One of the oldest inland cities in Australia, and the second largest inland city by population, Toowoomba is known for its country charm and buzzing cultural scene.
With a mix of historic Victorian-era architecture and traditional Queenslander homes, renowned gardens, and the annual Carnival of Flowers festival, you might be surprised by the lifestyle on offer in Toowoomba!
A Quick Snapshot of Toowoomba
Located in the Darling Downs, Toowoomba was founded on the traditional lands of the Giabal and Jarowair peoples. Declared a city in 1904, it was primarily an agricultural area but today is known for its health and education services.
With a population of over 162,000, the median age is 37 years and children (ages 0 – 14) account for more than 20% of the population, so you can expect to find many families in the area.
Most residents are in full-time employment and work predominantly in Health Care and Social Assistance, followed by Education and Training, and Retail.
There are over 30 primary schools, a mix of both state and private, as well as around 20 secondary schools. Toowoomba is home to the University of Southern Queensland, in addition to other vocational education opportunities.
Toowoomba Lifestyle
Beautiful Toowoomba may retain its old-fashioned regional charm, but make no mistake, you’ll find cultural delights to rival capital cities across Australia!
Explore the Cobb & Co Museum, discover what’s on at the historical art deco Empire Theatre, and immerse yourself in Toowoomba’s vibrant art scene which includes galleries and street art. Foodies will enjoy the flourishing restaurant and cafe scene, and the weekly farmers market is a great place to stock up on the freshest local produce.
For those who want to stay active, there’s City Golf Club, recreational walks and trails including Table Top Mountain Walk, bike trails, and Lake Cooby provides plenty of fun for those who enjoy fishing, boating, canoeing and more! If you are interested in motocross and mountain biking, Toowoomba frequently holds national championship events.
You can expect cool winters and warm summers from the subtropical climate of Toowoomba. It is typically cooler than the rest of Queensland so you can expect four distinct seasons – sometimes with fog, frost, and hail. In fact, Toowoomba experienced its largest snow event in three decades in 2015. However, with averages of 28°C in summer and 17°C in winter, it is a comfortable temperature most of the year.
Toowoomba is just 105 km from Brisbane, making it easy to take a riverside city break or a day trip to the zoo. You will also find the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast within 150 km.
The Garden City
There are over 250 gardens and parks throughout Toowoomba, hence why it is sometimes referred to as the Garden City. In addition to Australia’s largest Japanese garden, Ju Raku En, you can also visit Queensland State Rose Garden, heritage-listed botanic garden Queens Park, and Laurel Bank Park. With hundreds of gardens and parks to enjoy, it is a vibrant destination any time of year. But in September, Toowoomba comes to breathtaking life to celebrate the iconic cultural event, Carnival of Flowers.
Toowoomba Suburbs
Toowoomba is home to many suburbs, but the largest include Blue Mountain Heights, Drayton, Glenvale, Gowrie, Harlaxton, Mount Lofty, Toowoomba City, Westbrook, and Wilsonton.
Other Toowoomba suburbs include:
- Athol
- Carrington
- Centenary Heights
- Charlton
- Clifford Gardens
- Cotswold Hills
- Cranley
- Darling Heights
- Drayton North
- East Toowoomba
- Eastlake
- Finnie
- Glenvale Park
- Gowrie Mountain
- Harristown
- Kearneys Spring
- Middle Ridge
- Mount Kynoch
- Mount Rascal
- Newtown
- Northlands
- North Toowoomba
- Picnic Point
- Prince Henry Heights
- Rangeville
- Redwood
- Rockville
- Southtown
- South Toowoomba
- Top Camp
- Torrington
- Toowoomba West
- Wellcamp – home to a brand-new airport, which is the area’s third airport and provides international connections and direct flights.
Toowoomba Real Estate Market
The majority of residents are family households, but the split between ownership and renters is vast. Around 30% of homes are owned outright, with another 30% being mortgaged, and an additional 30% being on the rental market.
What was historically a low-rise area has become the home to many high-rise developments in recent years as population growth has increased.
In Toowoomba City, the median house price is $495,000. It is a popular spot for professional couples. Meanwhile, Mount Lofty has a median house price of $693,000. Over the last five years, the population of Mount Lofty has dropped by almost 2%, while Centenary Heights has experienced a 3.5% increase.
Houses sell fast in the area, with a report showing the average property spends just 13 days on the market. Homes in Harlaxton typically spend an average of 12 days on the market and offer a rental yield of over 5%. Glenvale is an area of massive growth, with a steadily increasing population, growing annual income, and a healthy rental yield.
Drayton has experienced a jump in house prices, now sitting at a median of $450,000. Properties spend an average of 11 days on the market and offer a typical rental yield of almost 5%.
Discover Toowoomba
Whether you are looking for an investment property, or considering a move to the region, Toowoomba has a lot to offer. If you are looking for more affordable housing, a laid-back lifestyle and strong community spirit, Toowoomba may be the right choice for you!
