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Darling Heights - Japanese Garden

Address: 20 Regent Street, Darling Heights QLD 4350

The Toowoomba Japanese Garden 'Ju Raku En' - translated from Japanese to mean "enjoying peace and longevity in a public place" - is renowned for its stunning representation of traditional Japanese landscape design.

Developed and maintained by the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), with sections owned by both USQ and the Toowoomba Regional Council, the three hectare garden attracts in excess of 100,000 visitors annually. It features a central lake, three separate 'islands' and tree groves. 

Please note that feeding the wildlife is discouraged and dogs are only permitted in the garden when on a leash.

All enquiries regarding the garden can be directed to USQ via phone on 4631 2627 or via email FMhelpdesk@usq.edu.au. More information about the garden can be found on the USQ website.

+ - Opening hours Click to collapse

Open hours are from 6am (AEST) to dusk daily, with the entry gates locked around these times.

Lady in a red dress and a wide brimmed sun hat walking along a bamboo-lined path holding hands with a young girl in a white dress.

+ - Garden Click to collapse

The garden's central lake is home to ducks, turtles and fish and is crossed over by several vivid red traditional-style Japanese bridges, believed to ward off bad omens. The bridges extend to three ‘islands’ which showcase manicured gardens, ornate topiary plantings and other Japanese plants of interest. 

Lady wearing a red long dress and a wide brimmed sundress walking along a path with a young girl in a white dress. The young girl is doing a swirl. Lake in the background with red traditional style bridges crossing over.

Walking through the garden, visitors are treated to an array of visual delights including waterfalls, cherry blossom trees, bamboo avenues, a tea house, an azalea hill, a wisteria arbour and numerous conifer plantings. 

The garden features more than 230 species of Japanese and Australian native trees and plants.  

During Spring, this contemplative garden is awash with colour. 

Lady in a red dress and wide brimmed sun hat walking with a young girl wearing a white dress. A shaded leafy section of the park with water running over rocks.

+ - Facilities Click to collapse

The beautiful landscape makes the park a popular location for picnics, and for relaxing and unwinding. Walking paths, picnic facilities and seating are included for the convenience of park visitors. Toilet amenities are available in the adjoining Birch Court Park. 

Ample parking is available within the USQ grounds near the southern entry gate. View in Google Maps.  

Mum with four children and pram sitting on a picnic rug overlooking the water.

+ - Weddings Click to collapse

The stunning layout of the park makes it popular for weddings and wedding photography. For more information on how to book the park for a wedding ceremony please visit the USQ website.

japanesegardensshelterandgardens

Features

Playground
Picnic tables
Shelter
Gardens
Walking

Map

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