Hidden gems of the CBD
Get out of the car and explore the nooks and crannies of our city. Believe it or not, but Toowoomba is the perfect city centre to explore on foot; you’ll find all sorts of surprises!
Updated on 15 March 2022
Written by Phoebe Tully
Photography: Morgan Smith
We live in a city full of laneways, industrial buildings and original architecture. Lucky us! It’s the perfect city centre to explore on foot; you’ll find all sorts of surprises! From restaurants to niche boutiques to pilates studios to art collections, we’ve rounded up a few hidden gems you won’t find on the main strip. They might not all be secrets, but we bet you’ll find at least something new on this list.
pure pilates & fitness
353 Ruthven Street, City (above Lara Boutique, enter via Russell Street)
Nestled high above the Russell and Ruthven Streets intersection is this beautiful pilates and barre studio. Offering a range of classes, Pure Pilates is led by experienced instructors who somehow don’t get distracted by the beautiful, original floor-to-ceiling windows. See the city a little differently as you chisel those abs.
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kajoku
430 Ruthven Street (near Smoke & Mirrors)
Offering authentic Japanese and Korean dishes, Kajoku sits near Copper Bench, but up a few stairs. Fully licensed, the restaurant offers bibimbap, dumplings, soju, shochu and nihonshu, as well as the famous Korean tabletop BBQ, where you cook your own meat. It’s all very hands-on and fun, and a great meal out for a group. Regulars will be aware of the private karaoke rooms (for better or for worse…). On weekends, make a booking. Kajoku may be hidden, but it’s not a secret!
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battlestation
411 Ruthven Street (opposite Copper Bench)
OK, this is definitely a niche! Battlestation, across from Copper Bench, is for — and we say this with love — total nerds. Filling the needs of Toowoomba’s tabletop and card gaming fans, Battlestation sells Games Workshop, Privateer Press, Magic the Gathering and Cardfight Vanguard. They also host regular games nights, whether its Dungeons & Dragons, Magic or just board games everyone knows and loves.
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collectables
7 Russell Street (down from Toowoomba Sports Club)
This secondhand store run by Yellowbridge is a TFG favourite. The well-curated stock is always extremely affordable and in good condition, whether it’s a punch bowl set, leather suitcases, wool coats or teacups. It is always worth a browse for any fellow vintage lovers. We’ve found leather bags, cocktail sets and pretty mugs here for less than a tenner.
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belle fleur
21 Bowen Street (near The Met Hotel on Ruthven Street)
This cosy little store in a hidden laneway feels like an art gallery gift shop in all the best ways. In fact, you’ll find many of the brands you’ll find at the V&A or National Museum of Australia shops – Liberty, William Morris, Wavertree & London. Filled with tea towels, soaps, tableware and gardening goods, it’s all very English with pops of French Provincial. Look for the flags out the front.
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Junktion Coffee House
2 Bowen Street (down from Belle Fleur!)
While not exactly hidden, you may not have walked past this hidden gem of a cafe, as it sits on the outskirts of the CBD. Junktion Coffee House offers a friendly atmosphere, where you can sit and enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat, or on-the-go breakfast and lunch options. Vietnamese food is their speciality – try a crispy pork banh mi for your work lunch, or grab lemongrass chicken bao buns for something lighter. With open-air seating overlooking the busy surrounding streets, it makes for the perfect spot to people-watch with friends over coffee and a hearty lunch.
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Flipp'd
2 Club Lane, City (walk past Sushi Asakusa and turn down the alley)
Formerly known as Spacies Arcade and nestled behind street art lanes in the CBD, Flipp'd is a laid back arcade that’s also a licensed bar and diner. Feel allll the nostalgia with your fellow ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s babies as you play your favourite retro arcade games and pinball machines. Plus, there are also plenty of board and card games to enjoy over a nerdy-themed cocktail.
Have we missed your favourite? Let us know!
