We’ve divided the list of places to visit in Toowoomba into a few different categories. Scroll down to find suggestions for some of the top attractions in Toowoomba:

Looking for kids activities in Toowoomba or things to do in the school holidays in Toowoomba?
You want this article here ===> Things to do in the school holidays in Toowoomba

Adventure activities to do in Toowoomba with kids

Our adventure section covers activities designed to amp up the fun, a veritable list of things to do Toowoomba style, to get those little hearts racing and leave your family with memories to last a lifetime.

A lot of these destinations involve driving (sometimes up to an hour) from Toowoomba as your base so please factor that into your planning.

Toowoomba Model Railway Club

For those train fanatics, this is for you. A 100% NMRA (National Model Railway Association) affiliated club, the Darling Downs Model Railway Club is a place where you can get your model train fix with a hobbyists’ corner and regular events.

Location: Toowoomba Showgrounds, Glenvale Road, Toowoomba

Website: Toowoomba Model Railway Club

Cowboy Up Horse Riding

horse riding in Toowoomba
Horse riding in Toowoomba

Giddy up! Well now, this is a fun thing to do in Toowoomba! Experience horseback riding at its best. Meander down local trails through working cattle property whilst you soak up the picturesque farmland and mountainous surroundings. Be sure to keep an eye open for wild deer, the menagerie of bird life and wallabies. Just grab your hat and enjoy the feel of your western saddle as you ride into the sunset. We took the kids to do this and I can hand on heart say it was one of my favourite things to do Toowoomba.

Location: 160 Rocky Gully Road, Emu Creek

Website: Cowboy Up Horse Riding

Find all the horse riding options in Toowoomba here.

DownsSteam Tourist Railway & Museum

If you’re a train buff you cannot miss this. Operated by volunteers, DownsSteam is dedicated to establishing a tourist railway – a place for tourists to discover and rediscover their passion for rail. After lovingly restoring trains and carriages they welcome everyone to come along to their regular meetings and events to experience for themselves the trains from years gone by.

Location: 16 Cambooya Street, Drayton

Website: DownsSteam Tourist Railway & Museum

Jondaryan Woolshed: open-air working museum

things to do toowoomba
Jondaryan Woolshed

Jondaryan Woolshed is the ultimate introduction to farm life for any tourist. Just 40 minutes from Toowoomba, tuck into a Ploughman’s Lunch in the Woolshed Restaurant and explore this heritage-listed open-air museum which is the largest and oldest operating woolshed in the world. Read our Jondaryan Woolshed guide here.

Location: 264 Jondaryan Evanslea Road, Jondaryan

Website: Jondaryan Woolshed

Transport and Main Roads Heritage Centre

PLEASE NOTE:  The Heritage Centre is currently closed until further notice. 

Get ready to enrich your mind with the interactive exhibits at the Transport and Main Roads Heritage Centre. With a unique perspective of road building history in QLD, it’s the only museum of its type in Australia. Kids can learn all about the machinery through cartoon characters and an interactive children’s trail whilst adults will be in awe of the manual labour involved in building the QLD road network.

Location: 2–22 Mutze Street, opposite the Toowoomba airport

Website: Transport and Main Roads Heritage Centre

Cobb+Co Museum

cobb and co feature
Cobb and Co

You simply can’t be in Toowoomba and not visit the Cobb+Co Museum. When people ask us what to do in Toowoomba, this always comes up as one of the top 5 things! Learn a heritage trade, check out the traditional Cobb+Co carriages from the horse-drawn era, or visit one of their interactive and educational events that are bound to keep you talking for days on end. Toowoomba kids (and visitors alike) will love these activities to do in Toowoomba. Check out what Cobb+Co Museum has on over the Toowoomba school holidays here.

These winter holidays, experience the magic of weaving! Kids and teens can immerse themselves in the rich tradition of weaving with guidance from local experts.

Location: 27 Lindsay Street, Toowoomba

Website: Cobb+Co Museum

You can find all our favourite kid friendly museums in this article here.

