Tours and activities to do as a group in Toowoomba
Learn something new and explore new parts of our region, all while hanging out with your friends. We’ve rounded up our picks for organised tours and activities that are perfect for your pack.
Published on 16 March 2022
Written by Nicola Clark
Photography by Charlotte.GK
It can be tricky to think of something entertaining to do with your group of friends – something that isn’t just going out for lunch (not that we’re against that!). Luckily for us, there’s a variety of professionally-led tours and activities in our region – some you may not have seen before – that'll allow you to not only have a fun day out, but might even teach you something new or gift you a new skill.
The Vino Valet
A visit to one of the dazzling regions on offer brings you face-to-face with the viticulturists who care to the vineyards and winemakers who handcraft the wines. Luckily for us, there are many small-scale boutique wineries across the region that have opened their cellar doors to offer tourists an insight into the industry. Explore Darling Downs, Kingaroy, the Bunya Mountains, and South Burnett on your choice of tour, where you can learn where your wine comes from, and of course, enjoy some sips along the way with your likeminded friends. On the Visit Darling Downs tour, you’ll start the day with brunch at The Curly Carrot in Crows Nest, then swing by Pechey Distilling Co. and Holland Wines, then enjoy a two-course lunch at Rosalie House (with more wine, of course!). This expert-led tour goes for $250 per person, and is great for the friend group that would like to explore the countryside and expand their wine knowledge.
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Mystery Picnics
If you’re feeling spontaneous, you can try a mystery picnic. What does it entail? Well, you and your group will get to embark on a self-guided foodie adventure by solving clues and discovering hidden gems across Toowoomba. All you’ll need to do is keep your phone in hand, as you solve clues and riddles that will lead you to local artisan producers to pick up awaiting delicious picnic ingredients. After your scavenger hunt, you’ll end at a stunning picnic spot where you can sit back, relax, and dig into your goodies. The Toowoomba Laneways journey encourages you and your friends to discover new street art, sprawling gardens, and the region’s thriving arts and cultural scene, all while showing some love to local small businesses. The picnic experience is $60 per adult, takes around three hours to complete, and can be tailored for dietary requirements.
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Toowoomba Trails
Toowoomba Trails shines a light on the aspects of our region that tourists rarely see, with the cluey guides sharing stories about local art, architecture and history along with insights into Toowoomba’s favourite food and retail venues. Notable walks include The Dark Side (for those a fan of ghost stories), Laneways and Street Art, Grand Homes and Cottages (featuring some of Mort Estate’s most enviable residences), and 150+ Years of Rail. While these are open to the public and run throughout the year, they also take private bookings if there’s a particular area you and your crew are dying to learn more about. Make sure to keep an eye out on our calendar for upcoming tours.
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Willowvale Cooking School
Hosting six people per class, cooking workshops at Willowvale are an enriching and intimate way to practice new skills and learn more about regional produce with your friends. The all-day sessions, set on an idyllic farm in Perseverance, are taught by Michelin-starred chef Bruno Loubet, who’ll encourage you to try new flavour combinations and leave you inspired to cook something new at home. Whether it’s perfecting pasta or baking bread, a Willowvale class makes for a delicious friend group date. Keep an eye out on our calendar for upcoming workshops.
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The Sip Studio
At The Sip Studio, you'll enjoy two hours of non-stop laughs and creativity with a glass of wine in one hand and a paintbrush in the other. Just BYO favourite beverage and some snacks to share, and let the creative juices flow between you. Classes are $59, and there are a range of paintings on offer, from nature landscapes to pet portraits. Your group can book a private event held just for you, that’s perfect for a fun hen’s night or work colleague team-building.
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Awassi Cheesery Farm Tour and Tastings
Nestled in the tranquil Grantham hills of the beautiful Lockyer Valley, surrounded by avocado groves and flocks of dairy sheep is Awassi Cheesery. Here, you can taste and purchase boutique cheeses made on the farm, as well as sheep ice cream (don’t knock it til you try it!), yoghurt, jam, honey, and even soap and lip balm. The cheesery hosts events year-round, where your group can tour the dairy farm and enjoy cheese tastings, high teas, and even try your hand at cheesemaking. The all-day cheesemaking workshop is $250 per person, and attendees will get to make and take home both a soft and hard cheese. If you‘re after a more relaxed experience, book in to unwind with a drink under the avocado groves on a cool night.
Have we missed your favourite? Please let us know!
