Attractions & Events

Local Toowoomba Attractions and Events

The Toowoomba and Darling Downs region is just 90 minutes from Brisbane on the edge of the Great Dividing Range, 700 metres above sea level. The location lends itself to cool winters, leafy autumns and clear warm summer days. Toowoomba has more than 150 public parks and gardens to explore, a fast-growing food and wine culture, a vibrant arts and entertainment community and a historic heritage to get lost in. Recommended sights to see are outlined below.

Some of the following images are courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland, Queensland Blog and their photographers

 

  • Local Attraction - Queens Park

    Local Attraction - Queens Park

    Queen’s Park is well known as the home of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers with its beautiful sprawling parklands and gardens. The Jolly Swagman is just a short one kilometre walk away from the park which makes it the perfect base for your stay in Toowoomba.


  • Local Attraction - Empire Theatre

    Local Attraction - Empire Theatre

    The Empire Theatre is a heritage-listed venue with a wide range of performing arts. It is the largest performing arts precinct in regional Australia and is renowned for its classic art deco architecture and is only 1.3km away.


  • Local Attraction - Cobb & Co Museum

    Local Attraction - Cobb & Co Museum

    The Cobb & Co Museum is part of the Queensland Museum and is home to the National Carraige Collection. They offer many hands on programs including blacksmithing, silversmithing, leadlighting and leatherwork and are located less than two kilometres from the Jolly Swagman Accommodation Park. Open from 10am – 4pm daily.


  • Local Attraction - Picnic Point

    Local Attraction - Picnic Point

    Sitting at 700 metres above sea level, Picnic Point offers panoramic views of the Great Dividing Range that can’t be missed! The lookout is surrounded by 160 acres of heritage listed parkland and features a beautiful café and restaurant, open 7 days a week.


  • Local Attraction - Grand Central

    Local Attraction - Grand Central

    Grand Central Shopping Centre is one of the largest shopping centres in the Darling Downs and offers over 70 fashion stores, 140 specialty stores, a cinema and a 550 seat food court. Located only 7 minutes drive away from the Jolly Swagman Accommodation Park.


  • Local Attraction - Table Top Mountain

    Local Attraction - Table Top Mountain

    Tabletop Mountain, located 6km from our Park offers sweeping views of the Lockyer Valley. The climb itself can be steep in parts so it can be quite demanding for some, but the reward from the top is definitely worth it!


  • Local Attraction - Ju Rake En Japanese Gardens

    Local Attraction - Ju Rake En Japanese Gardens

    Just a short drive away from the Jolly Swagman is four and a half hectares of lush and tranquil Japanese Gardens. Located at the University of Southern Queensland, the gardens are open from 6am until dusk and offer guests a beautiful place to relax and unwind.


  • Local Attraction - Highfields Pioneer Village

    Local Attraction - Highfields Pioneer Village

    The Highfields Pioneer Historical Village is located in Highfields, just on the edge of Toowoomba and a short drive away. It has a rare and unusual collection of vintage machinery, most of which has been restored to working order. The Village features a full operational Blacksmith Shop, a Heritage Chapel and an original Toowoomba 1928 Dennis Fire Engine.

    The Easter Vintage Festival is particularly spectacular, where you can see all the vintage machines in action.


  • Regional Attraction - Spring Bluff

    Regional Attraction - Spring Bluff

    A beautiful valley just down the range, Spring Bluff is particularly famous for its picturesque railway station. A wonderful day trip, the gardens in Summer cannot be missed.

    During Toowoomba’s Carnival of Flowers, steam trains operate twice daily to and from Toowoomba.


  • Regional Attraction - Cuckoo Clock Centre, Cabarlah

    Regional Attraction - Cuckoo Clock Centre, Cabarlah

    Located between Toowoomba and Crows Nest, Cabarlah is home to the Black Forest Hill Cuckoo Clock Centre. Here you will find thousands of different cuckoo clocks and almost 100 German grandfather clocks.

    The Cabarlah Country Markets are also well worth a visit and attract many visitors on the fourth Sunday of each month or the second Sunday in December.


  • Regional Attraction - Cambooya

    Regional Attraction - Cambooya

    Just over 20km South-West of Toowoomba, Cambooya is a little town steeped in history. Visit the beautiful gardens at Harrow Homestead or have a meal at the iconic Bull and Barley Inn.


  • Regional Attraction - Australian Army Flying Museum, Oakey

    Regional Attraction - Australian Army Flying Museum, Oakey

    A great piece of history, the Australian Army Flying Museum is located 25 minutes from Toowoomba in the town of Oakey. Here you will find a vast collection of Aircraft and related memorabilia from all eras of Australian Military Flying. Visit their website to book a tour.


  • Regional Attraction - Crows Nest National Park

    Regional Attraction - Crows Nest National Park

    Just under an hour’s drive from Toowoomba, Crows Nest is famous for its National Park and Crows Nest Falls. Perfect for bushwalking, birdwatching or a picnic lunch.


  • Clifton

    Clifton

    Less than 45 minutes away is the beautiful town of Clifton. Dating back to 1875, the town is steeped in history and even has its own Historical Museum. Make sure you visit during December – February to witness the beautiful sunflowers.


  • Regional Attraction - Jondaryan Woolshed

    Regional Attraction - Jondaryan Woolshed

    The Jondaryan Woolshed is a heritage-listed Woolshed and is the oldest and largest operating Woolshed of its kind in the world with over 150 years of history. Located outside of Toowoomba, the Jondaryan Woolshed is less than 45 minutes drive from The Jolly Swagman.


  • Regional Attraction - Darling Downs Zoo

    Regional Attraction - Darling Downs Zoo

    Less than 40 minutes drive away, the Darling Downs Zoo is a wonderful day out for the whole family! Split into four areas, the Zoo showcases animals from South America, Africa, South-East Asia and of course, Australia. Open everyday from 9am.


  • Regional Attraction - Glengallen Homestead

    Regional Attraction - Glengallen Homestead

    Just under an hour away from The Jolly Swagman is the heritage-listed Glengallen Homestead. Originally built in 1867, the homestead is now open to the public to experience the magnificent property of a bygone era.


  • Local Event - Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

    Local Event - Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

    Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers showcases the very best of The Garden City. Held every year, the 10 day festival during September sees Toowoomba flourish with flowers, fun and food. The Jolly Swagman Accomodation Park is located in the centre of town, so is the perfect place to base yourself whilst you take in all Toowoomba has to offer.


  • Local Event - Weetwood Races

    Local Event - Weetwood Races

    The Weetwood Handicap is a historical event that has been in Toowoomba for over 100 years. Based at Clifford Park Racecourse, the Jolly Swagman Accomodation Park is less than 10 minutes drive away.


  • Local Event - Speedway

    Local Event - Speedway

    Located only 20 minutes from the Jolly Swagman, Toowoomba Speedway hosts regular race meets with a wide variety of cars and entertainment to suit all ages. Visit their website for more information on upcoming events and track meets.


  • Local Event - FarmFest

    Local Event - FarmFest

    FarmFest is Queensland’s premiere agricultural field festival with more than 2,500 companies and organisations on show. Located less than a half an hour drive away, the Jolly Swagman Accommodation Park is perfect for your stay whilst visiting FarmFest in Toowoomba.