Joanna James
A picturesque carnival city lushly endowed with stunning landscapes and compelling nods to art, history, and architecture, Toowoomba is Queensland's most multi-faceted experiential destination. Here are the best eateries for relaxing and refuelling after your adventures.
The two-hour ride from Brisbane to the lush countryside city of Toowoomba is fully worth it, regardless of whether you most enjoy quirky art-spattered laneways and sophisticated galleries, picturesque farmland, graceful heritage buildings, or decadent dishes composed of home-grown goodness. After a morning of roaming hinterland parks and blooming gardens or thrift shopping at Instagram-worthy boutiques like the Lifeline Vintage Wardrobe and the Vinnies Toowoomba Madonna House, stop at the Baker's Duck for an epic pairing of sweet and savoury bakes. From the all-time favourite churro croissant and sourdough Turkish loaf to strawberry and cream tarts and uniquely flavoured cruffins, this pastry lover's haunt is a delight for brunch or teatime!
This cosy hideout amidst Toowoomba's vibrantly graffitied laneways is a feast for the eyes and tastebuds, serving up a delicious storm of country breezes and farm-fresh creations best enjoyed the alfresco style. Their special coffee blend is said to bring in wanderers from all over Queensland and their innovative eats leave nothing to be desired, from brioche brekky burgers and lusciously topped buttermilk pancakes to crispy spring rolls and wholesome 'glow bowls.'
This nature-kissed 'neighbourhood café' not only serves an irresistible single-origin coffee brew and old-fashioned comfort bakes, but it also keeps its customers in addictive suspense by coming up with new weekly specials to devour. If you're in the mood for a romantic hike, grab a hearty slice of their famous carrot cake to share, flat whites in takeaway cups, and some fresh flowers sold onsite, and head over to Lover's Outlook for some stunning valley panoramas. If you're looking for an avant-garde hotel in Toowoomba located close to the city's diverse allurements, venture no further than Oaks Toowoomba Hotel.
An atmospheric café serving up your classic brunch staples with a bougie makeover, from dukkah, Persian fetta, and asparagus eggs benedict layered with sweet potato chips to fluffy brioche French toast decked with mascarpone, coconut pannacotta, and lime curd, Ortem is the place for all 'extra' Darling Down foodies. If it doesn't already sound blissful, Ortem also happens to be renowned for its friendly community feel, unbelievably decadent Bruno Rossi brew, and a bucket-list cannoli invention of Nutella and ricotta.
Whether you're dining inside this airy and charming boho-chic Café or grabbing a customised picnic pack for a long ramble at Queen's Park Botanic Gardens nearby, Milk and Honey has got plenty of gastronomic delights to sample. From colourful breakfast salads and house-made pistachio-dusted crumpets to delectable Moroccan lamb burgers and halloumi fries, your options are both deliciously wholesome and packed with diverse complementary flavours.
Imagine a gorgeous vintage brick façade combined with tantalising fragrances of Coffee Supreme, the taste of old favourites with a delish twist like avocado on toast or multi-cuisine meals like mince rice with Thai chicken curry and greens, and you'll have Sweet Talk!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
