Local Loves - Toowoomba: The perfect winter weekend
It's no secret that we love Toowoomba! It's an easy 90 minute drive from Brisbane and just under two hours to some of the best beaches in Australia, making it not only high on the livability scale but also a fabulous place to spend a few days. Read on for our top tips for this hidden gem of an inland city.
Stay
First things first, accomodation. Now, at certain times of the year you can certainly wing it and find a bed on arrival, however, there are certain days, weeks and even months when everything is booked out, like all of September, Grammar Downlands weekend, various midweek nights around the beginning and end of school terms and whenever a long lunch is planned (which is basically every other week). Therefore we advise booking a little ahead just to be safe.
Hotel affectionados are well catered for with chains Quest and Oaks both having a presence in Toowoomba as well as the recently refurbished Toowoomba icon The Burke and Wills and the gem that is Potters also rating highly. Those looking for a little more luxury are advised to check out Arbour Boutique Apartments or the the traditional BnB that is Vacy Hall. If an airbnb is more your style then head to Toowoomba Holiday Rentals for the best the city has to offer.
Eat
Once the tricky business of where to stay is sorted, its time to explore the culinary delights of the region. Toowoomba is surrounded by nearly every primary produce source so it is no suprise that food options are plentiful and amazing, so, to save time, I have broken them into meals and drinks.
Breakfast/Brunch: So. Many. Choices. We recommend The Bakers Duck (Campbell Street) or My Little Blueberry (Crows Nest) for incredible pastries and great coffee. You can eat in or grab and go to a nearby park, killing two birds with one stone. Those after something more substantial should head to Sweet Talk, Burrow Café, Impressions on Scott or Ground Up for some fabulous and unusual options. All spots mentioned offer lunch as well so feel free to sleep a little later, although their popularity means that you may need to wait a bit for a table during busier times.
Lunch/Dinner: Once again you are spoiled for choice so lets narrow things down a little. For pub fare, head to The Royal on Ruthven for a solid steak and a glorious beer garden. Newcomer, The Plate also has a great range of steaks as well as some other delicious options, plus some incredible cocktails and onsite brewery. Zev's is a fine dining hotspot and a hidden gem, while Gips is a local institution with delicious food in beautiful surrounds. For those looking for something more casual, the many eateries along Margaret street provide all manner of options but we recommend Sofra (Turkish) or La Pizziola (a Toowoomba icon). If you are inclined to drive a little further then a visit to Rosalie House or Myrtille at Crowsnest is almost essential, although we advise booking ahead to avoid disappointment.
Drinks: If you are just after coffee then Banter Coffee Kitchen is my daily go to. Its tiny and serves just coffee plus a pastry or two in an art filled space. Uva wine bar is our favourite for drinks with an incredible range of wine, not to mention a well stocked spirit collection and an ever changing small cocktail menu. The menu of bar snacks is also small but well considered. For pub sessions the best beer garden belongs to the Royal, but the best pub is possibly The Irish. It may not look like much from the outside but on the inside it is warm and cosy with a fabulous range of beers and spirits. You can also get great food and wine plus great champagne and the live music is always on point.
Do
Toowoomba is blessed with a range of beautiful parks. No matter the season, a walk or even a picnic in one of the many amazing parks is essential. Our favourites are Queen's Park, Laurel Bank Park and Peace Haven. If something a little more rigorous is more your speed then there is all manner of incredible bush walks just off the escarpment. Our favourites are the trails off Jubilee with all the important details found by clicking HERE. Those feeling more adventurous should head to Picnic Point and take on the mini mountain that is Tabletop. Allow about two hours in total here, including time to wander across the top and take in the views.
On the subject of walking, there are a number of self guided walking tours to be found Visit Toowoomba Region which is also home to a hive of additional information about the area. We have also heard whispers of bike tours via Bikeline so be sure to check that out as well. It is also vital to head on over to the Toowoomba Trails website for their bespoke tours with an architectural bent.