Sunshine Coast to Western Downs
While the Western Downs might be best known for its agriculture scene, past the farm gates you’ll find history and heritage in each of its small towns and communities.
You’ve got a few hours to spend wandering around Toowoomba’s streets and lanes exploring cafes, classic architecture and one of Australia’s largest outdoor street art galleries.
You’ve got a few hours to spend wandering around Toowoomba’s streets and lanes exploring cafes, classic architecture and one of Australia’s largest outdoor street art galleries.
But where to start? Use our guide to set you on the right path…
9.00am
Sleep in and start the day slowly with a great coffee and leisurely breakfast at Ground Up in Searles Lane.
10.00am
Check out the ever-changing street art in the lane on your way via Duggan St to Gallery Lane to check out Elysha Rei’s stunning Geisha mural painted in 2017.
11.30am
Continue your walk across Ruthven St to Union St where you’ll find Sydney artist Fintan Magee’s huge Elephant mural.
Completed in 2014, it’s probably the most photographed and most loved of the cities large-scale artworks.
Continue up Union St to see the very colourful ‘Early Mornings Late Nights’ mural and Toowoomba artist Ian McCallum’s 'Mourning Morning' mural both done in 2016.
Follow along a little further and you’ll come to the corner of Union and Neil Sts, where you’ll see St Stephens Uniting Church – it’s 154 years old and was built in 1863 as a Presbyterian Church.
This beautiful church has stood the test of time and even survived an arson attack, when in 1989, an intruder set a fire fuelled by choir sheet music which all but destroyed the building.
Repairs to the roof and stained glass windows were completed in 1993.
Turn left into Neil St to have a look at the majestic Empire Theatre which was built in 1911 and renovated after a fire, in the art deco style in 1933.
Today it is one of Queensland’s most celebrated regional theatres staging everything from ballet to blues.
The foyer is beautiful and if there’s not a performance on, you can take a peek inside the theatre – or enquire about a guided tour.
Next head to see the work of Melbourne-based internationally renowned artist Adnate, at 49 Neil St the mural titled 'One & The Same' depicting an Indigenous boy looking into the distance.
A plaque next to the mural reads: My work aims to remind people of the importance of culture, reconciliation and tradition.
It’s a powerful piece and also a local favourite...take an extra moment to look at the detail in the eyes!
Scoot across the carpark and you’ll see a beautiful black and white mural 'She’ll be right' by Brisbane artist Sophia Mary Mac.
Look closely for orchids and banksias native to the Toowoomba area as well as quirky little fish which are actually Japanese soy sauce bottles.
The mural is a statement about multiculturalism, conveying the message that we can all live in harmony.
From here head across Annand St to the Walton Stores.
12 noon
Check out the food options and settle in for lunch, perhaps a burger from Hello Harry.
There are also murals to look at in the lane here – take note of the mural along the side of the CUA bank building.
Completed in 2012 by 5 artists including local Ian McCallum, it was the seed that grew into the street art trail that has contributed more than 90 murals to the streets and lanes of Toowoomba.
After lunch take a walk through to Ruthven St you’ll notice the stately Alexandra Building.
Designed by prominent Toowoomba Architect Harry Marks in 1902, the downstairs was a drapery, a confectionary and cake shop while upstairs was a banquet room and concert hall.
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