toowomba

Toowomba is one of those deliciously named Queensland towns that I couldn't help but get giddy over the prospect of visiting. While my home state in America has practical, staid city names like 'York' and 'Factoryville', Queensland seems to have a plethora of towns with names like Woodenbong and ... well, Toowomba. The sheer amount of vowels in these town names was reason enough to pay my respects through a visit.

I was mildly, and cheerfully, taken with Toowomba. I rather aptly described the town in my journal as "nothing spectacular but quaint." Which is true. Toowomba itself isn't stunning, but it has a charming look to it that you don't get in many other Queensland towns.

To begin with, Toowomba is located in the mountains. The drive in to town is a bit of an ordeal, as the main road is set at a ten percent incline up the side of a mountain. Signs are everywhere, promising danger and doling out warnings to overly optimistic drivers. The first time I came in to town, which was in a vehicle that was having mechanical problems, I ended up stranded in an over heated car for forty five minutes. Not fun.

Once in town, however, the going gets a lot easier. Toowomba is the epitome of pleasant. It has pleasant homes with lush gardens, pleasant and cool mountain air, pleasant people with cheerful smiles, and a very pleasant downtown full of some "old school" buildings that are, well, pleasant.

The gardens of Toowomba are one of the town's major draws. It seems that for many parts of Queensland, landscaping isn't taken that seriously. In Toowomba, however, it has become a form of high art. Even a brisk drive through town will reveal a plethora of beautiful yards full of blooming bushes and colorful flower beds. Even the air is a little sweeter and cleaner here than in many parts of coastal Queensland.

A focal point in Toowomba is the well named Picnic Point. A medium sized park with walking trails, a cafe, picnic grounds, gardens, and incredible old gum trees, Picnic Point is the perfect spot to catch some spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. In fact, the park provides an incredible look at the Great Dividing Range and Tabletop Mountain.

I was utterly charmed by Picnic Point. I wandered the trails, which looped joyously through groves of eucalyptus, and spied on some lovely bird life. I measured myself against one old gum tree, and stepped away realizing just how short I truly am. I even had a picnic here, and happily ate cream puffs and a sandwich under the blazing heat of the Queensland sun.

Although I didn't walk around downtown Toowomba, I did get a short drive through of the area. There were some old buildings that had an antiquated charm, and it seemed like the area was a bustling one. Nothing really drew my attention as being a must-see, but it was still fun to poke my head out the car window and snap some photos.

Toowomba is also beloved by many Brisbane/Gold Coast locals. I heard the name repeatedly through out my trip, and many times it was spoken about with a sort of reverence one gives to a doddering old grandmother. Not exactly a jumpin' party spot, but certainly a lovely place for an afternoon picnic.