The historic factor and the cooler high country climate lend Toowoomba a charm unique among Queensland cities. And while this state has earned a reputation for the beachy side of life, its abundances inland have become the pursuit of the day for many a traveller.

And what abundance it is – from vast patchwork plains and cropping country to small boutique farms and artisan producers and providores, this region puts its heart on a plate – and does so with pride.

It’s a region where the seasons are clearly defined, less blurred than on the coast or in the outback, each painting new colours across the land and bringing a fresh array to the table. Toowoomba, 90 minutes from Brisbane, perches at the edge of the Great Dividing Range 700 m above sea level and overlooks the Lockyer Valley.

The city is home to a bright café and restaurant scene, with many establishments tucked away in laneways alongside century-old landmarks, and is well-endowed with theatres, galleries and hundreds of specialty shops in its beautiful main streets and shopping centres.