Queens Park's extensive grounds add a water refill station to their features.
It's over one kilometre of level concrete path, beginning at
East Creek Park on Margaret St and brings you to Lake Annand Park. Under the weeping willows lies an
outdoor gym. Fitness equipment along your walk or jog includes a treadmill, chin-ups and sit-ups. It's a very popular, tree-lined morning walk beside the creek. Continuing through
Lake Annand Park, you can enjoy the Japanese bridge and fountain and if you're in the mood, you can do a spot of rock climbing in the playground. There's a drinking fountain near the cul-de-sac.
Address: Kitchener St, South Toowoomba
Kearneys Spring Historical Park
West Creek Park, a grassy hillside, joins
Kearneys Spring Historical Park. The concrete paths are among native trees and eucalypts. Springwater creates a beautiful man-made lake, attracting waterbirds. The West Creek corridor also features a boardwalk, gazebos and quiet spots to stop and take in the natural beauty of the park. There are several varieties of flying foxes living in the park. Another point of interest is the Toowoomba Live Steamers Miniature Railway; a family-friendly recreation. There is a drinking fountain and shelter.
Address: Between Spring & Stenner Sts, Kearneys Spring
Kearneys Spring Historical Park.
Situated in Darling Heights, the
Japanese Gardens are three hectares of traditionally designed gardens called Ju Raku En - to enjoy peace and longevity in a public place. The outer circuit is approximately 500 metres of gravel surface, while the meandering paths within offer beautiful scenery. Japanese bridges, streams, a lake and stunning bonsai. Accessible from the University of Southern Queensland or Regent St as well as the adjacent council park and side streets. Gates are opened in the early morning.
Address: Regent St, Darling Heights
Queens Park and Botanic Gardens
Fresh and green in the mornings,
Queens Park is alive with birds and feeding galahs. Twenty five hectares under mature evergreens, grass or concrete paths. There's a designated off-leash area if you're walking the dog. At the top of Queens Park, there is a water refill station. Choose from steep inclines into the park or a more level run on into the Botanic Gardens, one of the top three most beautiful places in Toowoomba. Lovely all year 'round, your morning jog can take you up the aisle of roses, by the garden beds, into the parterre garden, by the fountain or a more secluded corner.
Address: 43 Lindsay St, East Toowoomba
Boyce Gardens
Not a long walk,
Boyce Gardens' track has a non-slip coating. There is an incline at each end of the path. Expansive grassed area on the hillsides of the six hectares. At the Range St entrance, view the private garden of the Boyce's, gifted in trust to the University of Queensland. There remains a portion of indigenous rainforest on the northeast side, plus exotic trees. The forest canopy is thirty metres of natural ecology. Best parking from 26 Jellicoe St.
Address: 6 Range St, Mt Lofty.
Boyce Gardens from the Jellicoe Street entrance.
An inviting bush and trail walk,
Jubilee Park is favoured by those who want to take their fitness to the next level. Twenty five kilometres of walking and bike trails surrounded by lush bushland. Bike trails range in difficulty from easy to hard and are cross-country loops. Clear signage outlines the tracks available at the trailheads. Enjoy scenic views overlooking the park and Great Dividing Range. Parking is on a rough surface.
NB: The Fire Trail is closed from the Four-Ways to Amos Street until mid-March. For more information, contact Mitchell on 0400 060 980.
Address: Bridge St, Mt Lofty
Take your fitness to the next level in Jubilee Park.
With a bike trail, the
Black Gully Reserve is a steady hill climb on concrete path. It is a network of parks which include the Captain Cook Recreational Reserve, dog off-leash areas, open grassed expanses and a family space with playground. Access points include Clearview Street Park, Holberton Street and Oakleigh Drive.
Address: 69 Holberton St, Newtown
Laurel Bank Park
Flourishing roses to stop and smell along your walk,
Laurel Bank Park's gardens are strikingly beautiful in the spring and summer and the scented gardens are lovely all year. Gentle inclines, concrete paths, grassed areas, birdlife and a lotus-filled water feature. For a change of pace, go barefoot in the grass around the rose beds.
Address: Hill St, Toowoomba City
Picnic Point
With stunning views of the Lockyer Valley and Tabletop Mountain, there are several walks of varying difficulty. Returning up the steep incline takes your exercise past a rainforest. Upgraded lookout facilities along the loop. There's a large playground for families who exercise together. Either a leisurely stroll by the waterfall or a brisk run by bushland,
Picnic Point is an excellent way to get charged up for the day ahead.
Address: 202 Tourist Rd, Rangeville
Upgraded lookout facilities dot your walk at Picnic Point.
Popular with dog-walkers, the
Toowoomba and Drayton Cemetery is a quiet walk. There are plentiful mature trees, attractive headstones and interesting gravesites and of course, flowers. You may even spot a hare. The prettiest part of the cemetery is the water feature and rotunda in the Roman Catholic section. Most walkers cross lengthwise past the Anzac section in the centre. Gates open at 6am.
Address: Anzac and South Sts, Harristown.
Beautiful grounds in the Toowoomba and Drayton Cemetery.
If you're staying in the inner city, Art Gallery Park is on the corner of Little and Ruthven Streets, where there are also picnic tables and benches. Aboriginal artwork includes a huge mural and totems. Another park nearby is the Ruthven Street Park featuring a charming garden, beside the Art Gallery. The parks are not large, but you can begin your shopping day in Toowoomba on a pleasant note amidst nature.
The parks are not large, but a pleasant way to begin your shopping day.
