PICNIC POINT
by balhannah
Perched on the edge of the Great Dividing range is the Picnic Point Lookout and Restaurant / Cafe.
There is plenty of parking, don't worry if the main area is full like it was for us, as there is another parking area not far away with hardly had a car in it.
This area is always well maintained, has a large lawn area and plenty of shade from the Bunya pine trees. There is an excellent children's playground, bbq facilities and Toilets.
The view from the platform is far reaching views over the Lockyer valley and the nearby volcanic Table Top Mountain. If you're feeling energetic, you can walk to this Mountain, no, I haven't!
An unusual monument is of a little dog named " Puppy." He was the mascot of the Toowoomba Thistle Pipe Band.
Feeling hungry, then the Cafe maybe the place to enjoy a meal and the wonderful view.
After having a look here, we followed Tobruk Memorial Drive further down the Mountain. This led to another lookout, and plenty more picnic areas, and then returned to the top again.
JU RAKU EN JAPANESE GARDENS
by balhannah
About the best Japanese gardens I have ever seen are the ones at Toowoomba. They were opened 1989, and include 3kms of stroll paths in a Japanese landscape of many trimmed Azalea bushes. We have been here a few times, and every time enjoy strolling around. On one ocassion, a Wedding Party was here having their photo's taken, what a lovely setting for this!
About the gardens.................
The Central Lake represents the celestial sea from the Buddhist legend, and the northern edge of the lake is lined by a large pebble beach to remind viewers of a seascape.
Other parts of the lake edge are rocky and jagged just like the sea coast of Japan.
Approximately 2,500 full sun Azaleas are planted on the northern face of Azalea Hill as a representation of hillsides in Japan where Azaleas grow wild. The pruning of these shrubs will eventually provide a wave like massed green mat which will burst into vivid colour in Spring.
We were there in mid September, and they had passed their best, but still had colour, so come 2 - 3weeks earlier to see a brilliant display.
Other plantings include Cherry Trees, Japanese Maples, Azaleas, Camellias, Bamboo, Japanese Black Pine, Iris, Lotus Lilies and Moss. The red bridges, a waterfall, cascades, and some Duck's compliment this beautiful garden.
OPEN DAILY 7am till DUSK
ADMISSION IS FREE
Enquiries at the University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Phone number below.
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Japanese gardens Toowoomba
Floral arrangement
Laurel Bank gardens
Grand champion garden 2010
