Here’s your guide when exploring the Queens Park
Are you visiting Toowoomba soon? Did you know that Queensland’s largest inland city is widely known as “The Garden City”? Yes, you read that right. Besides hosting the annual Carnival of Flowers, there are a number of public parks and gardens in the city one of which is the Queen’s Park.
This beautiful 26 ha park formerly a Crown Reserve is a heritage-listed botanic garden which is 8 ha larger than Brisbane’s Botanic Gardens. Ever since Queen’s Park opened its doors to the public in the late 1800s, generations of local and regional visitors have already visited the place.
When you get the chance to be in Toowoomba, make sure to add “Explore Queens Park” on your to-do list. And to help you with that beautiful journey, we have listed the three distinct areas that can be explored.
Queens Park and Botanic Gardens
Let’s begin with the Queens Park and Botanic Gardens. As the name suggests, this area features an array of seasonal plants, lawns, shrubs and trees. By the way, did you know that thousands of seedlings are planted in the geometrically shaped garden beds each year?
You see, the park is a venue to many community activities and events one of which is the annual Carnival of Flowers. Since its inception in 1949, the 10-day Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is the longest-running floral event in Australia. Planting thousands of seeds, bulbs and seedlings ensure that they bloom in time for the annual iconic Queensland event.
Besides a beautiful mass floral displays, you can also see various monuments that hold social and historical significance such as:
Alfred Thomas Memorial
Alfred Thomas was responsible for the development of railways in Toowoomba in the 1870s. He built the railways south from Toowoomba to Stanthorpe and west from Toowoomba to Warwick in a partnership with John Garget.
But on August 10, 1882 on his return home from Sydney, Alfred Thomas fell overboard in Sydney Harbour and drowned. In his honour, a committee of citizens headed by W.H. Groom built the Alfred Thomas Memorial which is now surrounded by beautiful garden beds and mature trees.
Emma Miller Memorial Plaque
Located just off the pathway to the south-west of the Alfred Thomas Memorial is the Emma Miller Memorial Plaque. Emma Miller was known as “Mother Miller” and “the grand old labour woman of Queensland”. She is a woman’s rights and labour activist who advocated involvement in the working and political conditions for women and men.
On January 20, 1917 two days before she passed away, Emma Miller delivered her last public speech at the Toowoomba Botanic Gardens. The Emma Miller Memorial Plaque commemorates the site of Emma Miller’s last speech.
Naval Cannon, National Bank Columns and a Stone Entrance Arch
Besides these, you can also find a Naval Cannon, National Bank Columns and a Stone Entrance Arch in the garden. After its removal from the Marine Defence Force Naval Store, a heritage-listed storehouse in Kangaroo Point, the vintage Naval cannon was donated to the people of Toowoomba in 1911.
A pair of National Bank Columns which was donated by the National Bank of Australia in 1987 can also be found in the garden. Lastly, just off Lindsay Street, you will find the Stone Entrance Arch which was completed as part of a Council upgrade of the gardens in August 1987.
Queens Park’s Greater Park Area
After the Queens Park and Botanic Gardens, let’s now head to the Queens park’s greater park area. Here you will see venues perfect for various activities.
Godsall Street Ovals
Do you love sports? The Godsall Street oval is a popular venue for cricket during the summer months.
Margaret Street
If you have kids, you can take them to the children’s play area in Margaret Street. Here they can enjoy the extensive children’s play area where a range of equipment from swings to play trains and a carousel are available.
What about the adults? No worries because there is a large gazebo, picnic tables as well as barbecues and seats scattered throughout the area.
Lindsay Street
Aside from the children’s play area in Margaret Street, Lindsay Street which can be accessed by interlinking pathways features an all-abilities playground. The equipment here is more focused on the healthy development of cognitive, physical, sensory, and social abilities of kids. There’s the liberty swing, musical instruments, sound-sensor games, and touch-and-feel play panels.
Moreover, picnic tables, as well as barbecues, are nearby.
Vera Lacaze Memorial Park
Now for the third area. The Vera Lacaze Memorial Park is the formal entrance to Queens Park from the CBD via Margaret and Hume Streets. It was named after Vera Elizabeth Lacaze, the first woman alderman in the Toowoomba City Council.
She served her city from June 4, 1952 to April 15, 1962. The memorial was unveiled on September 18, 1965 by J.F McCafferty, Mayor of Toowoomba. The Vera Lacaze Memorial Park features a water fountain, paths and picnic facilities.
Stay in Our Toowoomba Accommodation For Easy Access
Are you ready to explore all these areas? For easy access, you can book a stay at Laguna Apartments. We offer sleek and modern one and two-bedroom apartments.
Both room types are comfortably furnished and feature a fully equipped kitchen, individual laundry facilities, reverse cycle air conditioning and a private balcony with superb views. Each room also has flat-screen TVs, a DVD player as well as a complimentary Foxtel with over 80+ channels. In addition, each apartment has access to free wireless internet so you’ll stay connected every time. There is also a laptop desk in case you need to get some work done.
If you need to shop, there is a shopping village next door. There are also several restaurants which offer food delivery. Or, you can just visit our onsite licensed café. They offer Merlo coffee and lovely meals.
Ready book? You can choose your Toowoomba Accommodation here.
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