I’m going to ignore the obvious question of ‘Why the hell would you want to go to Toowoomba?’ Apparently some people like it there. Frankly, I think they’re lying. But it’s worth a visit, even just for the opportunity to be grateful you didn’t grow up there.
What I am going to cover is how to get there, and back.
Car
Just drive there, you goit. It takes around an hour (sometimes two, depending on traffic) to get there.
Train
Wait until a Tuesday or a Thursday, and catch the Westlander from Roma Street, Corinda or Ipswich rail stations. You’ll need to book in advance. The journey takes 4 hours from Brisbane to Toowoomba. Rumour has it that horses can do it faster, fed enough oats.
If this option does actually interest you, check out the Traveltrain website for more information.
Bus
If you don’t have a car (owned or hired), then this is the most sensible method of transport. It will take 1.5-2.5 hours to travel by bus, depending on how many towns it stops in. As far as companies go, you have a few different options (be aware that these will tend to change every 6-12 months, so make sure you have updated information):
Toowoomba Transit Coaches
They don’t run very frequently, but they’re cheap and fairly reliable. Usually uncrowded, so on an average day you’ve a good chance of being able to walk up, pay for a ticket and jump on. They don’t run on some public holidays, so check before blithely making assumptions.
Greyhound
Run far more often, and have gotten up my nose by running most of their competition into the ground then raising ticket prices as soon as they have a monopoly. Fairly standard business tactic, I know – but it still sucks. Ticket prices can vary wildly month to month due to aforementioned tactic. Often expensive, sometimes ridiculously cheap. They usually run a reduced number of services on public holidays.
Toowoomba Airport Flyer
By far the most expensive option of the lot, but also the most convenient IF you’re coming from Brisbane airport. It’s a fairly standard airport shuttle service – door-to-door service etc.
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I think you summed it up with “why the hell would you want to go to Toowoomba?”
Why go to Toowoomba? Well…first of all there is the Festival of Flowers Always pretty, plus the year-round Japanese Gardens. Then there’s the Australian Gospel Music Festival each year, always fun. Then for the true train/historical site enthusiast; Springbluff Railway Station. One of the prettiest railway stations you will ever see, rarely crowded and with a gorgeous little cafe to boot – this is a must for any trip to Toowoomba.
Just had to stick up for little ‘ol Toowoomba, my grandparents live there!
I hope you have a lot more luck with your public transport than what we are having with our trams in Adelaide. Todays paper likened our new trams to being packed in like sardines.
Brisbane?
Never heard of it.
Five reasons: Toowoomba isn’t as hot and humid as other places in Queensland, you can get to Harvey Norman, Myer, Target, Big W, a post office and a bank within 30 minutes (because there is less congestion and more parking), you can grow a whole heap of fantastic plants (not just palm trees!), an awesome range of schools and other educational options & a real youthful, enthusiastic and caring community atmosphere.
Just thought we’d add that!! Visit ourToowoomba.com for Toowoomba events, businesses, information, photos and more.
*chuckle* OurToowoomba – Thanks for stopping by! Nice defence of Toowoomba. I’ll add you to the blogroll.
Bec – I wondered if I’d get a rise out of you if you saw this post!
Sire – Hmmm… actually, Brissie’s train system is rather sardine-y at peak hour. I prefer to travel at any other time.