12 things to celebrate it being autumn
A new season has begun (actually we’re a few weeks through), and with it, the chance to enjoy seasonal produce, explore new restaurants and hobbies, and embrace the cooler weather. We’ve rounded up our picks on how to make the most of the new season as the leaves turn brown.
Updated 06 March 2024
Written by Nicola Clark
Photography by Morgan Smith
Can you believe we’re well into March already?! Before we knew it, summer left the building and autumn has arrived. As the sun begins to set earlier, the leaves fall, and the air turn cooler, there are some great activities to try downtown (or nestled at home) this autumn to make the most of the season.
Grab a pack of hot cross buns from The Baker’s Duck (or two)
The ever-popular bakery in East Toowoomba is always experimenting, offering novelty treats filled with seasonal produce, as well as fan-favourite classics such as pies and sausage rolls. As Easter creeps closer, they’re now offering fresh hot cross buns in a pack of six – but you’ll need to be quick, as these will undoubtedly sell out quickly (and for good reason!). They’ll also be baking some special edition chocolate hot cross buns too. It’s the perfect chance to grab some to go and take a brisk walk in nearby Queens Park.
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Try a beer taster paddle at ONE OF THE CITIES THRIVING MICRO BREWERIES
Ever tried a coffee beer? Caramel, pumpkin? Don’t dismiss it just yet! This city-centre taproom offers beer taster paddles, giving you a chance to try something new and potentially find a new favourite. There’s pale ales, lagers, ciders, even smoked beers. Pick any four from the blackboard, take a seat, and enjoy alongside tabletop board games. Not quite sure what to opt for? Ask the friendly staff for their personal recommendations.
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ENROL IN A COOKING CLASS
Willow Vale Cooking School, located in Perseverance near Hampton, transports students from Toowoomba to France, Italy, Spain and more through hands-on, all-day cooking workshops lead by Bruno Loubet, a Michelin starred chef who’s spent over 40 years heading up kitchens. You’ll learn what local produce is in season during autumn, and how to champion it in your home cooking.
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Enjoy seasonal, local produce from downtown markets
We’re pretty spoiled for choice when it comes to sourcing fresh produce from surrounding Darling Downs farmers. At both the Toowoomba Farmers Market (Saturday mornings) and PCYC Market (Sunday mornings), you can score fruits and vegetables grown and picked with love from a farm near you. Buy a box of apples and try a cosy recipe such as homemade apple pie, or an apple sauce to pair with a pork roast.
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Saddle up for a horseback trailride
Located an hour north of Toowoomba past Crows Nest, Cowboy Up offers a relaxed and enjoyable horse riding experience with their friendly and good-natured creatures. Strut through a working cattle property and take in the idyllic countryside as you follow guides Gill and Peter Gould. And better yet, this experience is family-friendly – little ones are encouraged to come along!
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Head to the op shops
Whether you’re looking for a designer handbag bargain, some vintage glassware for the bar cart or a new dining suite, there’s an op-shop waiting for you! Toowoomba has a great range of second-hand op-shops, some full of bargains and others more curated. Grab a takeaway coffee and start hunting for a new conversation piece, or start prepping your cooler weather wardrobe.
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Expand your AUTUMN wardrobe
It’s no secret that Toowoomba gets really, really cold. And while we’re not there just yet, it pays to be prepared before you get caught out. There are plenty of boutiques downtown stocking coats, scarves and boots to help you brave the upcoming cool weather – check out Ivy Designer Collections, Smoke & Mirrors, and Florence & Marabel Collections for the latest in autumn womenswear trends.
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Stock up on loose leaf tea or coffee beans
No matter your preference, a hot cuppa is always a good idea this season. Head to The Tea Centre found on Level 1 of Grand Central Shopping Centre to explore over 180 varieties of loose-leaf tea to brew at home – from healing herbals to wake-me-up oolongs – and chat with the staff who are clearly mad for tea and happy to share their knowledge. The store always has a different tea on offer for free tastings, so pop in each time to try something new. If you’d like to try a new coffee bean blend for a DIY brew, check out our list of local stockists.
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Buy books from independent store The Book Tree
Ann Hewitt has a degree in literature – just the person to help find your next read. As manager of the CBD family business, Ann oversees the curation of the 10,000 titles in-store, including one of the largest children's book sections you'll find in the state. The store also places thousands of special orders each year for those seeking hard-to-find books straight from the publishing houses. Order in a book you’ve had your eye on, or let the well-read staff give you some recommendations.
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CAPTURE THE SEASON WITH ART WORKSHOPS
Take inspiration from the rich browns, yellows and oranges around town and paint a nature landscape thanks to a handful of social art classes happening throughout the coming months. Tinker offers hands-on workshops for both kids and adults, while The Sip Studio encourages you to let the creative juices flow, wine glass in hand.
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UNWIND WITH LIVE MUSIC
Week in and week out, there’s always an impressive lineup of talented local musicians taking to the main stage at some of our favourite venues across town. Book a table for dinner, or just sit back, grab a beer, and enjoy the tunes – you can view our weekly gig guide above to see what’s happening where.
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Tour the city
While there’s a great selection of professionally-led tours offered in the city – see Toowoomba Trails for ghost stories and unmatched history knowledge – you can also embark on your own adventure. Council has devised a heritage self-drive tour, embracing Toowoomba's past and our Indigenous beginnings. They also have eight historic walk itineraries that take in historic interest points – think the beautiful architecture of Mort Estate or the Drayton Cemetery.
Got a go-to autumn activity? Let us know!
