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Just a short drive from the city's CBD, the State heritage-listed Picnic Point Parklands provide breathtaking panoramic views eastward to Table Top Mountain and the Lockyer Valley. At night, the glow of Brisbane city lights can be seen from the iconic Picnic Point Lookout, perched high on the crest of the Great Dividing Range.
When entering the parklands, visitors are greeted by an avenue of mature hoop pine (Auracaria cunnninghamii) and South Queensland kauri pine (Agathis robusta) that leads to the manicured lawns and gardens of Picnic Point Square (also known as Flagpole Island). A short distance away, the sights and sounds of a magnificent waterfall, constructed using the natural fall of the land, captures attention. Surrounded by lush foliage and a feature gazebo, the waterfall area is a popular wedding ceremony destination.
For adventurous visitors, there is a series of walking trails along the escarpment that offer a variety of interesting places and lookout points to explore.
The Picnic Point Parklands is located in the Toowoomba suburb of Rangeville on the eastern range escarpment.
Parking is available in a number of locations throughout the Parklands:
View in Google Maps.
Download PDF map of the Parklands.
Best for: Bushwalking
Classification: Grade 3
Distance: 2,120m one way with a 160m drop in altitude from Lions Park
Walking time: 45 minutes one way - downhill. Be aware that the walk back is uphill.
Description: The walk starts with a 160m drop in altitude from Lions Park and meanders down 2km through the escarpment vegetation, taking in views to the north and east across the Lockyer Valley and Table Top Mountain. Echidnas, legless lizards and small birds of prey can be seen. This walk finishes at the Bridle Trail. Be aware that the walk back is uphill.
Distance: 1,850m one way
Walking time: 45 minutes
Description: Pardalote Walk starts at Lions Park and passes by Bill Goulds Lookout and the waterfall before travelling along the edge of the escarpment through open eucalypt forest. The walk offers some spectacular views of the Lockyer Valley and Table Top Mountain and can also be accessed from Picnic Point Park or Tobruk Drive Park. This walk finishes at the end of South Street, 450m from the intersection with Fantail Walk.
Distance: 900m one way
Walking time: 35 minutes one way - downhill. Be aware that the walk back is uphill.
Description: This walk has a partial bitumen surface with stairs. With an 80m drop in altitude from Tobruk memorial Park, the walk explores the open forest on the south-eastern edge of Picnic Point. As a result, avid bird watchers will delight in the diversity of species along this walk. Fantail Walk connects the Picnic Point Bridle Trail with the Pardolote Walk. Be aware that the walk back is uphill.
Best for: Bushwalking, mountain biking and horse riding
Classification: Grade 3, mountain biking (Easy), horse riding (Class 1 - Easy)
Distance: 1,560m one way
Walking time: 20 minutes
Description: The Bridle Trail extends from South Street to Stevenson Street. Walkers can access the Bridle Trail from Picnic Point Park by descending along either the Firetail Walk, the Fantail Walk, directly from Stevenson Street or from South Street.
Distance: 6,430m return
Walking time: I hour 40 minutes
Description: This walk is not for the faint-hearted. It combines the Firetail Walk, Pardalote Walk, Picnic Point Bridle Trail and Fantail Walk to provide a walking loop for those looking for an extra challenge of steepness. The rewards for those who take it on are dramatic scenic views. Keep in mind that when walking in either direction, you will descend and ascend with, approximately, a 160m change in altitude.
Picnic Point Parklands walking trails map
There are three designated lookout areas located within the Parklands.
Inspired by the area's Indigenous heritage, this lookout and the surrounding landscaped area and accessible pathways provide spectacular views of Table Top Mountain and the Lockyer Valley.
Learn about the historical significance of Table Top Mountain and the Picnic Point area and the Battle of One Tree Hill - one of the last major battles between traditional owners and European settlers in 1843.
You'll find the lookout at the end of Tobruk Memorial Drive. Car parking is available at various spots along Tobruk Memorial Drive with designated disability parks located directly adjacent to the lookout. The lookout is also accessible on foot from the top of Picnic Point via the Pardalote Walk trail.
Located at the highest point of Picnic Point Parklands near the cafe/restaurant area, this lookout area features a long, curved retaining wall that acts as a promenade for visitors to soak in the spectacular distant views and snap some sensational photos. A directional plaque housed on a stone plinth, a paved area, manicured lawns and gardens also forms part of the parkland environs.
