Things To Do
in Highfields
Highfields is a semi-rural township on the Darling Downs just north of Toowoomba, Queensland, known for its gardens, rolling farmland and community events. It sits at higher elevation, giving cool breezes and clear views back toward Toowoomba and the Great Dividing Range. The town is family-oriented with local cafes, a farmers market, and heritage attractions that reflect its settler history.
Highfields is a convenient base for exploring nearby national parks, waterfalls and scenic drives while still offering small-town comforts.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Highfields and settle into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll around the local area to familiarize yourself with the surroundings. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local café to kick-start your day.
Explore the beautiful parks in Highfields, such as the Highfields Pioneer Village which showcases the area's history. Spend some time walking through the village and interact with the friendly volunteers. Visit the stunning gardens and take plenty of photos.
Dine at a local restaurant that offers an array of Australian dishes. Savor the flavors of the region while enjoying the cozy atmosphere. Wrap up your day with a relaxing walk under the stars.
Head to Toowoomba and immerse yourself in the Carnival of Flowers, a vibrant display of floral artistry. Start your day by enjoying breakfast at one of Toowoomba’s cafes. Then, join the parade which features beautiful floats adorned with flowers.
Continue to explore the various flower exhibits at Queens Park, where you can find a stunning array of blooms and artistic installations. Take part in workshops to learn about gardening and floral design. Enjoy lunch at a nearby food stall that offers a taste of local fare.
As the day winds down, enjoy a gourmet dinner at one of Toowoomba's well-reviewed restaurants. Reflect on the day's festivities while relish artisanal dishes prepared from local ingredients. Attend any evening events of the carnival that promise entertainment and culture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Café coffee | $4-5 |
| 🍺Beer (pub, domestic) | $6-8 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (5–10 km) | $15-30 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel / motel (per night) | $100-160 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to Toowoomba while retaining a relaxed country-town atmosphere
- Excellent access to national parks, waterfalls and scenic drives
- Friendly community, local markets and quality farm-fresh produce
- Limited late-night entertainment and niche dining options in town itself
- Public transport is sparse — a car is recommended for exploring the region
Places to Visit in Highfields
Visit one of these nice places.
Water reflections, early-morning mist and long lakeside views make the dam a peaceful spot for sunrise and birdlife photography.
Panoramic views across the Lockyer Valley and Great Dividing Range—excellent at golden hour and for wide landscape shots.
Heritage buildings, rustic textures and period details create great subject matter for heritage and close-up photography.
Farmland, rolling hills, windrows and seasonal crops offer classic Darling Downs countryside scenes — best in late afternoon light.
Waterfall and rainforest scenes in the right season; use longer exposures for silky water effects.
Food in Highfields
Highfields Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Aussie meat pie—common at bakeries and pubs in town; look for local variations featuring beef or lamb.
Must-Try!
Fresh regional fish served at nearby restaurants; ask for grilled or pan-seared preparations for a lighter option.
A staple from local bakeries for breakfast or a quick snack — try the spinach and feta rolls or classic beef sausage rolls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Highfields and Toowoomba host weekend markets where you can buy seasonal fruit, vegetables, cheeses, preserves and baked goods — ideal for tasting regional produce.
Occasional market nights and community events feature street-food style stalls selling barbecued meats, wood-fired pizzas and desserts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Australians are generally relaxed and informal—use first names, offer a friendly greeting such as 'G'day' or 'Hello', and keep conversations polite and down-to-earth.
Maintain casual personal space and avoid overly loud behaviour in public; queues are respected and queuing politely is expected.
Be respectful of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sites and culture; follow signage and local guidance when visiting culturally sensitive areas.
Safety
Tipping in Highfields
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in Australia. Round up at cafes, leave 5–10% in restaurants for attentive table service, and tip taxi drivers or tour guides for excellent service.
Cards (credit/debit, contactless) are widely accepted in shops, cafés and restaurants; many places also accept mobile payments. Carry a small amount of cash for markets or very small vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days (often 25–32°C) with occasional thunderstorms. Mornings and evenings are the best times for outdoor activities; bring sun protection and stay hydrated.
Milder, pleasant temperatures and clear skies make this a great time for walking, photography and markets. Evenings cool down so bring a light jacket.
Cooler months with crisp mornings and chilly nights (often 0–15°C); frost is possible. Ideal for clear vistas and dramatic skies—pack warm layers.
Wildflowers and blossom appear across the Darling Downs, temperatures moderate and outdoor events pick up. Expect occasional showers—bring a lightweight waterproof.
Highfields at Night
Hiking in Highfields
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle lakeside walks suitable for families, birdwatching and easy exercise with picnic areas and water views.
Trails to waterfalls and lookouts through eucalypt forest; offers moderate hikes and scenic photo opportunities.
Heart-leaved vine forest and lookout trails with opportunities for native flora observation and cooler rainforest walking.
Short to moderate walks along the escarpment with panoramic views over the Lockyer Valley; excellent at sunrise or sunset.
Informal walking routes along quiet rural roads and reserve areas that showcase rolling farmland and seasonal wildflowers.
Airports
How to reach Highfields by plane.
Approximately 25–35 minutes drive west of Highfields; services regional flights and some national routes — convenient for quick access.
The major international airport for the region, about 1.5–2 hours drive east depending on traffic; offers extensive domestic and international connections.
Around 1.5–2 hours northeast by car; useful for some domestic flights and an alternative arrival point for coastal access.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Highfields attracts many families seeking larger homes, good schools and community amenities.
Surrounding areas include working farms and small agricultural enterprises integral to the local economy.
People relocating from cities for a quieter lifestyle are a notable group in the area.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have longstanding cultural connections to the land; local recognition and cultural sites are present in the wider Darling Downs region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Both codes of rugby are widely followed and played at community and school levels across the Darling Downs.
A popular winter sport with active local clubs and community participation.
Summer community cricket is common, with local clubs and social competitions.
Widely played, especially among youth and community leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Highfields.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most cafés and many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options (salads, grain bowls, veggie burgers). Ask staff about catering for plant-based diets and local cheese/egg-based dishes.
Gluten-free options are widely available in cafes and bakeries upon request; cafes often label GF items and many restaurants can adapt dishes.
Australian hospitality is used to managing allergies—communicate clearly with staff about nut, dairy or seafood allergies and confirm preparation practices.