Toowoomba is emerging as the go-to destination for Brisbanites keen to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, reconnect with nature and enjoy a country getaway. Just 90 minutes from Brisbane, discover the hidden secrets and laneways of Toowoomba
Heading up the range, you begin to relax, slow down and breathe deeply, ready to immerse yourself in the delights of the country. And there are so many delights to enjoy! On our recent visit, we discovered Toowoomba is a low-key hipster haven; a town filled with cool cafes, impressive street art and culture.
Stay
Potters Boutique Hotel
Toowoomba's newly opened boutique hotel oozes country hospitality with modern, contemporary style and relaxed luxury. Located in the CBD near Grand Central Shopping Centre (they even have H&M) and walking distance to the boutiques, shops and cafes on Ruthven Street, it's a great base to explore all Toowoomba has to offer. Spacious, well-appointed rooms boasting cloud like beds and king size pillows seal the deal.
Play
Felton Food Festival
Love food & wine? Then make Felton Food Festival a must-visit on your annual foodie calendar. The event is held annually in March, designed as a way to authentically experience country life and meet the makers, growers and farmers in an epic one-day festival. The festival kicks off with a Twilight Dinner, this year hosted by celebrity chef Alastair McLeod and Costa Georgiadis, followed by a day featuring plenty of cooking demonstrations, market stalls and entertainment to enjoy and soak up the warm country hospitality. This family friendly festival has free entry or voluntary donation to support the local community. No doubt the festival will continue to grow from strength to strength.
Street Art – First Coat Festival
It's impossible to miss the incredible street art splashed across the buildings and laneways of Toowoomba. They're the work of First Coat Festival, an annual showcase of contemporary art transforming public spaces and engaging the community. Download the app and explore the town and its 50+murals. Don't miss First Coat Festival on 19-21 May 2017 for the unveiling of the newest works.
Cobb & Co Museum
Those that appreciate a bit of history will love the Cobb & Co Museum. Cobb & Co Museum is home to the National Carriage Collection and focuses on horse-drawn vehicle and heritage trades. But there's more to the Museum than its namesake, with an aboriginal gallery, hands on workshops, touring exhibitions and a café, it's a great choice for families with young kids.
Toowoomba Farmers' Market
Held every Saturday from 7am-11am in its new home of the Walton Stores, Toowoomba Farmers' Market is a market that advocates for the farm, the grower, the producer and the artisan whilst promoting education and awareness. Bringing together more than 60 stallholders selling everything from preserves, fruit, veg, wines, bakery items, meats and artisan goods.
Eat
The Finch Cafe
The Finch Café resides in a grand heritage building on the main street featuring high ceilings, timber floors, banquette seating and a eye catching finch mural on the café's rear wall, keeping a watchful eye over its patrons. We feasted on Toowoomba's best Banh Mi rolls, sweet potato fries and pork tacos for lunch and would head back for more in a heartbeat. Also serving excellent Fonzie Abbott Espresso to keep you caffeinated.
Ground Up Espresso
Hidden down a colourful laneway emblazoned with street art you'll find a café serious about its coffee. Serving arguably the best coffee in Toowoomba, the friendly and talented baristas use premium Toby's Estate beans for the perfect brew. For brunch, expect to see menu items such as Eggs Benedict and medley of fresh tomatoes on sourdough.
Red Bench Cafe
Toowoomba isn't short on good coffee and Red Bench Café serves Single Origin coffee and old fashioned baked goods, baked fresh on site. Owner and head barista Matt Skelton honed his skills working Melbourne's café scene before returning to his hometown. You'll spot the little red bench outside at the corner of Margaret and Mary Streets.
Drink
Preston Peak Winery
Take a detour up the mountain to Preston Peak Winery and be rewarded with stunning vistas and an exceptional range of cool-climate wines. The picturesque winery dazzles as a wedding venue (hello brides) and makes for a very pleasant afternoon sipping wines and indulging in a gourmet cheese platter. Bliss.
Muller Bros
Head to Toowoomba's first open air rooftop bar for sunset drinks, after hours ales or Saturday Night Lights – live music under the stars each week. On our visit, the packed rooftop was pumping out the urban tunes of XY Latu (https://www.facebook.com/xy.latu/) with the crowd dancing under the moonlit sky on a magical warm Autumn night into the wee hours.
Have you been to Toowoomba recently? What hidden gems did you discover?
The writer was a guest of Felton Food Festival. Image credit: Sally Scott - alluxia