Darling Downs Zoo

Darling Downs Zoo child and zebra
Zebra at Darling Downs Zoo

No trip to the Toowoomba region is complete without a visit to one of the best-kept secrets around! If you are looking for things to do around Toowoomba or things to do near Toowoomba, then this is it! The Darling Downs Zoo is one of our favourite things to see in Toowoomba for families from near and far. It’s open every day except Christmas Day, with last entries at 3pm. Read more about the zoo in our review here.

Location: 21 Baines Road, Pilton

Website: Darling Downs Zoo

Royal Bull’s Head Inn

This 19th-century inn is a great place to get a sense of what life was like 150 years ago. Built by an ex-convict, it was originally run as a hotel and tavern before being used as a family home and post office. Exploring the inn is like stepping back in time, with many of the rooms furnished exactly as they might have been in a bygone era. It’s open on the first and third Sunday of each month from 10am to 2pm.

Location: Brisbane Street, Drayton

Website: Royal Bull’s Head Inn

Toowoomba Live Steamers

Toot Toot! All aboard for a wonderful train ride at the Toowoomba Live Steamers miniature railway. The railway opens to the public on the third Sunday of each month, weather permitting. Both children and adults can take the 8-10 minute ride on the 900m track for just $2 each. There are some safety requirements, including clothing, so be sure to check the details on their website before you head out.

Location: Lemway Park, Lemway Avenue, Kearney Springs, Toowoomba

Website: Toowoomba Live Steamers

Highfields Pioneer Village

Highfields Pioneer Village
Highfields Pioneer Village

If you’re looking for something a little different and educational for your children, you can’t go past Highfields Pioneer Village. Highfields Pioneer Village has over 60 buildings to explore and gives you an authentic look at Settlement in Australia. You can also indulge in some billy tea and damper! It’s a great day out for all. 

Location: 73 Wirraglen Road, Highfields

Website: Highfields Pioneer Village

Australian Army Flying Museum

Location: Museum Drive, Oakey, about 25 minutes drive from Toowoomba

This purpose-built museum at the Oakey airfield has a large collection of aircraft and memorabilia from all eras of Australian military flying. There’s even a specific kids’ area designed to give them an idea of what it might feel like to be a military aviator. The museum is open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 10am to 3pm, and has undercover picnic tables and BBQs so you can bring your lunch with you. Located in Oakey, this is one of our favourite things to do near Toowoomba.

Website: Australian Army Flying Museum

RELATED: Looking for playgroups and toddlers’ activities in Toowoomba? We know that!

City Golf

Mini golf, or putt putt, is a star attraction at City Golf Toowoomba. The 18-hole course is jam-packed with fun-filled themed displays. The fun, yet tricky, obstacles present a challenge that can be overcome with a little patience and persistence. A perfect choice for a fun morning or afternoon with the kids!

Find out more about City Golf with kids here.

Cultural things to do in Toowoomba with kids

If you’re looking for entertainment that’s a little more relaxed, Toowoomba has plenty of cultural activities on offer. Our first suggestion is sure to amaze and it’s completely free.

Street Art

Toowoomba is home to one of Australia’s largest outdoor galleries. Huge murals on the side of buildings first appeared in 2012 when five artists painted the wall of the CUA building in Domestic Lane. Now there are more than 80 wall murals to be explored.

Half the fun is in simply wandering the laneways trying to find them all, but we’ll get you started by suggesting you explore Searle’s Walk, Gallery Lane, Ruthven Street, Union Street, Neil Street and Jessie Street for starters.

Location: Inner city Toowoomba

Website: Street Art Photo Gallery

Established in the early 1900’s, the gallery holds three permanent collections: – The Lionel Lindsay Gallery and Library, The Fred & Lucy Gould Collection and the Toowoomba City Collection. The gallery hosts a variety of education and public programs so check out their website to see what’s on when.

Location: 531 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba, beside City Hall

Website: Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery

Toowoomba libraries

The Toowoomba Region Library Service offers 13 libraries located across the region, making sure you and your children have access to a plethora of books, magazines, movies, music, internet, eResources, online learning plus much more. Besides the range of resources available, the local library service conveniently offers fun, learning-filled activities for babies and young children across most of their branches, including Story Time, Rhyme Time, LEGO Literacy Club, and more!

