One of the most beautiful and peaceful parks in Toowoomba is the University of Southern Queensland’s Japanese Garden. ‘Ju Raku En’ roughly translates to mean ‘to enjoy peace and longevity in a public place’.
Opened on 21 April 1989, Ju Raku En is one of Australia’s largest and most traditionally designed Japanese stroll gardens. It features a central lake with several vivid red traditional-style Japanese bridges, waterfalls, cherry blossom trees, bamboo avenues, a tea house, an azalea hill, a wisteria arbour and conifer plantings.
If you’re tempted into a visit by more than just the peaceful surrounds, garden enthusiasts will be impressed with the more than 230 species of Japanese and Australian native trees and plants on display.
The Japanese Gardens are open daily and are free to visit. Dogs are welcome to accompany their humans, but please remember the peaceful setting, and to clean up after your pets.