Toowoomba Things to Do

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On walking inside St. Lukes and looking towards the Nave, I thought the many arches built in french gothic style, were beautiful. Altogether, there are 9 bays, with 9 arches.

The High Altar took my attention. It is beautifully carved, done by serveral women, if like me, I always think of men doing something like this.
The Agnus Dei is in the centre, flanked by the Crown of Thorns and the Crown of Glory, it really is magnificent.

Behind it is the Griffith window, a large central window which is a replica of a famous window in Chartres Cathedral in France, where it is known as "la Belle Verriere."

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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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When walking Ruthven Street, I came across the Art Gallery and Art Gallery park.
The park is only small, has some seating, and a lot of Aboriginal sculptures.

How it came about................
Some Landscape Architect's teamed up with an artist and ironworker who had obtained a group of unemployed aboriginal men as part of a small budget work training grant.
The fifteen young aboriginal men were taught ironmongery. They went to work and made a series of totems representing their individual dreams and visions, and now I could view them in the park.

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As far as I know, there is no walking tour guide for the CBD of Toowoomba.
I think it a pity, as Toowoomba has many handsome old buildings located along its wide streets.
I just walked around the city centre, viewing the different styles of architecture.

Some interesting buildings were the Old Post office at 136 Margaret Street which was designed in an Italianate style and had the clock tower added later.
Next door, was the beautiful Classic Revival Court house that was built in the 1870's. Both are built out of sandstone.
Just across the road, is the very different Strand Theatre which has a very distinctive semi-circular window and an unusual central balcony. [see separate tip]

The Town Hall is another beautiful building which also has a clock tower. It was built in 1900, and is the 3rd Town Hall! Located in Ruthven Street.

This is just a few of the many you will see on your Toowoomba CBD walk.

If you have a car, then follow the Brown little arrows on the tourist signs. This is a driving tourist drive around Toowoomba.
One takes you around Inner Toowoomba, and the second drive takes you around the outer area of Toowoomba. By doing this drive, you see most of the important sights.

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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.

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St. Luke's Church enters in the Carnival of Flower's each year.

For a gold coin donation, we were able to go inside the Church, and view the beautiful floral arrangements. They were stunning!

Outside, and there were potted plants for sale, and a food stall where a bbq was operating. Only $2 for a Sausage, onion & roll, can't beat that for price, and a Marquee to sit under and eat, especially good as the day was wet!

Excellent floral display!

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Located next to the Church, is the Church Hall which is registered with the National Trust of Queensland.
I have always admired the distinctive design of this 100 year old Hall. The roof-top ventilators topped with crosses are patented and which are said to be reminiscent of Byzantine onion cupolas.

We were able to go inside, as they were holding a spinning & weaving exhibition, for the Carnival of Flowers.

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Another beauiful Church in Toowoomba, this one built out of local bluestone!

This Anglican church we walked around and were surprised to find one side of the Church is not complete. There were reinforcing rods sticking out of the masonary. Between the two sections, the Church has corrugated iron as a wall.

Inside, and speaking to one of the Parishoner's, we were told that they are hoping to raise enough money to complete it in stonework matching the rest of the Church.
Inside, you would not know!
There is a little piece of "Belgium" in this Church, as the Crucifix on the altar was found in the ruins of the Albert Cathedral in Belgium!

It has been 150 years since worshipping began at this site, not all in the Church, but in a School room that was built to serve as a School during the week, and a place of worship on the weekends.