Our Favourite Picnic Spots in Toowoomba
It’s a prime Toowoomba past-time: picnicking in the local parks. And with such parks, it’s no wonder. So pack yourself a basket and get ready to while away the afternoon. Here’s our picks for picnic spots.
Written by Phoebe Tully
Photographs by Morgan Smith
Our Spotlight with Pop-Up Picnics reinvigorated our love for a weekend lunch al fresco. I mean, just look at that photo above — who wouldn’t want to while away an afternoon like that? So whether you’re planning to go all out like them or keep things simple and DIY, Toowoomba was basically designed to host picnics.
We’re not gonna lie — this list got a lot longer than we planned. So enjoy this extravaganza of picnicking location ideas!
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LAUREL BANK PARK, CITY
Right in the city, Laurel Bank Park is a local favourite. With its manicured gardens, children’s play equipment, free gas barbecues, covered gazebo area, and croquet lawns. The wisteria arbour is really not seen on enough Instagram accounts — Toowoomba, we need to get onto that.
Laurel Bank also features a spectacularly scented garden designed for the visually impaired. It is open to everyone, but takes into account the special needs of many people — pathways have raised edges, garden beds are raised for easy access from wheelchairs and picnic tables are designed for wheelchair users.
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QUEENS PARK, CITY
Set across more than 25 hectares, Queens Park has been enjoyed since it first opened to the public in the late 1800s.
There’s a cricket oval on the Godsall Street side, an awesome children’s playground on Margaret Street, and a bocce court on Lindsay Street. Tables are dotted around the whole park, with barbeques concentrated around the Margaret Street side near the playground and Lindsay Street. And there’s also an unfenced off-leash dog area.
Queens Park is awesome.
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PICNIC POINT, RANGEVILLE
We’re wrapping a few different parks into one here — Picnic Point Square, Lions Park and the Heller Street Park are all part of the Picnic Point Parklands. You’ve plenty of options here, with shaded picnic tables, barbecues, more playgrounds than you can shake a stick at, and a central gazebo that comes alive with live music, especially in summer. This is also the kicking off point for walks and hikes through the Picnic Point Bushland Reserve.
At night, the glow of Brisbane city lights can be seen from the iconic Picnic Point Lookout.
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LAKE ANNAND, SOUTH TOOWOOMBA
The beautiful man-made lake here is coupled with barbecue facilities and children's play areas. There are also a few gazebos that are perfect for group gatherings.
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EAST CREEK PARK, EAST TOOWOOMBA
Very popular with exercise groups and runners, East Creek Park features a beautiful water fountain at its centre and a grassed platform. Head to the centre for the barbecue and picnic facilities. Mostly known for the memorials throughout that are commemorated each ANZAC Day, it’s also a beautiful space to enjoy any time.
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JAPANESE GARDENS, DARLING HEIGHTS
Maintained and developed by USQ, Ju Raku En is one of Australia’s largest Japanese gardens. The large lake is the focal point, home to ducks, turtles and fish, and crossed over by several bright red traditional bridges. There are sheltered picnic tables, and parking is easy, with plenty of space on the university campus.
Do note that the gardens are open until dusk, and then the gates are locked. Dogs are not permitted.
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Gumbi Gumbi Cultural Gardens, Darling Heights
Right near Japanese Gardens, but less known is Gumbi Gumbi. These cultural gardens were built as a form of reconciliation with the traditional custodians of this land, and serve as a reminder of what is still to be done. This makes it sound somber, but Gumbi is full of natural beauty and light. Take the time to go for a wander afterwards and appreciate what is here.
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WEBB PARK, EAST TOOWOOMBA
Positioned right on the Toowoomba Range escarpment, Webb Park’s views are just spectacular. With three playground areas, a picnic shelter, barbecues and toilets, you can go for a walk afterwards.
Listen out for the whip birds. They’re iconic.
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NEWTOWN ROSE GARDEN, NEWTOWN
Newtown Park includes the award-winning Queensland State Rose Garden, a children's playground and barbecue area, and a sports ovals with croquet lawns and cricket pitches.
If you’re coming for the roses, just remember that the peak months are October and November, but the garden will be active until April.
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PANORAMIC DRIVE PARK, PRESTON
A covered children’s playground and picnic shelter with the most spectacular views. There’s a good bush walk along Panoramic Walk too, if you’re looking for a more active affair.
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RAVENSBOURNE NATIONAL PARK
This stunning national park has two day-use areas. Blackbean at the entrance is small, shaded and tends to stay cool in summer. Cedar Block is adjacent to the famous Gus Beutel Lookout -- it’s better suited to larger groups. There are some beautiful walks around the national park too.
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LAKE PERSEVERANCE, CROWS NEST
Perseverance has sheltered picnic tables, toilets, free gas barbecues and playground equipment, as well as stunning lake views. ‘Cause sometimes you just need to see some water.
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Did we miss your favourite? Let us know!
