Where to Travel

Toowoomba and the Darling Downs are part of the South-East Queensland country. Situated just an hour and a half from Brisbane, and two hours from the Gold Coast, Toowoomba is accessible via two main highways and is perfect for a car or campervan hire holiday. The Warrego Highway is journeyed when travelling in an easterly or westerly direction and when coming from the north or south, visitors voyage the New England Highway. This is known as Australia’s Country Way and is a scenic drive that sets the standard for the final destination, Toowoomba.

Toowoomba is positioned right on the edge of the Great Dividing Range and sits 700 metres above sea level. The high setting is idyllic in that it looks over the Lockyer Valley, offering endless, spectacular views. Toowoomba is a modern, regional capital which possesses striking heritage buildings which are blended with modern, vibrant architecture. The eminence of the history and heritage of the town through its buildings is the first thing that you will notice as you drive through the historical streets.

The other most noticeable characteristic is the abundance of gardens and parks. Toowoomba is known as Queensland’s Garden City, and it sure does live up to its title. The city boasts over 240 gardens and parks and prides itself on its internationally themed gardens. Drive up to the University of Southern Queensland Japanese Gardens and it is literally like you are entering another world. The careful preciseness and accuracy of Japan’s culture is evident in every nook and cranny of the garden and walking the beautiful paths and boardwalks offers a culturally unique experience. The Wetlands of the World and the New Zealand themed park at Lake Amand are also worth the drive, each offering charming nature experiences.

The city becomes a hub of excitement in September, when the Carnival of Flowers comes to life. If you are visiting around this time of year, be sure to go and visit and see the amazing blooms and colours. Pick up some local plants and you may even be able to take a part of this garden paradise home with you.

The city of Toowoomba offers endless cultural and recreational activities for visitors to take part in. Along with exploring the stunning gardens, be sure to discover the heritage exhibitions and museums, the antique stores and the gracious, old hotels. Venture out further into the country and you will come across boutique wineries with eye-catching vineyards, as well as stylish cafes and galleries. The museums and galleries emphasise the rural history of the city, incorporating antique and contemporary art into their exhibitions.

The countryside of Toowoomba is a food and wine lover’s paradise, with several award winning restaurants and stylish coffee shops. The local wineries produce fantastic arrays of wine, this success greatly attributable to the cool mountain air which allows the vineyards to thrive. The commitment by the locals, to gourmet food and outstanding wines, is simply a traveller’s joy.

When voyaging on a driving holiday to Toowoomba, you simply have to travel around some of the surrounding areas. Visit the Crows Nest – High Country by heading north along the Great Dividing Range. The striking scenery of the drive is simply amazing and you won’t be able to resist stopping in some of the charming towns such as Highfields, Cabarlah, Hampton and Crows Nest. The natural and cultural attractions in these towns abound and offer great resting spots on your driving adventure.

Travel along the Great Bunya Drive and view the scenic landscapes of rolling hills, lush rainforest and open forests and woodlands. Be sure to trek through the Bunya Mountains National Park and discover the incredible Australian flora and fauna, while taking time to stop and take in the breathtaking views of the scenic lookouts. Venturing further along the Great Bunya Drive, you will come across Jandowae Dam, a great place to stop for some fishing, a swim and a delicious picnic lunch. After all of this exploration, Dalby offers a welcoming rest place to relax and take it easy. Situated in the black soil plains of the Northern Darling Downs, Dalby is an ideal driving distance from Toowoomba to make it an enjoyable and charming day trip.

While visiting Toowoomba, you can chose from a wide range of accommodation options. If you wish to get back in touch with nature, you can chose to camp in one of the surrounding national parks or park your campervan in one of the local caravan parks. However, in the colder months you may wish to opt for comfort and warmth and the local Bed & Breakfasts, hotels and motels offer cosy, yet affordable accommodation for all of your needs.

Toowoomba is sure to offer something for all. It is the perfect destination to relax, take it easy and lap up the natural, surrounding beauty. The stunning views, colourful gardens and attractive architecture offer a charm and allure that is unique to this regional city. It is this allure that makes you wanting to go back for more!

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Nature and outdoors lovers will enjoy camping out while on vacation in the Dordogne at the Camping le Touroulet. This is a small campsite that is perfectly formed and which was built around a seventeenth century mill house in France. The campsite is set in the breathtaking countryside of the Dordogne, and is named after the river Touroulet which flows beside the site in a spacious and tranquil wooded valley. At this campsite, you can also make use of facilities such as the swimming pool, restaurant, as well as fish at the lake.

While here, you can pitch your tent or caravan along the river bank and sun bathe or lay in the shade. If you are on vacation in the Dordogne during the summer months with your family, the kids will enjoy playing and exploring in the small pools created by the low lying river Touroulet which are full of fish. You may also take a tour of the fort and the Wendy house which are ideally located amongst the parkland surrounding the campsite. Alternatively, you could take a long refreshing walk along the river which is very enjoyable.

The kids can also take a dip at the small swimming pool located above ground which is only open to adults during the high season. The small lake is home to large carp which are great to fish during an entire afternoon fishing trip. For the more serious of fishermen, the nearby lake is ideal. At a rather reasonable price, you may book a day’s fishing trip at this lake which is fed by a stream thus preventing it from ever stagnating.

After a long day of adventures at the campsite, you may wind down and take a shower at the modern shower block which features British toilets along with hot showers. This block is also fitted with shaver points at the men’s section, while the ladies section is equipped with hairdryer points. Caravans are also provided with ten hook up points with 6 amp electrics.

At the campsite, you may dine at the site’s own restaurant which is situated at the old mill and is open every night during the summer. Here, you will enjoy high quality foods that are almost as popular with the locals as they are with the campers. With almost all the foods and sauces being homemade, you can also enjoy options of French, English or Asian cuisine. During the high season, be sure to indulge in their reasonably priced Plat Du Jour that’s offered on most days.

While there, you may also want to sample the local wine and draught beer while dining inside or lounging outside on the terrace. Every week there is a campers’ barbecue, not forgetting the fun Saturday musical evenings at which instrument players are encouraged to showcase their skills. You may also barbecue your own food on an open fire, just as long as it is built to the specifications of the campsite and the weather isn’t too dry.