The local’s guide to your Toowoomba Trip

Story updated September 2018

We’ve noticed a steadily increasing stream of Instagrammers from Brisbane visiting our garden city. You’re getting your selfie on in front of our street art and marveling that good coffee exists outside Brisbane. And we love seeing your snaps, keep them coming, and hashtag #toowoombaliving while you’re at it. However, we couldn’t help but notice you’re visiting all the same places!

We’re here to help you find the very Insta-worthy spots you might not have noticed at first glance. Read on!

You’ve heard of Ground Up…

Ground Up rightly has the trophy for founding laneway/coffee culture in Toowoomba. They showed us the ways and we are grateful. The service is always great and the food is delicious. We have it on good authority the coffee is tremendous too. However, if you can’t get a seat at Ground Up or you’ve been before and want to try something different there are other places you can go.

But have you heard of…

Bunker Espresso. Located on Margaret Street, Bunker has a prime spot for downtown people watching and is located comfortably close to Gelatissmio (coffee + ice-cream = winner) and the murals you can find down Club Lane. They offer single origin coffee and turmeric lattes as well as the added fun of a record store and the occasional pop up market from local creators.

The Bungalow and Basket. Hanging down on Ruthven Street near the Bell Street Mall (your gateway to the monkey goodness that lies in Bank Lane) Bungalow is a sweet haven of gifts and baked goods. The girls will sort you out with some of the best carrot cake and banana bread you’ve ever had, quality banter and amazing homewares and fashion.

Bunker Records

The Bungalow and Basket

You could also try: social enterprise hole-in-the-wall 2nd Shot Cafe, and Crazy Goat Espresso which serves up coffee and treats, right near the Fintan Magee elephant on Union Street. Michelle’s Café offers vegetarian treats and vegan cupcakes, while Pony Espresso on Bowen Street has the snacks and the perfect position near the polar bear on Becker Lane.

You’ve heard of The Finch

Ever since it opened The Finch has been a Toowoomba favourite for tasty lunches, treats and Fonzie Abbott Espresso. They were the first to bring banh mi to Toowoomba and they still reign. You should definitely try the BBQ pork tacos, salads and burgers too…drool. This year they added dinner to the menu and it is not-to-be missed! Yeah, we love The Finch. However, if you’ve worked through their menu already there are other places you shouldn’t miss.

But have you heard of…

Ortem. Go check out what awaits you in Beech Lane and Snell Street and then take your tired feet over to Ortem where you’ll get a plate full of delicious-ness. They do different sweet and savoury specials that slay, along with the usual staples involving avocado and bacon. You should try their bruschetta too – yum. Plus, Ortem is full of fun things to look at. See how many Lego men you can spot or just grab a pile of newspapers at the huge square communal table near the window (for best Instagramming light) and relax.

Inbound. As you might have worked out from the name, Inbound is at Toowoomba’s Railway Station. The former Refreshment Rooms are still incredibly refreshing – they do delicious morning tea and lunch, and Friday and Saturday night dinners. You can also book a high tea and enjoy it in the heritage-era setting, or perhaps on the couch next to the fire during winter.

The Sauce Kitchen. If you’ve ever been to an event catered by The Sauce Kitchen then you’ve lived a good life. Offering catering, a cooking school and a cafe, Sauce is a foodie triple threat. You’ll enter through their edible garden and weave your way through must-have kitchenware and gifts before reaching the café, where you’ll find hearty, local fare. They’re on Station Street right next door to a Gimiks Born mural. You can see Sirum’s angel lady in Mylne Street from the carpark too.

Also in the area is Mingle a vegetarian and vegan spot that’s the only place in Toowoomba you can get your hands on coco whip. It’s conveniently located on Russell Street near the many street art wonders in Keefe Street. If you like healthy, well Homegrown Health is the place for organic goodness. Milk and Honey Espresso over on Ann Street offers easy brekky and lunch options, don’t miss their crumpets.

Just opened on the site of the old Weis restaurant is Charred. Morning, noon, and night their menu is modern Australian, locally sourced, and packed full of flavour. Bookings are recommended for their dinner service which is on Wednesday to Saturday.

The Sauce Kitchen

You’ve heard of The Baker’s Duck

There’s no doubt about it, The Baker’s Duck is the absolute best. We will happily line up for however long it takes to get our hands on their incomparable sourdough loaves and baked goods. This year they expanded into serving coffee in partnership with Ground Up. A weekend isn’t complete without a trip to the Duck.

But have you been to?