Find out more about the Toowoomba libraries available here.

Empire Theatre Toowoomba

things to do in Toowoomba with kids
Empire Theatre Toowoomba

Heritage-listed and known for its classic art deco design, the Empire Theatre should be near the top of your to-do list. With an array of performance and function areas, it is the largest performing arts precinct in regional Australia and is the place to be for culture and entertainment in Toowoomba.

Location: 54-56 Neil Street, Toowoomba

Website: Empire Theatre Toowoomba

Kindermusik

Children thrive on music and Kindermusik takes musical learning to the next level. For children aged 0 to 7 years, Kindermusik includes instrument play and dance, and is designed to enhance children’s cognitive, language, physical and social learning skills.

Location: Shop 4, 100 Hill Street, Newtown Shopping Centre

Website: Kindermusik

Maker’s Market

Held every month on a Sunday from 8am-1pm, these fabulous Toowoomba markets showcase products and services from local makers, doers and small businesses. There’s a kid’s corner with activities to keep the little ones amused and live music to entertain as well.

Location: The Goods Shed, 3 Victoria St, Toowoomba City QLD 4350

Website: Maker’s Market

Look, it’s not exactly cultural, but if you are keen on a relaxing day in Toowoomba, try these spa locations! Aaaaand relax!

Parks and walks to do in Toowoomba with kids

Toowoomba is a city full of magnificent parks…each one offering something different. It’s a historical treasure trove as well, so there are plenty of interesting walks around the parks and through the city centre that give a glimpse of by-gone times.

Laurel Bank Park

Looking for a great park for the kids or a way to escape your busy everyday life? Laurel Bank Park really delivers. Wander through the vibrant flower gardens or ponder upon the many statues sprinkled throughout the park before spending some time at the children’s playground and just relaxing in the sun. Read more here.

Location: Hill Street, Toowoomba

Website: Laurel Bank Park

Queens Park Botanic Gardens

Queens Park - things to do in Toowoomba with kids
Queens Park

Centrally located in the heart of Toowoomba, you have to visit Queens Park. With 7 different areas to explore, it’s bound to keep the kids on their toes whilst you rekindle a romance or simply breathe in the fresh air and take in the moment. Discover the vibrant flowers peppered throughout this expansive heritage park, visit “Frogs Hollow”, the children’s play area, the off-leash dog park, the amphitheatre or the ovals throughout the grounds for a fun-filled day out.

Location: 43 Lindsay Street, East Toowoomba

Website: Queens Park Botanic Gardens

Gumbi Gumbi gardens

The Gumbi Gumbi gardens feature more than 100 indigenous plant species used by local Aboriginal communities for a range of purposes, including food and medicine. The gardens were designed in partnership with the elders of the Jarowair people and historical elders from Toowoomba. They’re open at all times and admission is free.

Location: University of Southern Queensland, West Street entrance

Website: Gumbi Gumbi Gardens

Ju Raku En Japanese Gardens

things to do in Toowoomba with kids
Toowoomba Japanese gardens

A touch of tranquillity and stunning Asian culture, Ju Raku En is one of the largest traditionally designed Japanese gardens in Australia. Sprawling across 3 hectares with 3 kilometres of walking paths, the park also features a mountain stream, waterfall and lake. It can be found on the northern side of the USQ campus. Definitely worth a visit.

Read more about the Japanese gardens here.

Location: University of Southern Queensland

Website: Ju Raku En Japanese Gardens

Historic Spring Bluff Railway Station

Here’s a park with a difference. This gorgeous flower-filled parkland surrounds the historical Spring Bluff railway station. Its history dates back 150 years so there’s plenty to see. The landscaped parkland is a wonderful place for a picnic with free electric BBQ facilities. Please note that their café is currently not operating.

Spring Bluff runs special events from time to time, and there are occasional steam train operations. Check their Facebook page for the latest.

