Around 15 minutes by car from central Toowoomba, Highfields has developed into much more than a commuter community. There are parks and walking trails to explore, major sporting facilities, local shopping centres, schools, cafés and attractions that make it worth visiting in its own right.
Whether you live in Highfields, are considering moving to the area or simply want to explore another part of the Toowoomba Region, this guide covers some of the places and local amenities worth knowing.
In this guide
Things to do in Highfields
Peacehaven Botanic Park
Peacehaven Botanic Park is one of Highfields’ standout outdoor attractions.
Located on Kuhls Road, the park has expansive lawns, more than 400 species of native plants and trees, wheelchair-friendly pathways, picnic and barbecue facilities, a lake and a large nature-themed adventure playground.
There are also views towards the Bunya Mountains, established gardens and plenty of opportunities for birdwatching and relaxed walks.
The Friends of Peacehaven Botanic Park also operate a specialist native plant nursery at the park in partnership with Toowoomba Regional Council.
For families, walkers, gardeners or anyone looking for somewhere peaceful outdoors, Peacehaven is one of the best places to start exploring Highfields.
Local tip: Allow enough time to explore beyond the playground. The paths, lake and gardens are a big part of what makes Peacehaven worth visiting.
Highfields Pioneer Village
Highfields Pioneer Village on Wirraglen Road gives visitors a look at Australian settlement and regional history through restored buildings, machinery, museums and heritage displays.
The village includes historic buildings, a heritage chapel, blacksmithing and trade displays, agricultural machinery, transport exhibits and other collections showing how people lived and worked in earlier generations.
It also hosts special events during the year, including its well-known Easter celebrations, so checking the current program before visiting is worthwhile.
Local tip: This is more than a quick photo stop. Give yourself time to explore the buildings and displays, particularly if you are visiting with children.
Highfields Cultural Centre
The Highfields Cultural Centre is an important community venue used for conferences, weddings, performances, expos and community events.
It is not an attraction that visitors simply walk into every day, but it plays a significant role in Highfields’ community life and regularly hosts organised events.
You can check current venue information through Toowoomba Regional Council.
Charles and Mottee Rogers Bushland Reserve
For a short local bushwalk, Charles and Mottee Rogers Bushland Reserve is an easy option close to central Highfields.
The signposted gravel walking circuit is approximately 872 metres long and generally takes around 20 minutes. It is relatively flat and winds through trees and undergrowth before connecting back towards the entrance.
Dogs are permitted but must remain on-leash.
It is particularly useful when you want a short walk without committing to a longer trail or travelling far from Highfields.
Parks, walking and sport in Highfields
Highfields has a good mix of landscaped parks, bushland, sporting fields and walking areas.
Highfields Sport and Recreation Park
Highfields Sport and Recreation Park on Barracks Road is one of the community’s major sporting hubs.
The complex includes rectangular playing fields, cricket capability, netball courts, walking and cycling paths, parking, picnic facilities, barbecues, shelters and a children’s playground.
It is heavily used for organised training and competition but also works as a general recreation space when sporting events are not underway.
Local tip: If you are visiting purely for the playground or a walk, check whether a major sporting event or carnival is scheduled, as the precinct can become busy.
Williams Park and Klein Creek
Williams Park is a quieter green space in the heart of Highfields, with picnic facilities, a shaded playground and a walking trail following Klein Creek.
The full walking circuit is approximately 2.36 kilometres return and is classified as a Grade 2 bushwalk.
Parts of the trail pass through native vegetation along the creek, with bridges, tree ferns, birdlife and shaded sections giving it a surprisingly bushland feel for a park surrounded by residential Highfields.
Dogs must remain on-leash.
Highfields Aquatic and Fitness Centre
The Highfields Aquatic and Fitness Centre provides swimming, fitness and indoor sporting facilities for the local community.
Facilities include a heated 25-metre outdoor pool, children’s aquatic areas, gym facilities, group fitness, an indoor sports stadium, playground and outdoor basketball court.
Aquatic operations can be seasonal, so it is worth checking current opening hours and programs before visiting.
Cafés and places to eat in Highfields
Highfields has a growing range of places for coffee, breakfast, lunch, takeaway and casual dining.
