With picture-perfect gardens, boutique wineries, a thriving arts scene and gorgeous country vibe, Toowoomba – a short 90-minute drive from Brisbane or 90-minute flight from Sydney – has emerged as one of the most sought-after country wedding destinations in Australia.
Stunning Toowoomba wedding venue, Gabbinbar Homestead, has couples visiting from all over the country and Chloe Smith, Gabbinbar’s Sales and Marketing Manager shared with us her insider tips for extending a beautiful wedding in Toowoomba into the perfect country-luxe mini-moon, complete with exceptional food, beautiful parks, elegant shopping and boutique accommodation so you can rest, relax and enjoy after your big day!
Image by Grace Wriggles Photography
There is so much to explore in Toowoomba, making it the perfect mini-moon location. The weather is amazing year-round with crisp winters, gorgeous autumn hues, beautiful warm summers and picture-perfect springs. Just 90 minutes from Brisbane and a 90-minute flight from Sydney, Toowoomba crowns the edge of the Great Dividing Range, 700 meters above sea level, overlooking the beautiful Lockyer Valley.
The Toowoomba region is known for its gardens and parks with over 150 on offer for you to play, picnic in and simply enjoy. It’s also an important agricultural hub, producing some of the world’s best produce, so you’ll be well catered for during your stay! Here are some fabulous mini-moon recommendations from a true local and Toowoomba lover!
SLEEP
WISTERIA COTTAGE | MIDDLE RIDGE
Image via Wisteria Cottage AirBnB
‘Wisteria’ as it is affectionately known, is a beautifully renovated 4-bedroom cottage offering elegant, modern Hamptons living. Boasting luxurious touches, open living and inviting dining spaces as well as spacious outdoor entertaining areas. It’s the perfect place to spend a mini-moon!
Image via Wisteria Cottage AirBnB
EAT & DRINK
Image via Muller Bros.
MULLER BROS | 25 BELL STREET | TOOWOOMBA
Toowoomba’s first and original open-air rooftop bar, Muller Brothers is made of two parts; a top-notch Brazilian BBQ Churrasco restaurant downstairs and a gorgeous all-weather bar up top where you can enjoy share plates, platters and delicious drinks. With a beautiful clear roof overhead, even the cloudiest of days won’t dampen your mood here!
Image via George Banks
GEORGE BANKS | 206 MARGARET ST | TOOWOOMBA
Toowoomba’s swankiest rooftop bar! Go and enjoy the best view in town. Fitted out with an impressive marble bar, crystal chandelier, comfy private booths in the open air and velvet dining chairs in the restaurant, this place has some serious style! Sample the beautiful Mediterranean inspired menu and treat yourself to a cocktail or champagne! You won’t be disappointed.
THE BAKERS DUCK | 124 CAMPBELL STREET | TOOWOOMBA
Enter through the large wooden door into a world of mouth-watering pastries and coffee – if you love savoury you can’t go past the ‘Snake Bite’ but if you have a sweet tooth you can’t walk away without trying the ‘Strawberry Cheesecake Danish.
SHOP
Image of Florence & Marabel via Visit Darling Downs
THE BUNGALOW & BASKET | 4/400 RUTHVEN ST | TOOWOOMBA
Make sure you take home a stylish souvenir from The Bungalow & Basket. Stocking a wide range of beautiful homewares, fashion accessories and the cutest range of baby gifts, there will be something to suit everyone.
FLORENCE & MARABEL | GRAND CENTRAL SHOPPING CENTRE | TOOWOOMBA
Located in Grand Central, Toowoomba’s main shopping centre, Florence & Marabel is full to the brim with fashionable items for ladies of all ages. They are the exclusive stockists of a number of well-known brands such as Binny, Mela Purdie, Stevie May and Steele.
DO
EMERAUDE & RAVENSBOURNE NATIONAL PARK
‘A micro region eatery serving a variety of modern Australian dishes in a floral space’ is how this gorgeous café on the outskirts of Toowoomba describes itself. It’s well worth the short drive out to Hampton for brunch to sample the beautifully presented local fare. Afterwards wander out to Ravensbourne Park and enjoy breathtaking views from ‘Beutels Lookout’ over the Great Dividing Range and short, family friendly bushwalking trails.
Image by Grace Wriggles Photography
TOOWOOMBA CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS
The ultimate event in the Toowoomba calendar. Enjoy great music, delicious food and stunning blooms throughout September. Running for more than 65 years, the award-winning Carnival of Flowers continues to delight attendees. One event you can’t miss, the Food & Wine Festival includes mouth-watering food and wine, made with produce grown fresh in the region.
Gabbinbar Homestead is a magnificent and historic estate established in 1863, located high on the mountain range in the garden city of Toowoomba QLD. Set amongst 150-year-old gardens, towering ancient trees and expansive lawns, Gabbinbar Homestead offers you a choice of beautiful spaces to enjoy including the gorgeous Homestead, stables, garden pavilion and old-school house. Our Wedding Planning Team are highly experienced and will assist you with every aspect of your wedding.
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