Location: McCormack Drive, Murphys Creek

Website: Spring Bluff Railway Station

Newtown Park and State Rose Garden

This historic park is lovingly maintained and has plenty on offer, including the State Rose Garden with more than 2000 roses. Open every day, Newtown Park has play equipment for the kids, interesting walking paths and plenty of wheelchair access, so simply take along a picnic or make the most of the BBQs onsite and enjoy the serenity.

They offer an informative and historical tour of the gardens on the fourth Saturday of each month. Bookings are required.

Location: 147 Taylor Street, Bounded by Holberton, Tor and Pottinger Streets, Toowoomba

Website: Newtown Park State Rose Garden

Historic Walks

Discover some of Toowoomba’s history along one of several walks that take you past well-preserved architectural gems dating back to the beginning of the 1800s. There are several walks to choose from – the shortest is about 30 minutes, while others range from 45 to 90 minutes.

The routes can all be found and followed on the Toowoomba Region website, or grab your free brochures from the tourist information centre. The walks will take you to many of the other attractions here on our list so you can make a real day of it if you wish.

Location: Various locations in Toowoomba

Website: Toowoomba Historic Walks

Peacehaven Botanic Park

This beautiful park in the leafy suburb of Highfields has more than 400 species of native plants and plenty of birds and wildlife. There are lots of information plaques along the walkways and a nursery where you can buy a range of plants. The children will love the nature-themed adventure playground or running around the expansive lawns.

Location: 56 Kuhls Road, Highfields

Website: Peacehaven Park

Toowoomba Waterbird Habitat

This park is designed to mimic natural wetlands and provide a safe haven for waterbirds, fish, turtles and insects. There are both deep and shallow lakes that attract different types of birds, information boards, a viewing deck and walkways around the lake. There are lovely spots for a picnic too.

Location: 10 Waterbird Drive, Rangeville

Website: Waterbird Habitat

Nature experiences to try in Toowoomba with kids

If you want to get out and about in nature, there is plenty to do just outside Toowoomba. From mountaintop views to waterfalls and lakes, there are plenty of opportunities for the kids to ‘get amongst it’ and appreciate nature with these things to do around Toowoomba.

J.E. Duggan Park

This bushland park has fantastic views over the Great Dividing Range, including Tabletop Mountain where the ‘Battle of One Tree Hill’ took place in 1843. There are information panels explaining the battle led by the Aboriginal warrior, Multuggerah. The park has three short walks that are perfect for children and also suitable for wheelchairs, and a slightly more challenging track that follows the perimeter of the park.

Location: Leslie Street, Rangeville

Website: J.E. Duggan Park

Table Top Mountain (hiking)

PLEASE NOTE: Table Top is an area of high significance to the Traditional Owners, recognised in the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Register and protected under the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003. You are respectfully requested to consider your decision to climb this mountain.

If you’re up for a moderately challenging hike, this one is for you. Located just outside of Toowoomba the path to the top of the mountain can see you rock hopping, scrambling and climbing for about 2.5hrs, but it’s all worth it for the view at the top. Table Top Mountain is an important Aboriginal ceremonial site. Read more in our guide.

Location: Table Top Drive, Toowoomba

Website: Table Top Mountain

Lake Cooby

Whether you’re a keen angler or just want to enjoy relaxing by the water, Lake Cooby caters for everyone. On the water, you can enjoy boating (electric motors only) or non-motorised activities like sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and rowing. Or stay firmly on land enjoying the playground, shelter areas and a little bushwalking. Whatever you’re up for, this pristine location is well worth the visit. Before heading out to Lake Cooby remember to check if these areas are open.

Location: 35km north of Toowoomba, easily accessible from the New England Highway

Website: Lake Cooby

Picnic Point Parklands

things to do in Toowoomba with kids
Picnic Point

What better way to occupy the whole family than to relax at the Picnic Point lookout? You can wander the many walking tracks, enjoy lunch at the café and take in the breathtaking views across the Great Diving Range. With 3 amazing playgrounds including a rocket ship, rotunda and hand-carved witch’s forest, Picnic Point will not disappoint. We featured Picnic Point on our Toowoomba Mother’s Day round-up too!

