Top 5 Things To Do In Toowoomba With Kids

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure here.

There are plenty of fun things to do in Toowoomba with kids! Just over an hour’s drive from Brisbane in Queensland, the ‘Garden City’ of Toowoomba is a bustling regional city located up on the Great Dividing Range. With plenty of wide open spaces and historical attractions, it is the perfect day trip or long weekend destination for families. Here are our top 5 things to do in Toowoomba with the kids.

1. Experience Park Life

Toowoomba isn’t called ‘The Garden City’ for nothing, with over 150 parks and gardens to visit, play or picnic in! Our top picks for the kids are the serene Ju Raku En Japanese Garden, the sprawling Queens Park, the highly fragrant State Rose Garden in Newtown Park, the manicured Laurel Bank Park, and Picnic Point for it’s stunning views. If you plan to visit in Spring, be sure not to miss the annual Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers in September!

COST: Free!

2. Saddle up at the Cobb+Co Museum

Home to the National Carriage Collection, kids and adults alike can learn more about Australia’s colonial history through interactive displays and exhibits, or take part in heritage trade workshops. The Coach Stop play area allows kids to dress up, run a general store, or pretend to ride a life-like horse.

COST: Entry fees apply. Find more information at www.cobbandco.qm.qld.gov.au/

3. All Aboard at DownsSteam Tourist Railway and Museum

Originally established to preserve and restore the last steam locomotive built at the historic Toowoomba Foundry Company, DownsSteam now includes a museum, the Drayton Station and Workshop Precinct, the beautiful Dreamtime Journey Coach, and more.

COST: Entry by donation. Find more information at www.downssteam.com/

4. Discover Hidden Lane-ways and Street Art

Toowoomba is home to hidden lane-ways with cute little coffee shops, and a multitude of beautiful murals and street art, thanks to the First Coat International Art Festival.

COST: Free (unless you buy several coffees while exploring!). Find more information, plus a map with locations, at www.firstcoat.com.au/

5. Get Building At The Transport and Main Roads Heritage Centre

If your kids love cars and trucks, or building their own transport company (like my son!), then a visit to the only road building museum in Australia should be on your list.

COST: $2. Find more information at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/heritagecentre

Beyond Toowoomba and Surrounds

If you are keen to explore further beyond Toowoomba’s city limits, then you are in luck! The Southern Queensland Country region is perfect for family road trips, and home to stunning National Parks, quirky country towns, historic homesteads, and amazing food and wine experiences.

Tip: Pack a jacket or jumper, even during the warmer months. Toowoomba’s elevation means it is often quite cool at night!

Click here to check out pricing and availability of Toowoomba accommodation on Booking.com