Just 90 minutes west of Brisbane, and up over the range, is Toowoomba – a town that offers something for everyone in the family. From parks and gardens to kid-friendly museums and our four-legged friends who also need to take a walk, there is something for every member of the family in Toowoomba. So if you’re looking for a day trip that will keep the little kids, the teens and the dogs happy, then Toowoomba is the destination for you.
Start in the Gardens
Toowoomba earns its nickname honestly. Queen’s Park and the Botanic Gardens sprawl across 25 hectares of the eastern suburbs of Toowoomba. The park features mature trees, gardens, picnic areas, and a playground all within walking distance of one another. An off-leash dog park is also featured within the park, ensuring that parkgoers with dogs can also burn some energy with their pets.
Located just a short drive from town is Laurel Bank Park, another favorite spot in springtime during the Carnival of Flowers in Toowoomba.
Let Everyone Off the Leash
Toowoomba has some of the best off-leash parks in the region, with several dedicated areas for dogs to roam in most regional towns its size. Two parks feature fenced off-leash areas: Garnet Lehmann Park and Nielsen Park. For those with children who enjoy riding bicycles on the trails, Carly Hibberd Park in Kearneys Spring has both a fenced off-leash area as well as trails for biking on-leash for beginners.
For those seeking more scenic spots in Toowoomba, the Picnic Point Lookout offers views of the Lockyer Valley and features dog-friendly walking trails (on-leash) as well as several cafes, playgrounds, and spots to picnic lunch with the beloved dog at your side.
Feed the Ducks at Lake Annand
Another favourite spot in Toowoomba for the locals is Lake Annand Park in South Toowoomba. This park features both a duck feed area (ensure you use proper duck food from a pet store rather than bread) as well as a playground for the younger children in the area. This spot can easily be visited as a quick break between the other activities that you may be participating in.
A Quieter Stop: Ju Raku En Japanese Gardens
If the family — human and canine — needs a calmer moment, the Japanese Gardens at the University of Southern Queensland offer over 3km of pram-friendly paths winding through Japanese and Australian plantings, with birds, turtles and fish along the way. Dogs are welcome on a lead, but it’s asked that the resident wildlife not be fed.
Rainy Day Backup
Toowoomba’s weather can turn quickly, so it’s worth having an indoor option in your back pocket. The Cobb+Co Museum is a hands-on hit with kids, home to the National Carriage Collection, a science centre and interactive workshops — and it’s an easy way to fill a couple of hours if the skies open up.
Thinking About Adding a Furry Family Member?
For a lot of families, a day trip like this — parks, playgrounds, dogs bounding around off-leash areas — is exactly what sparks the conversation about getting a puppy of their own. Toowoomba and the surrounding Darling Downs region has a strong tradition of local breeders, and if a day out with the dog has you thinking it might be time to add one to your own family, Pets for Homes’ Toowoomba puppy listings is a good place to start browsing.
Planning Your Visit
Toowoomba is a great destination for a day trip with Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast or the Gold Coast but also worth a weekend if you plan to visit the zoo, the Empire Theatre or one of the cafés in the region. Pack the water bowls and poo bags for the dog, the sunscreen and snacks for the kids and you’ve got everything you need to keep the whole family – including pets – entertained for the day.