Read more about Picnic Point here.

Location: Top of the Range, 164 Tourist Road. Toowoomba QLD 4350

Website: Picnic Point Lookout and Parkland

Crows Nest National Park

Very few areas in nature can match the beauty and tranquillity of Crows Nest National Park. Whether you’re after a campsite or other holiday accommodation, you’ll be treated with natural waterfalls, eucalypt forests, granite outcrops, pristine creeks and an abundance of wildlife. An area not to be missed.

Location: About 6 km east of Crows Nest, 56 km north of Toowoomba

Website: Crows Nest National Park

Murphy’s Creek Escape

Murphy’s Creek Toowoomba
Murphy’s Creek Toowoomba

Fancy camping Toowoomba style? The ultimate camping and adventure experience for the whole family is only 20 minutes from Toowoomba at the base of the Toowoomba range. Simply put your feet up and unwind without the interruptions of everyday life. Or for those more adventurous why not take a hike in the Lockyer National Park, take a dip in the creek or try out some awesome activities like abseiling, mountain biking, archery or test your skills on the ropes course. Read our review.

We wrote about a bunch of the Toowoomba rivers and creeks here.

Location: 356 Thomas Road, Murphy’s Creek

Website: Murphy’s Creek Escape

Places to play in Toowoomba with kids

If you’ve got little ones, medium ones or teenagers you know that, at some point, they’re going to have to burn off that kid-energy.

We’ve collated a number of our favourite activities to do with kids that are guaranteed to not only be fun but to hopefully (fingers crossed) encourage napping. Bliss.

Kloud9ine Trampoline Park

Endless trampolines – interconnected, all shapes and all sizes. Endless opportunities to show off your mid-air skills. Jump off the walls – literally! You can’t miss Toowoomba’s only climate-controlled trampoline park with 5 different areas to challenge your fitness and each other. One of our favourite things to do in Toowoomba. They’re open Friday to Sunday. During school holidays, they’re open every day.

Location: 663 Ruthven Street Toowoomba

Website: Kloud9ine

Laser Skirmish

skirmish Toowoomba
Skirmish Toowoomba

Australian-owned and Australian-made. Experience the ultimate thrill of an outdoor laser skirmish battle without the bruises a paintball would usually leave as a souvenir. Breakthrough digital technology means a longer weapons range meaning you can play pretty much anywhere you choose. So choose your team wisely. Your battle awaits.

Location: Location of your choice, Toowoomba

Website: Laser Skirmish

Find all the paintball and laser skirmish locations in Toowoomba here.

iPlay Café and Playcentre

Designed with fun and safety as a priority for children up to 12 years old, this play centre is the largest in Toowoomba. They have wifi, parking, specials, competitions, party packages and a café, to name just a few of the fantastic features on offer, not to mention endless play equipment bound to challenge and entertain all little minds and bodies.

Location: Grand Central Shopping Centre, Margaret Street, Toowoomba

Website: iPlay

Chipmunks play centre

Toowoomba’s largest indoor playground for kids is just the place to let them run amok. Equipment is installed across two different age-appropriate zones – under 5s and 5-11 years – giving the kids plenty of room to roam and push their boundaries safely. There’s no time limit, so they can run about all day if they have the energy.

Location: Bernoth Centre, 663-667 Ruthven Street

Website: Chipmunks Play Centre

Inflatable World

At Inflatable World the kids will be bouncing off the walls – literally. The venue is packed full of slides and bouncy activities to keep them entertained and burn off some energy. Why not join them? Adults can play too. You can bounce as much as you like in a two-hour session. Inflatable World is open on weekends during the school term and every day during school holidays.

Location: 31 Spencer Street, Harristown

Website: Inflatable World

Tick Tock Escape Room

Here’s a bit of a challenge for the older kids. Put their problem-solving skills to the test and have a fun family afternoon trying to escape a locked room. It requires some serious teamwork to find clues and solve puzzles in order to unlock the door.

