BIG4 Toowoomba Holiday Park

Cooking at the park is easy, with a well-equipped Camp Kitchen, BBQ areas set amongst the gardens, and cabins fitted with their own kitchen facilities. Whether you’re after a quick breakfast or a relaxed dinner under the stars, it’s all set up for self-catering.

If you’d rather head out, Ground Up Cafe is less than 10 minutes away and a must for coffee lovers. Tucked down a laneway off Ruthven Street, it’s one of Toowoomba’s best specialty roasters. The focus is squarely on excellent coffee, but the breakfast menu is also tempting - eggs benedict, smashed avo and granola bowls.

For a casual lunch, The Baker’s Duck is a local institution. Their sourdough and pastries sell out daily, so it pays to get in early. We’re big fans of the almond croissant, while a ham and cheese toastie with a single-origin brew always hits the spot. Grab a loaf of olive and rosemary sourdough to take back to the park — it won’t last long.

Our go-to spot in town for somewhere a little fancier is The Rock. This contemporary gastro pub in the city centre is known for its seasonal specials built around local produce. They’re exceptionally amenable to those with special dietary needs (e.g. vegetarian and gluten-free). Yes - there is even a gluten-free Parmigiana. Chargrilled steaks, fresh seafood and a solid Australian wine list round out the menu. It’s a favourite of ours for a night out in Toowoomba.

We started our trip with a night out at the Empire Theatre, Toowoomba’s showpiece cultural venue and one of the largest regional theatres in Australia. This heritage-listed Art Deco building is as impressive inside as out, and the program ranges from ballet and opera through to live music and stand-up comedy. If you’re interested in its history, guided tours of the auditorium are also available.

The next day, we wandered through the serene Ju Raku En Japanese Garden at UniSQ. Spread over 4.5 hectares, it’s one of the biggest authentic Japanese stroll gardens in the country. Follow winding paths past bamboo groves, a central lake and a traditional tea house — it’s a beautifully calming way to spend an afternoon.

No visit to Toowoomba is complete without a walk in Queens Park and Botanic Gardens. The seasonal flower beds here are spectacular, especially during spring, and the mature trees provide shady trails that locals use year-round. It’s the city’s horticultural heart and a lovely place to take things slow.

Finally, give yourself time to explore Toowoomba’s laneways and backstreets for its renowned Street Art trail. The First Coat Festival may have wrapped up years ago, but its legacy lives on in colourful murals across town. Today, First Coat Studios keeps adding to what has become one of the largest open-air galleries in Australia.

The park is one of the closest to the action during September’s Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. It books out well in advance, so secure your spot early if that’s your plan.