If pastry is your deal, and we hope it is, Wendland Fine Foods over on the corner of Bridge and Mary Streets delivers divine flaky, buttery pastry and Merlo Coffee. Find more sourdough at Deli Delicious, which has everything you need for a lunchtime bite or picnic supplies and their own blend of coffee. If you’re up in the Mort Estate call in to ParisiAnn Patisserie for friendly service and a swag bag of homemade baked goods. And, you won’t be sorry if you happen to visit Sage + Butler (previously known as Red Bench Café) the minute their Nutella donuts hit the shelves!

Speaking of cafés not in the CBD, take your wheels to Piccolo Papa for a breakfast to remember (their French toast is mandatory, but the café is only open Friday to Sunday, you can get pizza for dinner all other days though). Café Valetta is across the road from Queens Park and serves up seriously yum food in a historic and totally Gram-worthy setting.

Also scoot to Urth Café Bar on Hume Street (a short walk to the Frank and Mimi While We Flourish piece on Thorn Street) for healthy, hearty breakfast and lunch options. And pick up a sweet treat to die for at Impressions on Scott. Tucked on a corner on Bridge Street is a new favourite: Burrow Cafe. In a sweet little cottage you’ll find All Press coffee and food that’s elevated from the usual cafe fare with great flavours.

If it’s dessert you want then you should go to The Moose Chocolate Parlour and Cocktail Bar, tucked away in the Walton Stores, for a sweet hit and Toowoomba’s only Nutella on tap.

Frank and Mimi

Milk & Honey

Cafe Valetta

You’ve heard of Junk…

It’s hard to remember a time in Toowoomba before Walton Stores opened and brought with it quality eating options in Junk, and Hello Harry. The relaxed, family friendly setting and tasty but affordable dining options are what makes Junk a Toowoomba favourite.

But have you heard of…

Kajoku. You want incredible Korean fried chicken and the best pan fried gyoza in town? You got it. Located upstairs in Ruthven Street, Kajoku combines fun, energetic service and tasty food with karaoke! Kajoku is a super fun place for groups and thankfully is open late (in Toowoomba this means past 8.30pm). Across the road is Kusina Asian Grill, another upstairs joint, offering up fresh and delicious grilled meats and seafood – they don’t stop there – see them for breakfast too! Kusina is a new and welcome addition to our dining options – make sure to drop in when you’re in town.

On Margaret Street Little Viet Bep is a new Vietnamese place with totally tasty fare including banh mi and rice paper rolls, while just down the road is Sushi Asakusa, a fully licenced restaurant with fresh as sushi.

Over in Grand Central there’s Sushi Machi, Chong Co Toowoomba and Yum Cha Toowoomba. Toowoomba can now also claim to be home to a Harajuku Gyoza, located in Walton Stores.

Sushi Asakusa

You’ve heard of Fitzy’s…

A Toowoomba icon, especially for those of us who still hazily remember it as Fibbers, Fitzy’s offers consistently good food and drink – both out the back and out the front at Tapestry Bar. For a great night out or a Sunday session Fitzy’s is hard to beat.

But have you heard of… 

Muller Bros? Probably. Ever since it opened the popularity of Toowoomba’s only rooftop bar has gone, well, through the roof. However if you’re new to Toowoomba you might not know this classy joint is hiding in Bell Street Mall and offers a churrasco restaurant, café and rooftop space for drinks and casual eats. The mouthwatering meats and vegetables in the restaurant will see you rolling out the door, while the rooftop is the perfect selfie backdrop.

If you like that chargrill type of life you can also try Absolute Grill, over in the Bell Street Mall.

The Florence Public House is the new name for the space formerly known as The Office. The Florence knows we like a drink outside even in the chilly months, so they have an enclosed laneway bar alongside their restaurant and bar area. Hiding around the back of The Florence is Toowoomba’s only speakeasy bar The Chelsea. It specialises in grown up cocktails, gins and whisky and is the perfect spot to settle in for some good conversation and even better drinks.

Zev’s Bistro boasts a tantalising wine and cocktail list to round out their food offerings. Toowoomba edged that bit closer to cool when boutique craft brewery Four Brothers Brewery opened. They’re open Friday to Sunday, midday to 10pm, in Brook Street. If wine is your preference, Preston Peak is our own local winery. They’re open Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 3pm for tastings, so Uber out! (Yeah. We got Uber too.)

Another place you can get a beer is the new (as at May 2018) Barvarian Biergarten in Walton Stores. This German themed bar also offers woodfired pizza, because pizza and beer is an unbeatable combo!

