TOOWOOMBA FEATURE

By TRACEY JOHNSTONE

Flowing through the Toowoomba region is a rich tapestry of community spirit, indigenous history, glorious farmland, a vibrant city, and a bustling life stretched across the generations.

Sitting just on the edge of the Great Dividing Range and only about 90 minutes drive west of Brisbane, Toowoomba is perfect place to wind down from a busy life and move into an affordable lifestyle full of culture, history, recreation, gardening, new friendships and clean, crisp living.

The greater Toowoomba region is made up of 16 towns each with their own unique character. The area is serviced by the Wellcamp Airport with direct flights to most major centres.

There are 24 retirement living accommodation choices in the region.

Realestate.com.au reports the median property prices over the last year range from $442,500 for houses to $250,000 for units. “Based on five years of sales, Toowoomba City has seen a compound growth rate of 4.8% for houses and -5.7% for units,” the site reports.

Many of the homes exude old-world charm and are built as bungalows, colonial style and Federation homes.

Toowoomba’s medical services are outstanding. The region is serviced by a large public hospital and several smaller facilities along with many medical specialists.

New residents to the region can kick back and breath in the country lifestyle or throw themselves full tilt into a range of activities and events to keep them comfortably busy every day they choose to get out and about.

The region is full of gardens and more gardens which why is it known as the Garden City. Considered one of the major delights of the region for both residents and the multitudes of visitors is the annual Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. The Spring event is a joy to experience for even the most die-hard non-gardener.

If keeping the brain active is high on the retirement list, the local vibrant U3A group is offers many interesting choices of education and experiences in the company of like-minded retirees.

The region showcases its heritage at the Cobb+Co Museum which takes visitors back in time to horse-drawn carriages and steam trains. It has interactive displays and heritage trade workshops in silversmithing, millinery, whip plaiting and blacksmithing.

Fancy some live theatre or music? The heritage-listed Empire Theatre is Australia’s largest regional performing arts complex. It hosts everything from opera to comedy and musical theatre.

Exhibits change regularly at the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery. It holds a large collection of Australian artist’s works along with works from Asia and Europe. Just step outside the Gallery to find a colourful array of laneway art.

For the active resident there are a multitude of walking trails and 70kms of cycle paths.

The local council supports older residents getting out and about through its Change Project. It provides a wide range of low-cost activities, encouraging everyone to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. The program provides activities to suit a wide variety of fitness levels.

Toowoomba offers something for everyone whether you are an active or relaxed resident.

From art and education, to great wine and food, healthy living, clean air and friendly neighbours - it’s the place to be.

This is our invitation to you!

Pack a picnic and stroll through our Region’s award-winning parks and gardens

Laurel Bank Park

A kaleidoscope of colour, Laurel Bank Park features manicured gardens, mature trees, children’s play equipment, barbecue and picnic areas and two croquet lawns. Queens Park is something to behold, with bright flower beds, large canopies of stately trees and an off-leash area that keeps the local dogs very happy. Peacehaven Botanic Park is home to more than 400 different native plants and trees, expansive green lawns and stunning views towards the Bunya Mountains.

Visitors to the University of Southern Queensland’s Japanese Garden are treated to waterfalls, traditional Japanese bridges, cherry blossom trees, bamboo avenues and a tea house.

Queens Park Peacehaven Botanic Park Japanese Garden

Mural by internationally renowned artist Adnate is part of the urban streetscape.

Do you have the desire to explore, and maybe one day reside in a city where quaint country For a trip filled with culture, history and heritage, we’ve put together a list of must-see pit-stops charm meets big city buzz?

Well, this is our invitation to you!

As one of Queensland’s largest inland cities, Toowoomba is the place to soak up the fresh country air while strolling through our magnificent parks with a freshly roasted espresso in hand. when exploring our Region.

EXPLORE THE EMPIRE THEATRE IN THE LIMELIGHT From musicals to comedy shows and concerts, the Empire Theatre has served as an entertainment hub for Toowoomba and the surrounding areas for over 100 years. As the lights go down and the red curtains roll up, be dazzled not only by the performances but also its heritage-listed classic Art Deco architecture.

