Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
blooms for the visually impaired. Is there anything more perfect than a patch of jonquils
in the springtime?
FREAK OF NATURE: TOOWOOMBA'S INLAND TSUNAMI
On 10 January 2011 a wall of water raged through Toowoomba's town centre in an unprecedented weather event
that has been likened to an inland tsunami. The wild weather that inundated Queensland in December 2010 and
January 2011 caused floods throughout the state, including in Brisbane, and triggered a flash flood of epic propor-
tions that took Toowoomba completely by surprise. Cars were tossed around like flotsam, people clung to trees
and signposts, and houses were washed off their stumps. The torrential wall of water swept through the Lockyer
Valley, devastating the small towns of Grantham and Murphys Creek. Despite its ferocity the flood left little last-
ing damage in Toowoomba, but ask any local about it and you'll still hear it described with shock, awe and won-
derment.
Festivals & Events
Carnival of Flowers
(
www.tcof.com.au
)
Freesia fanatic? Daffodil devotee? Toowoomba's Carnival of Flowers is a
hypercoloured spring fiesta held during the last week in September. It includes floral dis-
plays, a grand parade, exhibition gardens and a food and wine festival.
HORTICULTURE
Sleeping
If you're trucking into town from the Brisbane direction without an accommodation book-
ing, the Warrego Hwy (which turns into James St) is littered with serviceable motels.
CARAVAN PARK
$
Toowoomba Motor Village
( 07-4635 8186;
www.toowoombamotorvillage.com.au
; 821 Ruthven St; unpowered/powered sites $27/33, cabins &
units $75-112; )
This trim-and-tidy hillside park is a 2.5km hike south of the centre, but
is well equipped and has views over the suburbs.
Vacy Hall
MAP
GUESTHOUSE
$$
GOOGLE MAP
( 07-4639 2055;
www.vacyhall.com.au
; 135 Russell St; d $125-245; )
Just uphill from the town
centre, this magnificent 1873 mansion offers 12 heritage-style rooms with loads of au-
thentic charm. A wide verandah wraps around the house, all rooms have en suites or
