Are you taking a break from your busy life? Do you love nature? Then how about a trip to Toowoomba, Queensland’s largest inland city which is widely known as The Garden City?
The Garden City has several interesting places to visit from historical sites and heritage locations such as Cobb+Co Museum and Empire Theatre to premier parks such as Queens Park & Botanic Gardens and Laurel Bank Park. Would you like to explore awesome destinations perfect for nature lovers?
First, you need a Toowoomba accommodation that offers a quiet CBD setting like Laguna Serviced Apartments. Located within the centre of Toowoomba, the property offers a selection of modern-styled one and two bedroom apartments.
Each room is spacious and complete with everything you need for a relaxing stay such as a comfortable bed to sleep in plus a reverse cycle air conditioning. The apartments also has two flat screen TVs, a DVD player, complimentary Foxtel with over 80+ cable channels for movies, sports, news, kids and entertainment plus a free WiFi access and laptop desk.
If you want to prepare your own meals, the kitchen is fully-equipped. You can even enjoy it at your own private balcony which by the way features a superb view of the city. But if in case you are craving a certain dish, Laguna Serviced Apartments has an onsite licensed café and is near a multitude of restaurants, most of which provide hotel delivery.
Besides dining destinations, Laguna Serviced Apartments is also near several awesome destinations for nature lovers visiting Toowoomba, two of which are as follows:
Ju Raku En Japanese Garden
Would you like to stroll through a garden with elements such as azalea hill, mountain stream and waterfall? This tranquil Japanese garden located inside the University of Southern Queensland Toowoomba (USQ) which is jointly owned by USQ and the Toowoomba Regional Council is perfect!
Ju Raku En which roughly translates to ‘enjoy peace and longevity in a public place’ was opened on April 21, 1989 by Yoshiharu Araki from the Brisbane Consul-General of Japan. This 4.5-hectare site which is mostly traditionally designed is one of Australia’s largest Japanese stroll gardens.
In fact, Ju Raku En Japanese Garden features a mountain stream and waterfall, a dry garden, a central lake, an azalea Hill, 3 kilometres of paths and 230 species of Japanese as well as Australian native trees and plants.
Because of its beauty and peaceful ambience, the Ju Raku En Japanese Garden is a popular venue for spring weddings. The ceremony is usually held under the mass of lilac blossoms hanging from the Wisteria Pergola. Another gorgeous location is in front of the waterfall as well as under the Viewing Pavilion on one of the islands.
Would you like to see its beauty firsthand? You would be happy to know that the Ju Raku En Japanese Garden is open to the public daily from 6.00am (AEST) to dusk and admission is free.
You can stroll the Ju Raku En Japanese Garden and then relax on the seat near the Dry Garden. If you are an artist or a photographer, why not take this chance to practice your craft? Don’t be shy as it is not uncommon for artists and photographers to visit the place. No matter what angle you look, the place is certainly filled with inspiration.
Picnic Point Lookout and Parkland
Would you like to go on a picnic complete with stunning panoramic views? Located at the eastern edge of town in Rangeville, Toowoomba’s heritage-listed Picnic Point Lookout and Parkland has a total land area of 65 hectares or 160 acres. The area features uninterrupted panoramic views of Table Top mountain and the Lockyer Valley.
Upon entering the parklands, the first thing you will see is an avenue of hoop pine (Araucaria cunninghamii) and Queensland kauri pine or smooth-barked kauri (Agathis robusta). This path leads you to the groomed lawns and gardens of Picnic Point Square, which is also known as Flagpole Island.
The area has a Q150 flag pole, a gazebo as well as an extensive children’s play area which is set under large trees. The are also features numerous picnic facilities plus the other amenities can be found at Heller Street Park which is located opposite Picnic Point Square.
Besides picnicking, another activity you might want to engage in is bushwalking. Picnic Point Lookout and Parkland has several walking trails such as:
Firetail Walk – From Lions Park, go down 2km through the escarpment vegetation. Here you get to enjoy views of Lockyer Valley and Table Top Mountain. You might also meet some animals like echidnas and small birds of prey along the way. This walk finishes at the Bridle Trail.
Take note, walking time is approximately 45-55 minutes one way – downhill. Be aware that the walk back is uphill.
Pardalote Walk – From Lions Park, you will pass by the Bill Goulds Lookout, waterfalls and through the open eucalypt forest. Here you get to enjoy spectacular views of the Lockyer Valley and Table Top Mountain. This walk finishes at the end of South Street, 450m from the intersection with Fantail Walk.
Take note, walking time is approximately 45 minutes one way from Picnic Point Park
Fantail Walk – Here you get to explore the open forest on the south-eastern edge of Picnic Point. If you are an avid bird watcher, you are in luck because there is a diversity of species you will get to see along this walk.
Take note, walking time is approximately 25-35 minutes one way – downhill. Be aware that the walk back is uphill.
Picnic Point Circuit – This walk is not for the fainthearted. Because Picnic Point Circuit combines the Firetail Walk, Pardalote Walk, Bridle Trail and Fantail Walk, walking time is approximately 130-140 minutes.
Picnic Point Bridle Trail – Not only is this trail perfect for bushwalking, but it is also great for mountain biking and horse riding. Take note, walking time is approximately 20 minutes, just one way.
Are you ready to stroll through Ju Raku En Japanese Garden or enjoy an afternoon at Picnic Point Lookout and Parkland? Then book your stay at Laguna Serviced Apartments today. You can choose your room here.
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