CELEBRATE OUR AWARD-WINNING PARKS AND GARDENS You can’t visit the Garden City without a pit-stop to one of our award-winning parks and gardens. Pack a picnic and stroll through the kaleidoscope of colour that swirls across our landscapes throughout spring and summer. In September, see our gardens bloom and enjoy all the festivities during Australia’s longest-running floral event, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. Serene setting at Newtown Park continued over>

START LIVING THE OVER 50’S LIFESTYLE You Deserve

ABSORB CULTURE AND HISTORY AT OUR REGION’S ART GALLERIES Whether you fancy yourself a connoisseur or an amateur art critic, our Region’s art galleries have something to satisfy every taste. Wander through the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery and feast your eyes on the Lionel Lindsay Art Gallery and Library. The collection features over 400 artworks by members of the Lindsay family and many other significant Australian painters, including Frederick McCubbin and Arthur Streeton. Contemporary exhibitions change monthly, while historical exhibitions change three times a year.

DISCOVER TOOWOOMBA REGION ON FOOT From stunning scenic hikes in national parks to wandering the city streets uncovering Toowoomba’s rich history, there’s a walk for everyone. Strap on your walking shoes for a stroll around our city’s streets and laneways to uncover over 80 street art murals

Queens Park

BRODRIBB AT HOME

Enjoy a trip back in time with a viewing of Cobb+Co coaches. painted as part of the First Coat Festivals. If you’re looking to step away from the hustle and bustle, then breathe in the fresh mountain air by taking a leisurely hike through one of our nearby national parks.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN AUSTRALIAN HISTORY Travel back in time by visiting our world-class Cobb+Co Museum.

Discover a variety of interactive displays, exhibits and heritage trade workshops. Wander through the charming National Carriage Collection and learn how the 47 horse-drawn vehicles played an essential role in the development of Queensland. To plan your next weekend getaway visit, www.tr.qld.gov.au/ attractions with Kev Morris Builder

DO IT ONCE, DO IT RIGHT ... with Kev Morris Builder

2019 Master Builders Award Winning Display Home $250k - $350k

Retirement Village Units in the heart of Toowoomba City

• One bedroom fully self-contained unit available now for $235,000 (options to vary available) • Walk to Laurel Bank Park & Grand Central • Live independently or access care, services & meals • Lovely community centre & regular activities • Government subsidised Home Care Packages available at no cost to full aged pensioners • Co-located next to our Residential Aged Care Facility

Aged Care you can trust ... in your home or ours. HERE FOR YOU IF YOUR CARE NEEDS CHANGE

Our Village Residents are prioritised for Home Care or Residential Placement should the need arise.

Residential Care, Home Care, Retirement Village

Got a project you want to discuss with an expert local builder?

We’d love to hear from you.

Kev Morris and his team are an award winning Builders with over 40 years of building experience, creating stunning architectural, custom built and new family homes across the Toowoomba and Darling Downs region. From the Independent Builders range explore our range of vibrant and beautifully designed homes, in our virtual display village. As a member of the Independent Builders Network, we offer you a range of home designs with stylish facade options – all at a competitive price. Building an Independent Builder home design on your existing block gives you the benefits of contemporary design, quality finishes and the luxury of a floor-plan that perfectly fits your lifestyle. We know that no two families share the same needs, which is why our homes offer a range of incredible options to help you find exactly what you’re looking for, and we can work with you to further customise and personalise your home to suit you and your family’s wishes. Come visit our display home at 97 Cronin Road, Highfields Qld 4350.

Benefits Of Building An Adaptable Living Home

Homes will be designed with comfort, safety and ease of access as core design features. These features make it easier for parents to manoeuvre prams, easier to carry the shopping into the house, easier for people with a disability or temporary injury to move around and create a more spacious environment for the ageing.

These features will allow key living spaces to be more easily and cost effectively adapted to meet the changing needs and abilities of home occupants such as ageing baby boomers and people who have or acquire disability.

