The road from Brisbane to Toowoomba takes just 90 minutes to drive.
You could do it in one go, and spend your day having fun adventures in town or visiting Toowoomba’s many parks and gardens.
But, if you’ve time, you could take several breaks along the way – and turn the drive into an interesting road trip, which takes in a koala sanctuary, a 19th century mansion on 300 acres, a cute village with German heritage and more.
Please note: these five stops are all along the fastest route between Brisbane and Toowoomba – the M5, the M2 and the A2.
STOP ONE: LONE PINE KOALA SANCTUARY
From Brisbane CBD, it’s a 20-minute drive along the M5 to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Opened in 1927 by Brisbane local Claude Reid, who wanted to protect wild koalas from being killed for their fur, it’s the oldest koala sanctuary in the world.
Choose a koala experience to suit you – be it a ‘close up’, which gives you the chance to meet a koala face-to-face while learning about its routine, habitat and personality, or a full-day platinum tour.
Plus, koalas aren’t the only animals to call Lone Pine home. You can also expect to meet owls, dingoes, sheep dogs and plenty of other furry friends.
STOP TWO: IPSWICH
Follow the M5 (which turns into the M2) for another 30 minutes to reach Ipswich, a popular day trip destination for its historical buildings, arts scene and friendly cafes.
Highlights include coffee at Ellen and Rod, a stroll around Ipswich Art Gallery and the beautiful views from Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve.
STOP THREE: WOODLANDS OF MARBURG
Carry on along the M2 for another 20 minutes before turning right onto Seminary Road to visit Woodlands of Marburg.
This spectacular, two-storey mansion on 300 acres was built in the early 1890s for sugar baron Tommy L Smith.
Over the years, it’s served as a family home, missionaries’ residence, seminary and private school property. A local family bought it in 2002, and decided to open it to the public for the first time.
Book into the Sugarmill Restaurant for brekkie or lunch, or stay overnight in a luxurious suite.
STOP FOUR: HELIDON
Another 40 minutes’ drive west will land you in Helidon in Lockyer Valley. Many of Brisbane’s 19th century buildings were made with sandstone from this charming village.
Learn all about its German-influenced history on a self-guided walk, which takes in the handcrafted town clock, and check out the quirky shops, including Pickers and Dealers Garage, and German Bake and Wurst House.
STOP FIVE: PICNIC POINT LOOKOUT
Within 20 minutes, you’ll reach the outskirts of Toowoomba. Before heading into town, take a diversion to Picnic Point Lookout.
The views across Lockey Valley, Tabletop Mountain and Brisbane are incredible. For kids, there are playgrounds catering to all ages, and, for keen hikers, there are several bush trails to explore.
Alternatively, kick back and relax, enjoying the surrounding gardens (which include a waterfall) and maybe a coffee or bite in the cafe.
Downtown Toowoomba – and the end of your road trip – are just 10 minutes’ drive away.
GETTING TO BRISBANE AND TOOWOOMBA
Brisbane, a city of around 1.3 million people and the capital of Queensland, is in the state’s south-eastern corner.
It’s a 10-hour drive north of Sydney and an 18-hour drive north of Melbourne. Toowoomba lies 90 minutes’ drive to the west of Brisbane.
To save time, fly into Brisbane Airport or Toowoomba Airport. SIXT has branches at both airports, offering a variety of rental cars, from SUVs and EVs to 4WDs and minibuses.
