Brisbane to Toowoomba Historical Weekend Take a drive back into the past with this historical weekend drive, from Brisbane to Toowoomba, through the charming town of Ipswich
Brisbane to Toowoomba Historical Weekend Brisbane to Toowoomba Historical Weekend Take a drive back into the past on this historical weekend drive from Brisbane to Toowoomba. First stop is the city that almost stole Brisbane s capital status Ipswich. Drive the old Cobb & Co route which follows the railway line and original road from Ipswich to Gatton. The drive was named Cobb & Co to recognise the first mail route contract awarded to Cobb & Co in Queensland, which was from Ipswich to Toowoomba. The townships along the route boast a number of historical pubs and other magnificent buildings constructed as resting points for travellers to the west. Spend the night in Toowoomba s only heritage-listed accommodation, Vacy Hall before checking out all the historical sites of the garden city the following day. Ipswich Visitor Information Centre (38.1km) Located at 14 Queen Victoria Parade in the iconic Queens Park, the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre is operated by Ipswich City Council. Here you can pick up your Ipswich Heritage Trail booklets which includes the locations of historical markers dotted around the city. 2
Brisbane Street (1.4km) Marvel at the beautiful buildings along Brisbane Street. The epicentre of Ipswich is symbolic of the city s past featuring one of the longest stretches of heritage facade in Australia. Workshops Rail Museum (2.5km) As the birthplace of rail in Queensland, Ipswich is home to the Workshops Rail Museum which is a must-see located along North Street, North Ipswich. Hands-on exhibits and multi-media encounters bring rail to life with modern displays, train simulators, real trains to climb aboard, the Nippers Railway kid zone and the largest model railway of Queensland. Cobb & Co Tourist Drive Walloon & Rosewood (22.5km) Further west from Ipswich on the Cobb & Co Tourist Drive are the townships of Walloon and Rosewood. These towns also boast a number of public parks and interesting wooden buildings. Both these small towns were originally established as stopover points along the Cobb & Co railway mail route until the area surrounding the town yielded coal in around 1881. Subsequently, the towns and surrounding areas have been sustained with the development of the rich soils for dairying and mixed farming. At Rosewood there is the option of heading off the Cobb & Co tourist route to explore Marburg approximately 10kms away. Grandchester (13.2km) The pride and joy of Grandchester is the Grandchester Railway Station, 3
built in 1865. Listed by the National Trust, the Station is significant as the terminus for the first railway line built in Queensland. Before the construction of the railway line, Grandchester was little more than a whistle-stop for travellers, and was known as Bigge s Camp. Visitors can experience the days of the steam engine at Grandchester s Model Steam Railway (open the first Sunday of each month from 10.00am to 3.00pm) by riding scale models of steam (and diesel) locomotives. Not far from the railway station, the historic buildings of an old homestead have been restored and converted into a luxury resort - right in the heart of a working cattle station. Laidley (10.4km) The next town along the Cobb & Co tourist drive is Laidley. This sleepy rural-commuter township calls itself the Country Garden of Queensland because of the rich soils surrounding the town. These soils support mixed farming, dairying, cotton as well as vegetable growing for the Brisbane markets. There are a number of other historically themed attractions in the town including Das Neumann House and the interesting pioneer village museum. Gatton (18.7km) Gatton is one of the major towns along the Cobb & Co route and was first settled in the 1840 s making it one of the earliest settlements in Queensland. The area lies in the heart 4
of a rich farming area and is well known for its scenic irrigated cropping areas. These flat farming lands are bordered by a section of the Great Dividing Range known as the Helidon Hills. The University of Queensland s agricultural campus is also located in Gatton. The campus has a relaxed, country atmosphere and a number of beautiful, historic buildings. Toowoomba (37.1km) The last town along the Cobb & Co tourist drive is Toowoomba. Toowoomba dangles on the edge of a plateau some 800m above sea level and is the largest inland city in Queensland. It is a gracious and historic city, well known as the garden city which is a fair description given the number of parks, public gardens and the proliferation of tree-lined streets. The city also hosts the annual Carnival of Flowers every September. The large number of elegant Victorian buildings hints at the city s long history. Toowoomba is home to a number of award winning restaurants, wineries, quaint tea-houses, art and craft cottages as well as a full range of modern city conveniences such as major department stores. Toowoomba also boasts the Cobb & Co museum, the perfect conclusion to the Cobb & Co tourist drive. The museum gives further insight into pioneering Queensland, through the regions public transport, agricultural and mining history. 5
Vacy Hall Experience the grandeur of one of Australia s most stately homes when you stay in Toowoomba s only heritagelisted accommodation, Vacy Hall Historic Guesthouse located at 135 Russell Street. Twelve guest bedrooms boast architectural features of the last century with modern facilities. Offering suites, ensuite and standard rooms, all individually decorated with Australian antiques, eight open fireplaces and extensive gardens, Vacy Hall provides accommodation for the discerning traveller. Russell Street Historical Walk This self-guided walking tour of Toowoomba s Russell Street will lead you by landmarks of fine historic architecture, many of which date back to the 1860s. The walk commences at the Railway Station on Railway Street, continues west to Kensington Street and then returns east to the intriguing shop fronts in the city centre. Drop in to the Toowoomba s Visitor Information Centre on the corner of James and Kitchener Street for a copy of the brochure to guide you along your way. Allow a minimum of one hour for a brisk walk and longer for a leisurely stroll. Toowoomba Cobb & Co Museum (2.3km) Get your hands on history at Cobb and Co Museum at 27 Lindsay Street. In every exhibition and program at Cobb and Co Museum there are elements 6
you can see, hear and touch. From blacksmithing and silversmithing to leadlighting and millinery, there are many opportunities for you to create items you will be proud to show off and even give as gifts. Get the behind the scenes story and join their free daily guided tour. There are unique hand-made gifts for sale in the Museum Shop. Cobb and Co Museum is home to the National Carriage Collection which features nearly 50 horse-drawn vehicles and galleries featuring the natural and cultural history of Toowoomba and the Darling Downs. Empire Theatre (1.5km) Toowoomba s Empire Theatre at 56 Neil Street, is a heritage listed art-deco venue that provides a wide variety of performing arts for every taste. The theatre offers historical tours and attracts many visitors each year. The Empire is Australia s largest regional performing arts complex and stages world class shows from leading national and international performers as well as showcasing a wealth of local talent. Whether it is popular music, ballet, comedy or any live performance, the lavish art-deco styling of the venue combined with its state of the art technology makes for a magical and memorable experience. Images courtesy of Tourism Queensland unless otherwise stated. 7