Description:
Toowoomba was considered a mountain retreat for those attempting to escape the heat and humidity, abundant in other parts of Queensland. Laurel Bank Park is a heritage-listed park in Toowoomba, built from 1904 to 1943. A 4.3-hectare (11-acre) public park, within the park are many cold-climate mature trees considered of horticultural importance. The park is particularly popular during the city's annual Carnival of Flowers (September). Following the United States of America's entry into WWII, a military camp was established in the park with a series of temporary timber camp buildings erected in the northwest and southeast corner of the park. By 1947 the majority of the buildings were removed, the former mess hall was retained in the park as a community hall and later as a dance venue and for wedding receptions. The hall continues as an important community centre in the city. The Laurel Bank Croquet Club is located on the southwest side of the park. Constructed in 1938; described as "a compact, cream-painted building, finished with touches of brown … it stands in a picturesque setting on green lawns, shade trees and flowering shrubs". The Laurel Bank Croquet Club continues to be a valuable community sporting facility close to the centre of Toowoomba. In 1980 the scented gardens were established in the southeast corner of the park for people with visual impairments. The Toowoomba area is the traditional land of the Giabal people. Located 164km (102 miles / 1 hr 55 mins) from Village Roadshow Studios. The nearest airport is Toowoomba, West Wellcamp Airport (TWB). The closest POH, Brisbane City, is 127km (79 miles / 1 hr 40 mins) away.