A few design aspects that best explain this: Easy to enter Easy to navigate in and around Capable of easy and cost-effective adaptation Responsive to the changing needs of home occupants

Experience the peace of paddling at Lake Cressbrook.

Calling all road-trippers and aspiring Toowoomba Region settlers! There’s so much to love about our Region from weaving through the colourful city laneways, to watching the sunset over the cotton fields in the west, exploring the walking trails in the north and searching for sunflowers in the south. Nestled 125 kms inland from Brisbane amidst Darling Down’s lush farmland, Toowoomba Region is known for its magnificent gardens and boutique cafes featuring fresh local produce. But did you know it’s also a picturesque place to pitch a tent or park up your caravan?

Swap the city for scenery and serenity with these top camping spots in our Region! LAKE CRESSBROOK Distance from Toowoomba: 56.9km drive Lake Cressbrook offers campsites for tents, caravans and motor homes with stunning water views and access to a camp kitchen, as well as toilet and shower facilities.

If you enjoy catching a fish or two, then Lake Cressbrook is for you! Drop a line from the shore or paddle out in a boat, kayak or canoe. For the wildlife

There’s a choice of walking trails. enthusiasts, take a hike in the bird-filled forest and keep an eye out for koalas and kangaroos.

BOWENVILLE RESERVE Distance from Toowoomba: 59.6km drive Located alongside Oakey Creek off the Bowenville-Norwin Road, Bowenville Reserve is a short 9km drive from the Warrego Highway.

Once you’ve found a camping area, sit back in your camp chair and toast some marshmallows because this

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Enjoy family activities at Bowenville Reserve campsite provides a relaxing close-tonature experience for stays up to seven days. Have fun fishing and paddling in the waterhole, while having access to picnic tables, a playground and toilets.

YARRAMALONG WEIR RESERVE Distance from Toowoomba: 71.3km drive Situated 30km east of Millmerran on Yarramalong Road, you’ll find Yarramalong Weir Reserve along the bank of the Condamine River.

If you’re a self-contained camper, you’ll love the peace and quiet of this hidden gem. Drop in the tinnie using the boat ramp, enjoy a refreshing swim and have a fish. As the sun goes down, be sure to set up an open fire and relax while gazing up at the starry night sky.

Grab your camping companion, hit the road and roll out your swag in the natural beauty of our Toowoomba Region. To plan your next camping adventure visit, www.tr.qld.gov.au/ camping. We look forward to seeing you soon! More people are choosing to ‘rightsize’ to a modern, low-maintenance home in a retirement community such as at Willow Glen Retirement Community.

Set among picturesque parklands where country charm is alive and well, and with like-minded neighbours, first-class facilities, and a relaxed lifestyle on offer, it’s easy to see why. RELAXED COUNTRY LIVING Centrally located in the south of the city of Toowoomba, Willow Glen offers residents the peace of country living with modern convenience within easy reach.

A great range of shops, restaurants, services and medical facilities are all close by, so you can always get what you need and enjoy getting out and about. It’s also effortless to get around town and park the car, as you don’t need to battle the crowds or peak hour traffic. ACCOMMODATION AT ITS BEST Willow Glen comprises 101 independent living units, with two and threebedroom homes available.

Each unit features a bright, open plan living area with a modern kitchen, a lock-up garage for extra storage and a private garden where you can enjoy the peace and beautiful weather of the region.

“Barbara and I have lived at Willow It’s a great life living in Willow Glen, in the heart of the Garden City of Toowoomba Glen for 18 years and wouldn’t live anywhere else,” says resident Barry Kranz. LIFESTYLE TAILOR-MADE FOR YOU The community has some wonderful on-site facilities and activities giving you plenty of options for things to do.

On-site facilities include a heated indoor pool, gym, indoor bowls room, croquet/golf putting court and library, to name a few.

The Willow Glen Homestead is the communal hub with a comfortable vibe that makes it easy to meet and enjoy good times with new friends. With modern homes, fantastic facilities, and a friendly community, you’re sure to settle in fast and love it as much as our residents do now. Visit www.tricare.com.au