Get out and about in this beautiful region.
The scenery in the Darling Downs is so diverse, from the spectacular rainforests to manicured lawns of multiple parks and sparkling lakes. Whilst we have mentioned some of these delightful destinations below, there are plenty more places to explore!
Redwood Park
This massive 243-hectare park along Prince Henry Drive has advanced hiking trails with amazing views dotted along the way. Try the 90-minute Redwood Forest Walk which is a moderately challenging route, but well worth the effort.
Picnic Point Parklands
The Picnic Point Circuit on the side of the Range boasts beautiful views of the Lockyer Valley. The trail is not an easy walk but it’s well-trodden and signposted, making it difficult to get lost! Burning off those extra calories will make sampling the divine selection of food from the local café even more rewarding.
Ravensbourne National Park
Being a rainforest, Ravensbourne National Park always feels naturally cool. Follow the Buaraba Creek Track through parts of the rainforest and then a eucalypts forest, before putting your feet up and enjoying the running waters of Buaraba Creek. If you are feeling energetic, this track has plenty of shorter circuits for you to explore.
Table Top Mountain
Table Top Mountain is a special site to its traditional custodians and recognised in the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Register. It boasts 360˚ views of the surrounding region and so there will be no surprise that it is one of the best places to watch the sunrise. Table Top Mountain is a difficult walking trail, there are rocks to climb down and gravel to scramble up, but with views for as far as the eye can see, it is well worth it.
Lake Cressbrook, Crow’s Nest
Lake Cressbrook was created in the ‘80s as part of Toowoomba’s water supply. It’s very picturesque and great for a day trip with a picnic shelter, boat ramp and BBQ area. Or settle in and stay for a few days, with camping facilities and amenities available for the whole family.
Crow’s Nest National Park
You can choose between the Kauyoo Loop, with stunning outlooks over Ravensbourne rolling hills or the Koonin Lookout walk – although we should mention that the waterhole is currently closed, but it’s still a beautiful walk, with amazing views. If you are keen for a dip in the water, you can still access both the Kauyoo and Bottlebrush Pools.
Cranley Escarpment
This bushland reserve on the north-west outskirts of Toowoomba covers almost 45 hectares. There’s over 3,000m of walking trails providing ample opportunity to choose your own adventure with all the interconnected loops.
Jubilee Park
Located on Mount Lofty, this is one of Toowoomba’s biggest parks and has Queensland’s first downhill legal mountain bike track and a cross-country loop for mountain biking at the base of the park. So, as you can imagine, it is very popular with mountain bike riders, horse riders, runners, and hikers.
Lake Cooby
Lake Cooby provides the water supply for Toowoomba, but it’s also a picturesque picnic spot with picnic tables, BBQ facilities and a playground. Take a stroll around the Lake, enjoying the sounds of a rich population of bush birds, while watching the waterbirds frolicking within a protected environment. You might even be lucky enough to spot a koala, echidna, or wallaby.
Mount Peel Bushland Park
Close to the CBD of Toowoomba and just past the University of Southern Queensland, this large park consists of more than 4,000m of trails. For a short hiking option before breakfast, try the Ironbark Walking Circuit and then enjoy the culinary delights on offer at local cafes.
If you are looking for more information on natural excursions in our beautiful region, click through to our friends at Happy Hikers, who are the local experts.
If you decide to go on an exciting adventure in our beautiful City, make sure you let us know and share some stories and photos.
