TOOWOOMBA Toowoomba is 100k west of Brisbane and is the first town up the great divide. An elevation approaching 500 mtrs. During winter Toowoomba has a very cool climate, and during summer is a cooler climate than either the east or west. If a person enjoys the four seasons and wants to live in Queensland, this is where you will end up. For Toowoomba the first settlers arrived on the Downs and established a village of bark-slab shops called The Springs which was soon renamed Drayton Towards the end of the 1840s Drayton had grown to the point where it had its own newspaper, general store, trading post and the Royal Hotel, which was built by William Horton and still stands today. Horton is regarded as the true founder of Toowoomba. By 1858 Toowoomba was growing fast. It had a population of 700, three hotels and many stores. Land selling at £4 an acre (£988/km²) in 1850 was now £150 an acre (£37,000/km²). To this day Toowoomba and towns in the area continue to experience solid growth. The gardens, preserved buildings, heritage and an easily identifiable community pride determine Toowoomba is a great place for an extended visit. The Catholic and Anglican Cathedrals are just wonderful century plus old structures. The United and Presbyterian likewise are great buildings. A visit the Cobb and Co Museum is recommended and the Army Museum is also worth a visit. The Piggott Department store employees acknowledgment particularly so. The War Memorial Gardens are a moving experience and are worth a long look over. We have photographed over ten hotels. Some classic and carrying heritage listing. Toowoomba is a ‘fairytale’ city. For the people who live here the place exudes paradise. Allow a min of three days to enjoy.