This viewing platform provides uninterrupted views over the range towards the Lockyer Valley. Located near the waterfall between the Firetail Walk and Pardalote Walk trails.
Address: 2c Rowbotham Street, Rangeville QLD 4350
Central to the parklands, Picnic Point Square features the Q150 flag pole, a gazebo, an extensive children's play area - situated under the cover of large trees, and numerous picnic facilities. Amenities are conveniently located at Heller Street Park (opposite Picnic Point Square).
In springtime, the area is awash with colourful flowers and reverberates with the musical sounds of Council's Summer Tunes program and other community events.
Address: 2-4 Heller Street, Rangeville QLD 4350
Tobruk Drive Park is a natural, bushland area adjacent to Picnic Point Park. It's a popular tourist drive and close to a number of walking tracks, barbecue and picnic areas with scenic lookouts.
Address: 162-164 Tourist Road, Rangeville QLD 4350
Lions Park is located north of Tourist Road and is considered part of Picnic Point Parklands. It has a mix of play equipment for children and young people including a practice tennis wall and exciting climbing structures including a giant octopus! The rocket ship is nowadays only for display and not for play. Happy Harry Train Rides for young children run during the warmer months from midday to 3pm each Sunday (weather permitting). Participants can provide a gold coin donation for this service which goes to the Lions Club.
Also accessible from this area is an attractive garden setting with a waterfall and circular gazebo (see Waterfall and gardens section). Close by, The Bill Goulds lookout provides stunning views over the valley. The lookout's namesake Bill Goulds was Toowoomba West Lions Club Lions Club president, and later deputy district governor, in the 1960s. A plaque installed in his honour reads: "Dedicated to his service to Lionsism and his establishment of this park. A project of Lions Club of Tmba West Inc. Opened 1/6/91".
Along with shaded picnic facilities, barbecues, picnic tables and a shelter, this park also provides access to some attractive walks through the Picnic Point Bushland Reserve.
Address: Rowbotham Street, Rangeville QLD, 4350 (the playground and barbecue areas are located on the Heller street side of the park.)
Heller Street Park is a popular location for families and birthday parties. With many features including off-street car parking, gas barbecues, large gazebos, picnic tables, toilet amenities, some lighting, and a range of varied play opportunities for children, the park hosts a great fun day out for all ages. Additionally, plenty of open space allows for kick-about activities. There's also a Scout hall located right next door.
Another popular area of Picnic Point Parklands is the tranquil waterfall area. The waterfall was constructed in 1965 from the former quarry platform site and lookout which provided panoramic views of the valley. Since then, mass plantings of trees and shrubs have created a rainforest-type experience for visitors with large stepping stones at the base of the waterfall creating a peaceful pond area.
An enclosed lawn area rolls out to the west of the waterfall and, along with a decorative gazebo at its centre, creates a popular space for intimate wedding ceremonies. Please see our Booking parks section for more information on how to book the waterfall and garden area for a wedding ceremony.
Another popular visitor activity is to picnic in this location and then set off on a scenic bushwalk to the upper lookout area.
Picnic Point Parklands are one of Toowoomba's oldest public recreation areas. Its origins can be traced back to 1885 when the 38-acre reserve (R379) was declared for recreation purposes for the growing town. As the Toowoomba township grew there was growing interest to preserve the area for public use to be held in public trust by the Toowoomba Municipal Council. The first addition to the reserve was made in 1902 with the Toowoomba City Council purchasing six acres, with further expansions and reservations made over the following decades.
During the reserve's history there were grazing and quarrying leases on the land, with the last of these ending in 1959. The reserve had also been used for camping from as early as 1919 with a boy scout troop holding an Easter camp there. As was common during the great depression of the 1930s, facilities at Picnic Point were updated using relief labour. During the war years, the Australian Army moved into the parklands and took over the kiosk. They left the grounds in 1942 and returned them to public use namely for camping purposes and Sunday School outings.
Throughout its history, the parklands have been a popular public recreation and scenic location for the Toowoomba Region and continue to form part of Toowoomba's identity as a destination bestowed with beautiful natural landscapes, parks and gardens.
