9 Museums in Toowoomba That You Shouldn't Miss

DownsSteam is a community based solely volunteer run organisation dedicated to the establishment of a tourist railway for the Darling Downs region. DownsSteam was formed to enable the preservation and active restoration of the last remaining steam locomotive built at the historic Toowoomba Foundry Company, C16-106 Southern Cross Works No. 28 circa 1914. DownsSteam plans to run regular passenger services that would become part of an integrated tourism transport trail across the Darling Downs. Fine food excursions to Warwick and Stanthorpe will give our guests the opportunity to sample the best our region has to offer. Shorter trips to Nobby and Pittsworth will celebrate our regions rich heritage. Since formation in 2001, DownsSteam has established an active railway precinct on the former Drayton sidings & acquiried a large rolling stock fleet.

Some of the most loved (and most photographed!) features of Toowoomba’s street scape are the more than 80 large scale street art murals dotted throughout the city. The amazing works are thanks to the First Coat International Art Festival that has brought nationally and internationally recognised outdoor artists to Toowoomba over many years. Grab your camera and wander through our streets and lanes to see how these once blank spaces have been brought to life by dozens of talented artists. Be sure to also check out the First Coat Artist Studio Space and Indoor Gallery run by the team behind organising this festival - based at 6 Laurel Street Toowoomba.

Toowoomba's must-see tourist destination! Part of the Queensland Museum Network and home to the National Carriage Collection, discover a variety of interactive displays, exhibits and heritage trade workshops. Immerse yourself in Toowoomba's natural and cultural history and revisit an Australian transport era. Wander through the charming National Carriage Collection and discover how the 47 horse-drawn vehicles played an important role in the development of Queensland. Put your power to the test in the Energy for Life Discovery Centre and explore how your body uses and stores energy and how we can use energy more sustainably. The kids will love stepping back in time to play in The Coach Stop play area. Watch them become shop attendants in the old Museum General Store, dress them up in old fashion clothes or give them a ride on the life-sized replica horse. Get your hands on history with a variety of heritage workshops with one to five day workshops suited from beginner to expert. Experience the satisfaction of learning a traditional skill and creating something beautiful yet functional by hand. Take a break in Cobb's Coffee Shop and try Toowoomba's best scones! Located a just short walk across from Toowoomba's iconic Queens Park. Museum admission is free for Toowoomba Regional Council residents with proof of residency.

The Met Gallery - a continuous exhibition of artworks for sale by regional member Artists and Artists on consignment. Met Galleries was founded in January, 2014 by Richard Coles and Evan Hollis, both Artists in their own right, who were encouraged by the abundance of burgeoning Toowoomba Artists. Drop in the Gallery and chat to anyone of the member Artists on site.

Open on the first Sunday of every month, the Royal Bull's Head Inn is a rare, surviving inn building of pre-Separation Queensland. William Horton established his inn at Drayton in the late 1840s, the period when Drayton was an important stopping place between Moreton Bay and the Darling Downs.Furniture and fittings from the period of occupancy by the Lynch family are features internally.

Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery was established in 1937, making it the oldest public art gallery in regional Queensland. Located in the heart of the city, use it as your starting point to explore the CBD’s attractive inner-city parks, quirky cafes and famous street art murals. The gallery houses three permanent collections that include some of Australia’s most loved painters, including Frederick McCubbin, Arthur Streeton, Tom Roberts and Rupert Bunny. Call ahead to view the gallery’s exceptional library which includes rare books, maps and travel journals, including letters written by early European explorers to Australia such as Ludwig Leichhardt. Guided tours of the gallery are available. Both individuals and groups are welcome and are encouraged to book at least two weeks ahead if a guide is required.

A fine art photography gallery showcasing the work of local photographer, Shane Herring. Framed and unframed prints for sale as well as greeting cards and post cards.