Toowoomba

Toowoomba ( tə-WUUM-bə) is a city on the border of the South East Queensland and Darling Downs regions of Queensland, Australia. It is located 132 km (82 mi) west of Queensland's capital, Brisbane. The urban population of Toowoomba as of the 2021 census was 142,163, having grown at an average annual rate of 1.45% over the previous two decades. Toowoomba is the second-most-populous inland city in Australia after the nation's capital, Canberra. It is also the second-largest regional centre in Queensland and is often referred to as the capital of the Darling Downs, or the 4th biggest city in South East Queensland after Brisbane, Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. The city serves as the council seat of the Toowoomba Region which has a population of 186,276 as of 2025. Toowoomba, one of Australia's oldest inland cities, was founded in 1849 on the lands of the Giabal and Jarowair people. The city's central streets were named after the history of the House of Stuart. The city became the viceregal summer retreat of Queensland's governors. The city witnessed several significant events during Australia's Victorian period, including the War of Southern Queensland and Battle of One Tree Hill. During the Federation period, Toowoomba emerged as a major artistic and cultural centre with the establishment of the Austral Society. Toowoomba is celebrated for its preserved Victorian-era and traditional Queenslander architecture, historic churches and gardens, and vibrant food, and coffee culture. The city boasts street art, laneways, and numerous nature trails. The city experiences a distinct four seasons and is home to festivals including the Carnival of Flowers. Notable landmarks include Queens and Laurel Bank Park, the Queensland State Rose Garden, the Empire Theatre, St James' Palace, and Mt Meewah.