Art galleries and antiques

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Last Updated on Friday, 07 December 2012 21:51

Established in 1938, Toowoomba has the oldest public art gallery in regional Queensland. The gallery is the permanent home to the Lionel Lindsay Art Gallery and Library. Assembled by Toowoomba resident the late Mr William Bolton MBE, this collection features over 400 significant Australian art works by such artists as Lionel, Norman,  Percy, Daryl and Ruby Lindsay, Phillips Fox, McCubbin and more.

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Great Country Drives

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Last Updated on Friday, 07 December 2012 21:55

Enjoy one of our many scenic and relaxing drives in the region. Trip times do not include stopping and checking out all the attractions along the way. For convenience of maps below routes are illustrated starting and ending at the Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre.

Australia's Country Way

Australia's Country Way guides you to the delights and treasures that pepper the countryside of the Great Dividing Range. From Sydney to Central Queensland the holiday is as much about savouring the journey as reaching a destination.

Check out all the attractions along the way from australiascountryway.com.au or view the Google map for our region only (both links open in new windows).

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Cobb+Co Museum

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Last Updated on Friday, 07 December 2012 21:51

The world-class Cobb+Co Museum features an outstanding collection of horse-drawn vehicles housed in the Museum's National Carriage Gallery. Additional galleries showcase the natural and cultural highlights of Toowoomba and the Darling Downs, as well as a range of travelling exhibitions which are regularly updated.

In 2010, Cobb+Co Museum underwent an $8 million refurbishment which included the construction of the 'Factory'. This space hosts regular demonstrations of heritage trades including blacksmithing, silversmithing, stonemasonry, millinery, leathercraft, felting, glass art, calligraphy, leather-plaiting and creative bookmaking. The Museum's resident artisans also conduct regular one and two day workshops in heritage trades.

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Empire Theatre

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Last Updated on Friday, 07 December 2012 21:51

Toowoomba's Empire Theatre, dating back to 1933 is a premier heritage listed art-deco venue, offering a wide variety of performing arts for every taste.

The Empire Theatre is Australia's largest regional performing arts complex and stages world class shows from leading national and international performers as well as showcasing a wealth of local talent.

Whether it's a popular musical, ballet, comedy or live performance, the lavish art-deco styling of the venue combined with state of the art technology makes for a memorable experience.

Toowoomba Regional Council is proud to support the Empire Theatre through significant community grants.

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Milne Bay Military Museum

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Last Updated on Friday, 07 December 2012 21:51

The Milne Bay Military Museum, housed in a former drill hall built before World War 1, exhibits the history of the Australian Armed Forces.

More information about the museum can be found on their www.milnebaymilitarymuseum.com website (opens in new window).

Tombstone trails

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Last Updated on Friday, 07 December 2012 21:51

The state heritage listed Drayton and Toowoomba Cemetery established in the 19th Century, is the final resting place of many of Toowoomba's most prominent citizens and many of the original custodians of the area.

Explore the rich and fascinating history of Toowoomba's early pioneers with a unique tombstone trail - a self-guided walk through the gravesites.

Discover the meaning of certain headstones and gain personal insight in the richness of the lives of Toowoomba's early residents.

Toowoomba City buildings

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Last Updated on Friday, 07 December 2012 21:51

Toowoomba's wealthy beginnings can be seen in the Toowoomba City Hall, the National Trust owned Royal Bull's Head Inn and many other examples in the heritage- listed Russell Street. Immediately to the east of the CBD is the Caledonian Estate, areas of early 20th century housing, ranging from humble workers' cottages to large stately homes, in the classic wooden Queenslander style. Visitors can still sip railway tea in the authentic refreshment rooms at the grand Victorian railway station in Railway Street.

Transport and Main Roads Heritage Centre

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Last Updated on Friday, 07 December 2012 21:53

Toowoomba's hidden gem. Located on Mutze Street opposite Toowoomba's airport terminal, the Transport and Main Roads Heritage Centre engages visitors with exciting exhibitions that provide a fascinating insight into the department's contributions to the economic, social and rural development of Queensland.

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Japanese garden: Ju Raku En

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Last Updated on Friday, 07 December 2012 21:51

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.

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Laurel Bank Park

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Last Updated on Friday, 07 December 2012 21:51

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 area includes a playground, picnic area and croquet greens.

Newtown Park

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Last Updated on Friday, 07 December 2012 21:51

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, and is being paid due regard in the ongoing task of enhancing the park.

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Picnic Point

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Last Updated on Friday, 07 December 2012 21:51

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 explore graded walks along the range escarpment. Escarpment bushwalks brochures are available from the Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre.

Queens Park

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Last Updated on Friday, 07 December 2012 21:51

The meticulously tended Queens Park is home to the Botanical Gardens. Adjacent to the CBD the park features stunning floral beds, wide open spaces and tree-lined paths. Queens Park transforms into a stage for the annual Shakespeare in the Park Festival, with live performances under the stars, as well as the three-day Easterfest event. It is a focal point for many of the events associated with the annual Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. 

For more information on...

• Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers - www.tcof.com.au (opens in new window).
• Shakespeare in the Park Festival - www.usq.edu.au/shakespeare (opens in new window). 
• Easterfest - www.easterfest.com.au(opens in new window).

Toowoomba Waterbird Habitat

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Last Updated on Friday, 07 December 2012 21:51

Toowoomba Bicentennial Waterbird Habitat includes diverse wetlands carefully constructed to attract various water birds species, and is a relaxing place to visit. There's also a New Zealand-themed park at Lake Annand.