Sitting atop the Great Dividing Range is one of Australia’s largest and oldest inland cities. Toowoomba is affectionately known as ‘the garden city’ - but dig a little deeper to explore the cafes, tree-lined streets and colonial architecture of the regional town.

From lively pubs and restaurants to inner-city cafes and street murals that mark a growing arts and culture scene, there’s something to discover in the Southern Queensland country town of Toowoomba. Whether you’re visiting family, friends or planning to visit for one of the town’s main events, there’s a line of historical and outdoor activities waiting to be explored.

Nature lovers are best placed to visit in spring to see the annual Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. A floral parade, food and wine festival and concert series makes it one of the most colourful events of the year. Celebrate the region's farming culture at the Hampton Festival, featuring food events, live music and workshops in May. If art is more your taste, plan your trip to coincide with one of the performances at the historic art-deco Empire Theatre. Catch a play, ballet performance, music or comedy show.

There’s plenty on offer for a family-friendly break in Toowoomba.  Take your pick of events over the Easter weekend where the streets transform to a lively festival. Kids and adults alike will love the Darling Downs Zoo - a small but impressive attraction with lions, zebras, meerkats and monkeys located only 40 minutes south of town.

Broaden your trip to find an entire region dotted with national parks, waterfalls and country townships perfect to explore during your stay. See the eucalyptus forest in the Bunya Mountains National Park - or visit Main Range National Park and take the circuit walk to the foot of Queen Mary Falls. If vineyards and farm-to-plate dining are more your style, take the almost two-hour drive to the picturesque town of Stanthorpe which sits amidst the thriving Granite Belt Wine Region.