Toowoomba/Darling Downs

Explore what our region has to offer

Spend the day exploring the High Country Hamlets, north of Toowoomba uncovering historical displays, quaint and quirky arts and crafts and taking in the surrounding natural beauty.

Start your morning at the Chocolate Cottage Café in Highfield, located in the restored 1877 Highfields school house. Gifts and homewares are also on offer in the neighbouring cottages.

Step back in time at the Highfields Pioneer Village and wander through over 50 buildings including antique vehicles and machinery, the century old Heritage Chapel and old-time shops fitted out just as they were in a bygone era, plus their newly acquired Big Cow! Head up the road to Cabarlah, home to Australia’s largest display of German imported grandfather and cuckoo clocks. If all that exploring has built up your appetite, head across the road

to the Farmers Arms Tavern, the oldest pub in Queensland, first licensed in 1863, where you will find generous pub meals for lunch. After filling your belly, it is time to walk off that meal at Ravensbourne National Park. Try out one of the five walking tracks or drive straight to Gus Beutel’s Lookout and take in the panoramic views of the Lockyer Valley and Scenic Rim.

Crows Nest National Park is nearby offering up many bushwalking loops. Visit the Crows Nest Museum and Historical Village. On your way out of town, be sure to stop in at Crows Nest Softdrinks, to sample their locally produced drinks.

Places of Interest

• Visit the Cobb & Co Museum with its collection of over thirty 19th Century horse-drawn vehicles.

• Spring Bluff Railway Station is home to beautifully manicured award-winning gardens.

• Enjoy one of Toowoomba’s cultural experiences at the library, art gallery or Empire Theatre.

• Visit The Farmers Arms Tavern at Cabarlah, the oldest surviving hotel in Australia.