COOBY DAM

I personally don't think I've ever had so much at one place, in fact skiing is one of the best things I've learn't how to do in my life now.  And what makes it even better is that it is only 17km out of Toowoomba , only a short drive out of town. It is a rock-fill embankment dam and has an un-gated spillway across the Cooby Creek. One of the main reasons as to why Cooby Dam exists is to act as a water catchment for the city of Toowoomba as well as its surroundings.  There are many different activities which are available to do on it, these activities include; skiing, fishing, canoeing, swimming and sailing.  I highly recommend anyone to go and have a look at this dam and just remember.... HAVE FUN!

(Image from http://www.wme.com.au/categories/water/FEB5_06.php)

CHOCOLATE COTTAGE

The Chocolate Cottage is in Highfeilds and was established in 1997 with the dreams followed by a a married couple Colin and Kaye.  Kaye always wanted to run and own a chocolate shop and teahouse and Colin always wanting to own his own restaurant.  So they both decided to put there ideas together and restored a 1877 original house to pursue both of there dreams in one. There are 230 seats and meals are served 6 days per week from 8:30am - 5:00pm.  Not only can you sit, have a meal, a coffee and some chocolate, but you can also endure the views of the Toowoomba Range.  The Chocolate Cottage is a great place to sit back, relax, laugh and enjoy your friends company.




(Image from http://www.chocolatecottage.com.au/chocolates.html and http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g255340-d1925326-i61566297-The_Chocolate_Cottage-Toowoomba_Queensland.html)

DARLING DOWNS ZOO

The Darling Downs Zoo is located to the east of Toowoomba, midway between Toowoomba and Warick.  Steve and Stephanie Robinson a married couple privately own the zoo and are very proud as to what is has to offer.  There are animals from all over the world; Africa, South Africa, South-East Asia and Australia.  Animals ranging from Lions and Emus, Deer and Reptiles and one in particular which they take high amounts of pride in is the White Lion.  It gives you a real insight into an animals life and the way the live and are cared for.  It was an amazing experience and a memory I will keep forever.  Have a fun exploring what it has to offer and learning about the animals!  

(Images from  http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/look-whos-moved-to-queensland/story-fnihsrf2-1227547882673 and http://www.truelocal.com.au/business/darling-downs-zoo/pilton)

ADRENALINE CLIMBING GYM

Adrenaline Climbing Gym is a rock-climbing facility in the Toowoomba CBD.  This is a great way to build trust, mateship, teamwork and cooperative skills within your friendship group.  The highest walls are 9m tall and there is approximately 700m of climbing service. It is open any time for large groups or small groups for $14 per climber or its $50 per month membership. Get your climbing shoes on, determined face and have a blast of a time! 

(Image is from http://www.weekendnotes.com/rock-climbing-paramount-adventure-centre/)

Kloud 9

Kloud 9 is a trampoline gym for all in Toowoomba.  As of lately it has been growing in popularity, with everyone going in groups of friends or just to have to jump just to have a bit of fun.  Booking is recommend and you can either be in a group or by yourself, as long as you are over the age of three.  On every hour a new session starts and there is supervision at all times, with provided lockers for you belongings.  There is also a cafe, if you are in need of either something to eat it drink. Kloud 9 is a time full of fun, excitment and adrenaline for everyone to enjoy. 

(Image is from https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&ved=0CAUQjB1qFQoTCLmzr_Tf98gCFcuYlAodxksAMg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cloud9.us%2Factivities.aspx&psig=AFQjCNFbKdhjl6tWHWgEU6_MuHZyKyJ9uw&ust=1446760205407800&rct=j)

PICNIC POINT

KPicnic Point is one of Toowoomba's main attractions, with amazing views and a great cafe.  It is 700m above sea level approximately, so you can just imagine the views! It has a full licenced restaurant which only closes at midnight, with it only employing 25 staff members.  Many events are held at this venue, such as weddings and parties and are all greatly enjoyed.  It also includes a park which you can have fun and muck around with your friends, or even just have a quite picnic. Have fun!!

(Image is from https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&ved=0CAUQjB1qFQoTCJXzy9vb9sgCFaJdpgod9qkGdA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.picnic-point.com.au%2F&psig=AFQjCNHgEEyruTyYm1sdbvCT1Btba2kqoA&ust=1446724721738587&rct=j)

GRAND CENTRAL

Grandcentral is a shopping experience and a half! With it have over 50 fashion stores and 140 speciality stores the fun never ends! Grandcentral is a 3 floor shopping centre which contains a 550 seated food court.  It is within the Toowoomba CBD, you basically can't miss it and it was first opened in 1999.  Not only can you go there to shop, but there's a five screen cinema there also, who wouldn't want to end a busy week with a great movie is a fabulous atmosphere? The trading times are below:

Monday   9am-5:30pm

 Tuesday  9am-5:30pm

Wednesday   9am-5:30pm

Friday         9am-5:30pm

Thursday    9am-9pm

Saturday     9am-5pm

Sunday       10am-4pm

(Image is from https://www.grandcentralshopping.com.au/customer-service/about-us.aspx)

SKATE CITY

Skate City is a skating ring which is open to everyone and anyone to enjoy themselves in.  It is located along Rutherven Street, opposite Kmart.  The goal of the skating ring was to create a fun, family friendly, fitness centre for all and the it was first open in 2001.  At different session times they have different games and activities for you to particiapate in, bulrush was my favourite!  Not only is it a great place to go out and have fun with your friends at, but they even host parties! How cool is that!  The session times are below:

Friday =        7pm-10pm    $15

Saturday =   10am - 12pm  $10
                     2pm - 5pm   $13
                     7pm - 10pm  $15

Sunday =     10am - 12pm  $10
                      2pm -  5pm  $13

CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS

The Carnival of Flowers was introduced in 1949 and since then has been recognised as one of Australia's best events. A lot time and effort is put into the planning of it weeks and months before majorly within the gardens.   It involves many different activities and shows to attend and participate in.  A few events which occur are:

- Side Show Alley
- Spring Bluff Steam Train
- Street Parade
- Food and Wine Festival
- Fireworks

The Carnival of Flowers is a great time to catch up with friends and have a tonne of fun.

TABLE TOP MOUNTAIN

Table Top Mountain is located on the outskirts of Toowoomba and is 700m above sea level.  It is growing in popularity as the amount of those which climb is rapidly increasing.  Many fitness bootcamps use it as one of there fitness sessions, as well as hikers which are planning on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and the Kakoda Track use it to train.  Climbing in a group is recommended as it builds mateship and cooperative skills.  It takes approximately 2.5 hours to climb depending on which season you choose to do so.  As you reach the top, not only will you become extremely proud of yourself but also get to endure the amazing views over the valley, which in fact took my breath away; I never wanted to come down.  The number one tip is to always remain aware of your surroundings and to stay full hydrated.

(image from http://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/visitors-hit-heights-on-mountain/2279594/)

Table Top Mountain

Toowoomba's Ultimate Teen

Hello! My name is Sarah Minnikin and I am here to give you an insight into what Toowoomba has to offer, as being choosen to be a Toowoomba Ultimate Teen advocate.  Here are a few activities to endure whilst having fun and at minimum costs within the region. 

(Image from http://www.highlandermotorinn.com.au/toowoomba-local-area/)