Toowoomba is a tapestry of diverse landscapes, and anyone who has ever tried to decide on the best place for a photography session will know just how hard it can be to choose a spot. Toowoomba offers an array of stunning locations that can serve as beautiful backdrops for photography. As a local Toowoomba wedding and portrait photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing hundreds of individuals and families against the backdrop of Toowoomba’s beauty.
In this blog post, I’ll provide my top Toowoomba photo locations as well as insights into selecting the best location for your photography session. Whatever you decide, you can’t go wrong with how much Toowoomba has to offer. It just depends on what you’re looking for, your taste and style.
Here are the Top 5 Toowoomba Photo Locations
1. Queens Park for classic backdrops
Nestled in the heart of Toowoomba, Queens Park is one of the most well-known Toowoomba Photo Locations. Queens Park offers a classic Toowoomba backdrop for your photos with its open lawns and colourful flowers, Queens Park has it all. You’ll find meticulously manicured gardens, vibrant flowerbeds and enough space to create a classic backdrop for family or engagement portraits and wedding location photos. Springtime is particularly special, with the annual Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers turning the park into a kaleidoscope of colours. The only downside is you’ll need to dodge the hundreds of visitors to Toowoomba’s parks during this time. But if you time it right, Queens Park is a great option that many people love.
2. Japanese Garden for landscaped beauty
Toowoomba’s Japanese Garden is well known for its traditional Japanese design and is a beauty to wander around. But there is more to this garden than the red bridges that are most often thought of by locals. It offers an abundance of mature trees, sun-dappled gravel pathways and a bamboo forest. Depending on the time of year, it’s a great option to catch the vibrant purple of Toowoomba’s jacaranda trees and blooming azaleas on Azalea Hill, which can add a beautiful spot of colour to your photos. Not to be overlooked, Toowoomba’s Japanese Garden is a great option for family portraits and Year 12 formal photos. This is one of the best Toowoomba Photo Locations and is definitely worth a visit.
3. Toowoomba street art trail for urban vibes
For a more contemporary and urban feel, you can’t go past Toowoomba’s street art trail. The vibrant murals create a dynamic backdrop for modern and edgy portrait sessions. Toowoomba’s street art is located throughout the CBD and is particularly popular for Year 12 formal photos and those looking to infuse a bit of urban flair into their images. The best part is you can get to a number of different murals in a portrait session, giving you a collection of great backdrops to choose from. The art trail is also a great option for branding and corporate shots for local businesses who want to show they are based in Toowoomba and community-focused. This is one of the more unique photo locations in Toowoomba.
4. Mt Peel for bush sunsets
Photographers don’t call sunset ‘golden hour’ for nothing, and Mt Peel in Drayton is a great spot to catch it in your photos. On the northern end of Mt Peel, you can wander along the tracks with your photographer in tow, and you won’t be disappointed with the result. For those willing to hike a bit further via the western entrance, you’ll reach an escarpment with wildflowers, towering gums and the odd kangaroo. Mt Peel is an all-round excellent choice for those looking for a backdrop that features the regional beauty of Toowoomba (and a touch of adventure for those willing!)
5. Boyce Gardens for botanical bliss
Nestled on the northeastern edge of Toowoomba, Boyce Gardens offers a variety of hidden spaces to get your photos taken. With its diverse collection of gardens, blooms and peaceful pathways, this location provides a beautiful setting for group and family portraits, intimate engagements and wedding parties. You can’t go past Boyce Gardens in the autumn months with trees sprouting vibrant oranges and reds, providing a cosy and natural feel in your photographs. Boyce Gardens is the best spot to add botanical bliss to your photos.
How to decide the right spot for your photography session
Selecting a good photo location in Toowoomba is like finding a great setting for a cherished memory. For some people, it’s about finding a spot that reflects your story. You could consider a spot that holds personal significance for you and your family. Others want a spot that boasts beautiful surroundings. Think about the mood and feel you want your photos to evoke – whether it’s the calm of bushland and sunsets, the edginess of street art, or even the comfort of your own home and backyard. Natural light and ambience also play a big role.
One of the best things you can do when trying to decide the right spot for your photography session is to speak to your photographer. They can guide you based on their own experience while considering your vision for your photos. To help you prep for the conversation, here are the key considerations to keep in mind when deciding on photo locations in Toowoomba:
- Consider the season: Toowoomba experiences distinct seasons with autumn and spring being particularly special. Consider a location that gives you the seasonal aesthetic you desire.
- Match the location to the mood: Different locations evoke different emotions. Consider the mood you want to convey in your portraits. A formal family session might be best suited for a park, while an urban location can add an element of spontaneity.
- Time of day matters: Toowoomba’s changing light can dramatically alter the mood of your portraits. Early morning and late afternoon sessions provide soft, flattering light. And you can’t go past golden hour during sunset for magical results.
- Personalise your choice: Consider a location that resonates with the personality of you and your family. If you love being outdoors, a bush setting might be ideal. For an engaged couple, an intimate garden could be the best spot.
Finding your perfect Toowoomba photography spot
Toowoomba’s diverse landscape offers a myriad of choices for creating memorable portraits, engagement sessions and wedding photos that stand the test of time. Whether you prefer the classic elegance or botanical bliss of a garden setting, the modern edge of urban street art or the bushland of our regional area, the key is to align the location with the personality and preferences of you and your family. If you’re interested in hearing more about Matt Edwards Photography’s services, please get in contact.