Not a pub or bar, regardless, Sofra Turkish Cuisine shouldn’t be missed for dinner – and you should always book ahead to make sure you get a chance to taste their homemade Turkish bread. Gips is the place to go if you have something to celebrate and Seasons on Ruthven also offers up food that’s a bit special.

You can also nab an after work drink and feed at Potters Boutique Hotel and Centro Bar and Restaurant or why not test out Zack’s in the newly renovated Burke & Wills hotel! For eats with a view head out of the CBD to Ridges Bar & Bistro, overlooking the greens at the Toowoomba Golf Club.

From October keep an eye out for the grand opening of the hotly anticipated new rooftop bar George Banks.

If you just really need a burger Toowoomba is not short on options. Try homegrown favourites Phat Burgers, grab a Betty’s Burger, or head to Grill’d or Burger Urge to satisfy your craving,

Sofra

Preston Peak

You’ve heard of Picnic Point, Queens Park and the Japanese Gardens…

We’re known for the Carnival of Flowers every September, so it’s no surprise most people know of these three picture-perfect sites. Picnic Point is a must do for visitors – the view over the Lockyer Valley is stunning and there are walking trails for the fit-types. There’s also a waterfall to be discovered and a kick-ass kids play area.

Queens Park in the centre of town is host to markets and events or is a wonderful spot for simply rambling through the Botanic Gardens or spreading out a picnic blanket on a sunny autumn day. The Japanese Gardens are a small sea of tranquility with lots of Insta opportunities.

But have you heard of…

So many people head to the Japanese Gardens and bypass Laurel Bank Park. It’s our personal favourite. While we think it’s best seen at spring and during Carnival (the wisteria arch gives us heart eyes) if you’re not here in September, don’t worry, Laurel Bank is gorgeous any time of year. You’ll find topiary plants, a scented garden and vast patches of grass to soak up the sun. And a café in Urban Grounds directly across the road – it doesn’t get much better as a relaxing Saturday spot.

Boyce Gardens. The definition of a hidden gem, Boyce Gardens were once a private oasis, and has now been gifted to the University of Queensland for care. The garden was started in 1930 and is now heritage listed; it features native and imported plants and a rainforest area. Located at 6 Range Street and open to the public during the day.

Newtown Park and Queensland State Rose Garden. A multi-faceted space, this park features almost 2000 roses, playground and sporting areas. It’s also a hotspot for cute doggos doing a run around. It’s bound by Holberton, Taylor, Tor and Pottinger Streets – grab a coffee from New Brew Cafe and go for a wander.

Laurel Bank Park

Boyce Gardens

 You’ve heard of Grand Central…

Have you? You probs have, but you may not know Grand Central has recently opened up many huge brands we never had access to in Toowoomba before. If you need a H&M fix while you’re in town you can get it here. Sheike, Kikki K, Mecca Cosmetica, Seed, it’s all here, along with some local shops such as our very own Lolli Shop. Retail therapy sorted.

But have you visited…

Florence and Marabel. Located in the Australia Arcade in Duggan Street, this boutique is run by a mother daughter duo with impeccable taste. Find cool casual wear, something special, and accessories you won’t be able to go past, from a whole range of designers including Binny, Eb & Ive and Jac & Jack. Once you’re in the arcade wander up to Little Chiefs Boutique for cool kids clothes.

But that’s not all we have to offer in the way of indie boutiques. Ivy Designer Collections gives us Zimmerman to lust over while Smoke & Mirrors has edgy casual and frocks for a dressy occasion.

You have to explore the eclectic homewares available in Harold’s Finishing Touches (and immediately follow on Instagram for daily design inspo!). The Wild Haven Collective over on Russell Street (close to the Keefe Street artworks) has that boho, beachy interior vibe on lock, while Magnolia Toowoomba has an eclectic mix of gifts, homewares and fashion.

And finally, no retail therapy is complete without blooms, pick up a bunch at the Toowoomba Flower Market, open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4pm and Saturdays 7am to 12pm at 11-15 Tointon Street.

For markets check out regular PCYC on Sundays or the My Local Feast Farmers’ Market which is on at Blank Space on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays at Cobb and Co Museum.

The Original Mix is a collective that organises regular fun for Toowoomba, including street food and designer markets. Their Dine Down Town market is on every month at St Luke’s and features food vans, kids’ activities, and music to chill to.

This is a small taste of things to eat, see, and do in Toowoomba. If you’re a local add your favourites in the comments!