Tag Archives: Toowoomba

Sofra, Toowoomba

“You must go to Sofra” a few people informed us.

So when a luncheon spot opened up we raced in.

Sofra is a Turkish restaurant in Toowoomba and as someone else said “it’s not bad for a big country town.” Which is probably how I would sum it up.

Maybe due to all its raves and the awesome menu we were looking forward to our feed. It was however quite disappointing.

We ordered the seafood mezze share plate for two ; mussels, calamari, swordfish kebab, prawns, dip, olives, small salad, haloumi and bread. I guess being mediterranean we expected great seafood grilled with amazing spices. Instead the calamari and mussels were deep fried and repeated on us all afternoon.

For mains we shared a mixed grilled plate; lamb kebab, chicken kebab and Turkish mince kebab. Once again it was slightly underwhelming and a bit dry.

Previously when I have had Turkish grills the meat is juicy, succulent and full of flavours. This was quite short of that.

The wines selection wasn’t great and fairly overpriced for what it was with most glasses being $10 per glass.

Overall I would rate this restaurant as 2/5 and most points due to the friendly staff.

Holroyd House Toowoomba

Shelly & Jonathon are wonderful hosts at the Holroyd House.

Set in the very pretty northern suburbs of Toowoomba but still walking distance to town (albeit a long walk) is their cottage and loft.

The cottage is anything but a cottage and is a large family home with wonderful living spaces, but on this occasion we stay in the self contained loft.

It is a beautiful loft with self contained kitchen, separate bathroom and walk in waldrobe.

The furnishings are delightful with little gestures such as fresh water and chocolates.

The bed is firm and comfy with electric blankets so the room is cosy and the bed toasty.

A big surprise is the breakfast which is included. We are gluten and dairy free so didn’t want to inconvenience Shelly but she made the most amazing hamper with coconut yogurt, granola, fresh berries, dairy free cheese, GF bread, GF banana cake, ham and home made relief.

I am happy to recommend this place and we will be making this our stay-place when we come to Toowoomba. Thank you Shelly and Jonathon.

Toowoomba – What to do

This good old fashion Australia regional town is a large enough to get lost but small enough to walk around.

Situated only 90 minutes from Brisbane it is the last of the larger towns going west and is renown for it’s pretty gardens and flowers.

I have been coming here for years and have always had a pleasant stay. The town folk are friendly and it is a much different vibe to the closest Aussie cities of Brisbane and Gold Coast.

I am usually here for a work engagement, children’s sporting event or visiting family.

This visit we decide to pop up for 2 nights as Covid restrictions means no international travel, so it’s time to revisit our famous Aussie towns.

We stay in a beautiful airbnb and do a lot but also nothing.

Toowoomba, being the city of gardens, does have many beautiful outdoor spaces. Gardens, flower shows, a Japanese garden and just walking through the beautiful wide streets will leave you inspired.

In September is the famous flower show but every time of year there are delightful gardens to have picnics in or wander through.

The other places of interest are Cobb & Co museum, the beautiful architecture of the CBD and Picnic Point.

The town is perched up quite high on what is called the scenic rim. There are many walks to do along the rim but this weekend we are blessed with rain so don’t venture too far from our airbnb and friends.

For a great coffee head to Nick’s place called Wendlands Fine Foods. Although there are many awesome coffee houses around town.

Preston Peak Wineries is a ten minute drive south of town but is closed for a private function on the day we go but has beautiful commanding views over the Lockyer Valley.

The main shopping precinct is called Grand Central and is like every other big shopping centre in the world but great if you do want to catch up on some shopping or having retail withdrawals.

All in all Toowoomba is a great rural country town and very different to the sea towns in Australia. You will need wheels to get around and if you are willing to explore can pick up some mustering, polo games, dirt bike events and more.