Toowoomba's parks and gardens

Location: The garden is accessible through the USQ campus and Regent St, Toowoomba.

The Toowoomba Japanese Garden is the largest, most complex and traditionally designed Japanese Garden in Australia. It was named Ju Raku En by the designer - roughly translated it means long life and happiness in a public garden.

The garden is a joint project of the University of Southern Queensland and the Toowoomba Regional Council and was opened in 1989. It was designed by Professor Kinsaku Nakane - renowned as the modern day master of Japanese garden design and famous for the restoration of many of Japan's old gardens and the design and construction of gardens in Japan and throughout the western world.

Toowoomba Japanese Garden website

Location: 43 - 73 Lindsay Street, East Toowoomba. Carpark entry off Lindsay Street. Street parking available on Margaret Street, Lindsay Street, Campbell Street and Godsall Street.

The meticulously tended Queens Park is home to Toowoomba's Botanical Gardens. Sitting adjacent to the CBD, the park features stunning floral beds, wide open spaces and tree-lined paths. Queens Park is transformed every December with lights for the Christmas Wonderland and is focal point for many of the events associated with the annual Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

More about Queens Park

Annual events in the park

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers website

Christmas Wonderland website

Location: 162-202 Tourist Road, Rangeville

Picnic Point lookout overlooks the Lockyer Valley and is a great location for a picnic lunch atop the Great Dividing Range. From here you can enjoy the extensive play areas and picnic facilities, explore the graded trail walks along the range escarpment, have a bite to eat at the Picnic Point Cafe or simply experience the breathtaking views.

More about Picnic Point

Location: 10 Waterbird Drive, Rangeville. Access from Mackenzie and Alderley Streets.

The Toowoomba bicentennial waterbird habitat is located in Rangeville. Sitting on about 7.5 ha, the diverse wetlands are carefully constructed to attract various waterbird species. A relaxing place to visit, with paths and seats located throughout the park.

The habitat is open daily from 6am to 6pm.

More about the Toowoomba bicentennial waterbird habitat

Location: 174 Taylor Street, Newtown

Newtown Park was initially laid out in a pattern intended to mirror the design of the Union Jack. Avenues of trees crossed the park from corner to corner, linking with trees planted around the perimeter. Today the essence of this original plan can still be seen.

The park is also home to the Queensland State Rose Garden with more than 1500 rose bushes. Rose lovers enjoy the gardens from early spring until late autumn when the blooms are at their peak. The beauty of the roses is complemented by attractive park furniture. Also, home to croquet lawns, cricket fields, a children's playground and picnic facilities.

More about Newtown Park

Location: 50 Hill Street, Toowoomba City

The exotic surrounds of the manicured Laurel Bank Park and the scented gardens close to the city centre showcase fragrant blooms, herbs and shrubs. The scented gardens were developed by ideas from the Downs Association of the Blind. Laurel Bank Park includes a playground, picnic area and croquet greens.

More about Laurel Bank Park