12 things to celebrate it being winter
A new season has begun, 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 cool sets in.
10 June
Updated: TFG Staff
Photography: Morgan Smith
Can you believe we’re well into June already?! Before we knew it, summer left the building, autumn flew by, and winter has arrived. As the sun sets early, the leaves fall, and the air turns cooler, there are some great activities to try downtown (or nestled at home) this winter to make the most of the season.
SAUNA, FLOAT or ICE-BATH (if you’re game) YOUR WAY TO WINTER HEALTH
Whether you prefer a luxurious day spa experience or a more intimate boutique-style setting, Toowoomba offers multiple options to choose from when it comes to pampering yourself in a hygge-inspired way. Just sit back, relax and let the health begin.
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Saddle up for a horseback trailride
Winter in Toowoomba is the perfect time to embrace the charm of horse riding, with the crisp air and serene landscapes providing an idyllic backdrop for adventure. Whether you're an experienced equestrian or a beginner looking to start a new hobby, the region offers a variety of excellent options. From riding through working cattle farms, exploring the picturesque countryside and discovering equestrian centers that cater to all skill levels, there's a horse riding experience waiting for you. Saddle up and explore the best places to ride around Toowoomba this winter.
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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! These city taprooms offer 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 your tipples 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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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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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 WINTER wardrobe
It’s no secret that Toowoomba gets cold - really, really cold. In fact we’d go as far as to say, ‘how much you enjoy winter, is directly related to how well you dress for the season, so 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, Florence & Marabel Collections, for the latest in winter 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 2 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 still lingering 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, The Sip Studio encourages you to let the creative juices flow, wine glass in hand and the Darling Downs Pottery Club lets you live out all your inner Ghost and Patrick Swayze dreams (ok, maybe not so much that that last bit, but it’s a heck of a lot of fun regardless.)
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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.
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TAKE A DAY-TRIP AND VISIT THE NEIGHBOURS
Embrace the cool and visit the neighbours, with places like Ravensbourne, Crow’s Nest and the Bunya Mountains to the north, and Warwick, Stanthorpe and the Southern Downs to the south - practically built for the Winter.
From wintery cabins, truffle hunting and incredible hiking, to wineries, winter festivals and the whisper of snow, there’s plenty to see beyond the Garden City this Winter.
Got a go-to autumn activity? Let us know!
