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The Road Ahead : June July 2008
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STORY JIM MATHERS T oowoomba, a 90-minute drive west of Brisbane, has long been a favourite spot for day tripping and short breaks for south-east Queenslanders. Recently named Australia’s tidiest town, Toowoomba is a city with a distinctive blend of history, parks and gardens. Toowoomba’s heritage-listed Empire Theatre, for example, must be one of the nation’s most stunning theatres. Originally opened in 1911, most of the theatre was destroyed by ? re in 1933 (only two brick walls survived). The Empire was rebuilt in 1933 in art deco style, seating up to 2400 people. It was the cultural hub until it closed in 1971. The theatre was used for various purposes after that, but eventually fell into disrepair. The Council bought it in 1990 and it was restored, opening again in 1997, able to seat more than 1500 people at concerts, plays and musicals. Features such as a huge, backlit arch over the stage and a giant light in the shape of a WWII aircraft bomber add to the atmosphere. Modern touches such as bars and a restaurant add to the original complex to provide a welcoming theatre experience. Guided tours are possible and the adjoining Empire Church Theatre can be hired for functions. There is more history for you to soak up around the city, and it’s best absorbed on foot. The information centre can kit you up with a series of A Walk through History brochures, which provide maps and points of interest for various historic precincts. While you’re taking in the sites, stroll along to the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery. Located next to the city hall, in Ruthven Street, the purpose- built gallery opened in 1994. Spanning two ? oors, the gallery is a bright and breezy building, with a number of different exhibition rooms. The impressive collection includes some great historic paintings and sketches from WWI. The Lionel Lindsay Gallery and Library Collection features some 400 art works, and the Bolton Reading Room holds about 3000 print items, dating from 1600. Emerging artists and short-term exhibitions also feature. There is a gift shop and the gallery opens from 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Saturday, and from 1pm on Sundays. Entry is free. There is street-level access and a lift inside. About 10 minutes along the New England Highway, you’ll ? nd The Village Green, at High? elds. There’s a good view from the grassy courtyard area. Here you’ll ? nd such crafty items as quilts, scrapbooking supplies, gifts and antiques, as well as tasty treats at The Chocolate Cottage. Talking about tasty treats, Toowoomba has always had some iconic restaurants, but there’s a growing number of modern cafes catering for locals and visitors. Try Oxygen Cafe, which offers all day grazing from 8am, Tuesday to Sunday. Here you’ll pick up fresh organic produce, organic juices and everything from a hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs to a decent coffee with cake or perhaps a freshly made curry. Oxygen, on Ruthven Street, caters for special dietary needs. A relatively short walk away, in Railway Street, opposite the restored railway station, you’ll ? nd the Engine Room Cafe. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 7am, the Engine Room offers a choice of inside and courtyard dining areas, with a hearty menu of freshly prepared snacks and meals. Fresh juices feature here too. Adjoining the Engine Room is the Aussie Emporium, with a large range of Australian memorabilia. a town like… PLAN ONLINE Plan your driving holiday online with the RACQ trip planner, at racq.com. The site lists accommodation, things to see and do and tourist drives in the area. Book your accommodation online or by calling RACQ on 1800 629 501. travel & leisure MAIN PHOTO: Empire Theatre. RIGHT: Queen’s Park and a local streetscape. of Brisbane, has long been short breaks for south-east wn, Toowoomba is a city and gardens. heatre, for example, must eatres Originally opened from WWI. The Lionel Lindsay Gallery and Library Collection features some 400 art works, and the Bolton Reading Room holds about 3000 print items, dating from 1600. Emerging artists and short-term exhibitions also feature. There is a gift shop and the gallery opens from 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Saturday, and from 1pm on Sundays. Entry is free. There is street le el access and a lift inside Toowoomba Jim Mathers T ourism Queensland T ourism Queensland
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