Laurel Bank Park

Laurel Bank Park is a 4.3-hectare botanical garden in Toowoomba featuring formal pathways and multiple garden sections. The space displays cold-climate mature trees and specialized floral arrangements positioned near West Street.

Samuel George Stephens created the garden in 1904 as a private space and donated it to Toowoomba in 1932. This gift transformed it from a private retreat into a publicly accessible heritage site.

The 1934 gates at the main entrance feature ornate wrought-iron work mounted on heavy bluestone pillars. They serve as a visual landmark that defines the park's formal character and draws immediate attention from visitors.

The gardens are easy to walk through with seating areas available for rest between different sections. Access is generally straightforward, and visitors can follow the formal pathways to explore all areas comfortably.

During World War II, the grounds functioned as a rest retreat for American naval personnel, particularly submarine crew members. The mess hall from that era remains as the only surviving structure from this wartime chapter.

Location: Queensland

GPS coordinates: -27.56241,151.94426

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:03