Precinct
Visit the hidden gems of Queensland’s Toowoomba
KNOWN AS Queensland’s garden city, Toowoomba is a picturesque place to explore and indulge in a little retail therapy. Great for a weekend getaway, and just 90 minutes from Brisbane, the town has a rural feel with beautiful tree-lined streets and dozens of public parks and gardens to enjoy. It’s dotted with homewares stores and cafes, and a short drive will take you between some of the best spots.
1 | Harolds Finishing Touches
From gentle music and the delicious aroma of candles to the treasure trove of homewares available, Harolds Finishing Touches is the perfect place to while away time and soak up the ambience while you decide which piece you want to take home. “We are constantly searching for different products, and with new stock arriving daily, it’s a revolving door of goodies,” says owner Aaron Bourne. Every corner of the store is beautifully styled; vignettes feature Bonnie and Neil cushions, luxury Bemboka blankets and throws, and also whimsical pieces sourced from Creatively Active Minds.
Must-haves: Bordallo Pinheiro ‘Cabbage’ dinner plates from Portugal, $64 each; cups and saucers, $69/set.
Visit: Corner of Bridge & Hume streets, (07) 4638 7838.
Open: Tues–Fri, 9.15am–5pm; Sat, 9.15am–2.30pm.
Bookmark: www.harolds finishingtouches.com
2 | Bungalow and Basket
Cousins Sally Cleary and Jodi Paynter decided to combine their passions for homewares shopping and cafe hopping, and the end result is Bungalow and Basket. With an open-plan kitchen – where Sally bakes homemade treats daily – and a rustic stone fireplace, the store exudes a lovely warmth. Jodi’s keen eye for design is evident, with a discerning collection of homewares, fashion and accessories on offer, including pieces from Rachel Kennedy Designs, as well as children’s bedding company Halcyon Nights and jewellery by Pebble+Fred.
Must-haves: Hourglasses from $25; handmade vase by Robert Gordon, $110.
Visit: 400 Ruthven St,
(07) 4564 9283.
Open: Tues–Fri, 8am–4pm;
Sat, 9am–1pm.
Bookmark: facebook.com/ the bungalow and basket
3 | The Cumquat Tree
Since opening 18 years ago, Mary Krelle’s store has become a well-loved destination for homewares from around the world. “I’ve worked almost every day of those 18 years and become very close to my regular customers,” says Mary. “I’m now selling to women who used to come in as little girls with their mothers!” Find antiques from India, jewellery from Turkey, Canadian memory blocks and Ugandan baskets among the treasures. Customers can spend happy hours searching through the shelves, or walk out in five minutes with the perfect, beautifully wrapped gift.
Must-haves: Walter G cushions, $134; Sid Dickens ‘Gold Bee’ memory block, $160; Indian antique bowl, $98.
Visit: 196 Margaret St,
(07) 4639 1122.
Open: Mon–Fri, 9.30am–5pm; Sat, 9.30am–1pm.
Bookmark: facebook.com/ the cumqu at tree toowoomba
4 | Sauce
Set in a beautiful, century-old heritage building that was once the town’s granary, Sauce is a magnet for foodies keen to learn new skills and stock up on cooking accoutrements. When owner Sharyn Donaldson opened the doors over six years ago, it was her vision to create a one-stop shop that celebrated food with a cafe, cooking school and vast selection of appliances, kitchenware, tableware, napery and cookbooks. “With our cafe we try to showcase what’s going on in the Darling Downs food scene by partnering with local producers,” says Sharyn. The store also offers cooking classes with visiting chefs.
Must-haves: Fox Run wooden scoops from $5.30; Muse
4-cup teapot, $220.
Visit: 1 Station Street,
(07) 4638 2665.
Open: Mon-Sat, 8am-4pm.
Bookmark: thesaucekitchen.com.au
5 | The Finch
A mural by local artist Bronte Naylor adorns The Finch, a cafe loved for great food and coffee. “When we saw the space, we knew we’d found the place to create a quality breakfast and lunch spot where we’d love to eat ourselves,” says Dan Farquhar, who opened the cafe nearly three years ago with partner Edwina. “We restored all the original features, including the brick walls and pressed metal ceilings, which give the place its charm.” Menu favourites include Roasted Goombungee Mushrooms and more-ish
House Baked Beans.
Must-haves: Slow-roasted cha siu pork tacos with cabbage, coriander and chilli, $16.
Visit: 469–473 Ruthven St, (07) 4613 0159.
Open: Mon–Fri, 6.30am–3pm; Sat–Sun,
7am–2pm. Bookmark:
thefinch.com.au