Location: 195 Margaret Street, Toowoomba City

Website: Tick Tock Escape Room

Swimming pools

Whether you want the kids to learn to swim, improve their swimming skills or you just want a fun place to splash about on a warm day, the Toowoomba region has 9 different swimming pools to choose from. Hours and facilities differ from place to place so check the website to find the right pool for you.

Location: Various across the region

Website: Toowoomba region pools

Ten-pin bowling

bowling in Brisbane
Bowling

Set ‘em up and knock ‘em down. Fun for the kids and adults alike, ten-pin bowling is a great way to pass the time and is a fantastic option for those rainy days. Toowoomba has two ten-pin bowling centres to choose from. With bumper lanes and ‘easy roll’ ball frames for the littlies, arcade and pinball games and other activities, there’s something to suit all ages. We checked out the facilities at Bazinga (now iPlay Toowoomba Bowl) and you can read our review here.

Location: Various in inner city Toowoomba

Websites: iPlay Toowoomba Bowl and Sunset Superbowl

Bubble soccer and indoor sports

Bubble Soccer is an addictive and hilarious game with a difference. It is all about smashing into each other, bouncing around, and rolling across the floor in an inflatable Zorb-like ball. It’s just one of the activities available at Toowoomba’s Indoor Sporting Arena along with cricket, volleyball, soccer, netball and dodgeball. Find out more here.

Location: 31 Spencer Street, Harristown

Website: Toowoomba Indoor Sports Centre

Check out all the Toowoomba indoor sports centres on offer here.

Good places to eat in Toowoomba with kids

Feeling peckish with all that activity, we’ve got you covered with some favourites that cater to the palates of kids.

The Chocolate Cottage and Café

Attention all chocoholics! Located in an 18th Century renovated school house, you’ll be in heaven tasting handmade chocolates whilst sipping on the finest tea the area has on offer. Soak up the sun outside or defrost by the cosy fire inside, either way, you’re in for a treat.

Further information here.

Location: 10475 New England Highway, Highfields

Website: The Chocolate Cottage and Café

Park House Café

Directly opposite Queens Park, Park House Café is a long-standing locals’ favourite that sources all of its produce fresh from farms in the Lockyer Valley and on the Darling Downs. With a significant kids menu for both breakfast and lunch, it’s a perfect place to relax or refuel if you’re busily undertaking activities on this list.

Location: 92 Margaret Street, Toowoomba

Website: Park House Café

Wilsonton Hotel

The Wilsonton’s family-friendly bistro has a dedicated menu for kids and a dedicated play area where the kids can have fun while the adults relax. The menu features typical pub classics along with seafood, steaks, pastas and salads, all sourced locally and sustainably.

Location: 40 Richmond Drive, Toowoomba

Website: Wilsonton Hotel

We checked out and rounded up the best kid friendly places to eat in Towooomba and wrote about it in our article.

Day trips from Toowoomba

The Toowoomba region has so much to offer. Why not make a day or even a weekend of it and head to some of the wonderful nature spots just a short drive from town, or seek out some of the special events held in the region each year. We’ve got a few suggestions of things to do near Tooowoomba below and you can check out our guide to camping grounds around Toowoomba as well.

Bunya Mountains

Things to do at the Bunya Mountains
Things to do at the Bunya Mountains

This is one of the most divine destinations we know for active families! Bunya Mountains National Park is Queensland’s second-oldest national park and protects the world’s largest remaining bunya pine rainforest. The park features panoramic mountain scenery and breathtaking views over the South Burnett region and southern plains. Read our review here. Before heading there, make sure to check their website for any track closures and park alerts.

If you plan to stay for a night or more, you can search for appropriate accommodation that will suit your needs here. Read our comprehensive review of the Bunya Mountains Accommodation Centre here!

Location: About 90 minutes drive north from Toowoomba

Website: Bunya Mountains

Coomba Falls

Coomba Falls is a waterfall located 2 km east of the small town of Maidenwell in the South Burnett Region of Queensland
Coomba Falls

Coomba Falls, at Maidenwell, is an exceptionally beautiful place, featuring a deep natural swimming hole and striking granite cliffs. The water is icy most of the year, so it’s the ideal site to cool down on a hot day. The falls are close to Bunya Mountains National Park so you could combine both destinations for a full day or weekend getaway.

