Next time you have a free day take the family on an adventure to the peaceful and picturesque Picnic Point Parklands in Toowoomba. Pack a picnic and spend a few hours or the whole day discovering the manicured lawns and gardens, fun playgrounds, stunning views and everything else the parklands have to offer. Trust me – you won’t be disappointed!
Picnic Point Parklands History
Perched high on the crest of the Great Dividing Range is the State heritage-listed Picnic Point Parklands. Dotted with mature Hoop Pines and South Queensland Kauri Pines, this 65-hectare Parklands stands the test of time as a popular recreation space for locals and visitors.
In the past it has been used for grazing, quarrying, camping grounds, and even by the Australian Army during the war.
Playgrounds at Picnic Point Parklands
Families are spoilt for choice at Picnic Point Parklands with three separate play areas to choose from. While you may just like to stop off at one, we think all of these playgrounds are worth a visit, and if you don’t mind stretching your legs, you could walk between all three.
Picnic Point Square Playground
Nestled under the shade of some nearby trees is the Picnic Point Square Playground. Suited to the younger children this playground includes slides, rockers, .and lots of climbing opportunities.
If you are having trouble finding this play area, just look up to find the large Australian flag wafting in the breeze – and you will find the playground nearby.
TIP: As you approach Toowoomba look out the car window to see if you can spot the oversized Australian flag fluttering in the breeze. When you arrive at Picnic Point you will then be able to stand directly underneath it to get an appreciation of just how massive it is.
Heller Street Park
Kids of all ages will enjoy exploring the Heller Street Park, with its Harry-Potter style equipment. Quirky, wooden huts linked by a wobbly bridge make for a great place to play, hide or use your imagination. Climbing opportunities, slides, fire poles, nest swings and a flying fox round out this fun play space. Oh, and there is sand underneath some equipment to play in and plenty of open, grassy spaces surrounding the equipment for kicking a ball or running games.
If you are looking for a place to set up for a gathering, party or picnic, this area has plenty of off-street parking, BBQ’s, picnic shelters and toilets.
Lions Park
Image Courtesy of Lions Club of Toowoomba West Inc
This spacious play area features a slide, climbing net, swings, a rocker and the star of the show – an old rocket ship. Unfortunately, the rocket ship is not climbable, but it’s still cool to look at.
Each Sunday a little train ‘Happy Harry’ takes visitors for a ride around the park, thanks to the Lions Club of Toowoomba West.
Unfortunately ‘Happy Harry’ is currently out of order, but will hopefully be fixed soon. .
Activities to Enjoy at Picnic Point Parklands
Whether you are filling in half an hour or a whole day, there are plenty of family friendly activities to enjoy at Picnic Point Parklands. From picnics, walks, playgrounds, and views, these parklands are an ideal place to rest and recharge in the great outdoors.
Pack a Picnic
Just as the name suggests, packing a picnic or BBQ and spreading out under the shade of a tree or at a picnic table is an ideal way to punctuate your visit to the parklands. You will find plenty of facilities in all corners of the parklands, so you are guaranteed to find a space just perfect for your occasion.
If you are wanting to supplement your picnic with a cold drink, coffee or ice-cream, check out the offerings at the Picnic Point Café.
Take a Hike
If you are keen for a bush walk there are several trails, of varying lengths and difficulties leaving from different locations throughout the Parklands. Depending on the ages and abilities of walkers, you may opt to complete a whole walk, or just part of a walk. Either way, there is plenty of picturesque bushland to immerse yourself in, views to uncover and wildlife to spot.
There are seven walks, ranging from 167m to 2,120m one-way, though the walks are listed as Grade 3, due to some short, steep sections, many steps and/or obstacles, so consider this before embarking on your hike.
For further information you can check out the Toowoomba Region website or view the handy maps dotted around the Parklands.
Find the Waterfall
Set the kids a challenge to see if they can find the hidden waterfall. Encourage them to use their ears, follows the signs or look at a map and direct you there. The waterfall was constructed in 1965 at the site of the former quarry platform. You can view the waterfall from above, then wind your way down the path to the base of the waterfall. Just make sure you don’t get wet feet as you skip across the stepping stones!
Soak up the Views
One of the main reasons visitors stop in at Picnic Point is to soak up the views. As you walk about the Parklands there are several places where you can take in the stunning vistas, with one of the more popular places being the main lookout.
From certain vantage points you can see eastward toward Table Top Mountain and Lockyer Valley, or you may even spy the road which you drove on to get to Toowoomba from Brisbane.
Imagination Factor Picnic Point Parklands
The space, views, gardens and play equipment will be sure to spark the imagination of young visitors at Picnic Point Parklands.
Are they a wizard casting spells at Heller Street Park? Will they be a budding florist or botanist examining the plants and flowers which fill the gardens? Or perhaps they will bring a sketch book or camera and capture the stunning surrounds.
Accessibility at Picnic Point Parklands
The Picnic Point Parklands are largely accessible, though there are obviously areas which are not suitable for those with limited mobility.
Concrete paths do run around the top part of the parklands, from the carpark, with access to the lookout and restaurant area.
There are plenty of picnic areas which are accessible and shady spaces also provided by well-established trees or picnic shelters.
Unfortunately, the playgrounds at Picnic Point Parklands are not overly accessible, with bark and sand bases posing as a barrier to inclusive play.
Picnic Point Parklands features
- Manicured lawns and gardens
- Multiple playgrounds
- Walking paths
- Accessible toilets
- Lookouts
- Waterfall
- Picnic tables
- BBQ’s
- Licensed restaurant and cafe
What We Thought of Picnic Point Parklands
We have always enjoyed visiting Picnic Point Parklands over the years and now we have children, there is a fun element factor to our visits.
Walking around the parklands instils a sense of calm, with plenty of gardens, open grassy spaces, trees and wildlife surrounding you. The views are pretty spectacular too!
Of course, the kids enjoy the playgrounds and jumping across the stepping stones at the base of the waterfall.
The Picnic Point Parklands is a wonderful spot to visit, whether it be for a quick toilet stop, a family picnic or an afternoon of fun in Toowoomba. If you are visiting the region be sure to check out other fun Things to Do in Toowoomba with Kids suggestions.
How to Get to Picnic Point Parklands
The Picnic Point Parklands are located at 62-202 Tourist Road, Rangeville in Toowoomba.
The drive from Brisbane will generally take you just under 2 hours (approx. 125km). Ample (free) parking can be found at various locations throughout the parklands.
Picnic Point Parklands, Tourist Road, Rangeville