More information and our video review here.

Location: 2km east of Maidenwell, about 90 minutes drive north from Toowoomba

Website: Coomba Falls

Ravensbourne National Park

Ravensbourne has two day-use areas with shelter sheds, picnic tables and interesting walks to explore the diverse plant and birdlife. You can take a 15-minute walk through the rainforest – with signboards explaining how it was used by Aboriginal travellers and timber-getters – or opt for one of the longer walks that take you to palm-filled creeks and eucalypt forests. There’s also a lookout with panoramic views over the range towards Brisbane, the Scenic Rim and the Lockyer Valley. Read more in our guide.

Location: About 1 hour’s drive north-east of Toowoomba

Website: Ravensbourne National Park

Lake Cressbrook

Less than an hour’s drive from Toowoomba, Lake Cressbrook offers a wide range of activities both on water and on land. Swimming is not allowed as the lake supplies drinking water to the Toowoomba region, but you can still enjoy boating, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, rowing and fishing. On land, there are lovely bushwalks, places to picnic and camping is also allowed.

Location: About 50 minutes drive north-east of Toowoomba

Website: Lake Cressbrook

Special events in Toowoomba

Here are some of the special events that are held in Toowoomba throughout the year.

Celebrating ANZAC Day in Toowoomba

We’ve compiled an alphabetical suburb-by-suburb list of local Toowoomba region ANZAC Day Toowoomba services and parades to help you find your closest one. Attending a parade or service with your family is a great way to honour the people who have served in our nation’s forces at home and across the seas.

Find out where ANZAC Day services and marches are in Toowoomba here.

Toowoomba Show

The Royal Toowoomba Show is a fantastic event held annually at the Royal Toowoomba Showgrounds. The first Toowoomba Show was in 1860! Back then, the show was mostly an agricultural event with the focus being on livestock judging, equestrian events, wood chopping, and more.

All these things still take place at the show but it now fosters more of a carnival feel, making it the perfect place to take the kids for entertainment.

Location: Toowoomba Showgrounds

Find out more about the Toowoomba show here.

Carnival of Flowers

Location: Various venues throughout Toowoomba.

Rounding out our top 50 things to do in Toowoomba is probably the city’s most famous event – the annual Carnival of Flowers. Held every September, as Spring brings warmer weather and colourful blooms to gardens and parks, the carnival has something for everyone. If you can time your visit to Toowoomba to attend the Carnival of Flowers, do so. You won’t regret it.

Further information about the Carnival of Flowers can be found here.

Christmas lights

Each year, Families Magazine puts together a list and map of the best Christmas lights displays on offer in Toowoomba. Use them to navigate your way around each suburb to fill your festive cup this year.

Find out where all the best Christmas lights are each December here.

And if you’re visiting at any other time of year, read our guide to events in Toowoomba to see what else might be happening. And if you are thinking about moving to Toowoomba, this is the article you need!

Photo of author

Janine Mergler

Janine Mergler is a veteran Queensland teacher, graduating from QUT with a BEd majoring in Social Sciences. After many years in the classroom, Janine moved on to academia. She has proudly trained new generations of teachers in her role as a lecturer at Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Education. She has also worked in the Queensland Government as an education specialist, developing education resources and delivering community awareness programs to help families conserve water. Currently she is the owner and editor of Families Magazine, a publication specifically targeted at parents who value a quality education for children.  Janine leads a team of professionals who write about family lifestyle, early childhood, schools and education information and family-friendly events.

3 thoughts on “50 Things to do in Toowoomba This Year for Families!”

  1. Please note that The Woolshed at Jondaryan has been closed since early 2020 and they have not given any timeframe forward as to when it will open again.
    I’m a Jondaryan resident and it is very frustrated to see the Jondaryan Woolshed advertised as a place to go.
    Regards
    Margaret Duff

    Reply

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