The Chocolate Cottage at The Village Green
The Chocolate Cottage is one of Highfields’ best-known café destinations.
Located at The Village Green on the New England Highway, it serves breakfast and lunch along with coffee, cakes and handmade chocolates.
There is outdoor space overlooking the surrounding landscape, while the adjoining shop carries chocolates, giftware and local products.
It is a popular destination rather than simply somewhere to grab a quick coffee, particularly on weekends.
Local tip: Opening days can change around public holidays and special events, so check current hours if you are making a special trip.
Highfields Tavern
Highfields Tavern is another established local dining option, located near the intersection of Highfields and O’Brien Roads.
The venue includes a family bistro and sports bar, along with function facilities and entertainment.
For residents, it provides a convenient casual dining option without needing to travel back into Toowoomba.
More food and coffee nearby
Highfields also has cafés, takeaway outlets, bakeries and other food businesses around its shopping and commercial precincts.
You can browse cafés and coffee in Toowoomba or explore the broader food and beverage directory to discover more local options.
Shopping and everyday services
One of the reasons Highfields works as a self-contained community is that many everyday errands can be handled locally.
Highfields Village
Highfields Village at 66 Highfields Road is one of the area's main shopping centres.
The centre is anchored by Woolworths and includes specialty shops and services covering a range of everyday needs.
For many Highfields residents, it provides a convenient option for groceries and routine errands without travelling into Toowoomba.
Highfields Plaza
Highfields Plaza at 1 Plaza Circle is another major neighbourhood shopping centre.
It is anchored by Coles and includes specialty retailers covering food, health and other everyday services.
Together, Highfields Village and Highfields Plaza give residents two established local shopping precincts.
Local services around Highfields
Highfields and surrounding communities are also home to trades, health providers, professional services, retailers and other businesses used throughout the year.
If you need a local business, you can search the Buy Local Toowoomba directory by service, category and location.
Schools in Highfields
Highfields has government, Catholic and independent schooling available within the local community.
Families considering a move should always check current catchment boundaries, enrolment policies and availability directly with the relevant school rather than relying solely on proximity to a campus.
Highfields State School
Highfields State School provides Prep to Year 6 education and has served Highfields and surrounding communities for more than 150 years.
The school operates under an Enrolment Management Plan, so families considering enrolment should check the current catchment and enrolment requirements directly with the school.
Highfields State Secondary College
Highfields State Secondary College opened in 2015 and now caters for students from Years 7 to 12.
Located on O’Brien Road, the college provides the main state secondary schooling option within Highfields itself.
It also operates under an Enrolment Management Plan, so prospective families should confirm current enrolment eligibility and catchment information before making decisions based on a particular address.
Mary MacKillop Catholic College
Mary MacKillop Catholic College provides education from Prep through to Year 12.
The College has Junior and Senior School facilities in Highfields and offers another local option for families looking for Catholic education.
Families should contact the College directly for current enrolment information, availability and application requirements.
Toowoomba Christian College
Toowoomba Christian College is located on the New England Highway at Highfields and provides Prep to Year 12 education.
Its Highfields location makes it another schooling option for families living north of Toowoomba as well as within Highfields itself.
Living in Highfields
Highfields has changed significantly as the area has grown, but it still retains a different feel from Toowoomba’s inner suburbs.
Green space close to home
Peacehaven Botanic Park, Williams Park, Charles and Mottee Rogers Bushland Reserve and other local green spaces mean residents do not need to travel far for a walk, playground or outdoor activity.
Sport and recreation
The Highfields Sport and Recreation Park, aquatic centre and other sporting facilities support everything from organised competition to everyday exercise and family recreation.
Everyday convenience
With supermarkets, shops, schools, cafés, health providers and professional services located within the community, many routine needs can be handled without a trip into central Toowoomba.
Easy access to Toowoomba
Highfields remains closely connected to Toowoomba via the New England Highway.
Travel times vary with traffic and your exact starting point, but central Toowoomba is generally around a 15-minute drive away.
That gives residents access to the larger retail, employment, health, entertainment and professional-service options of Toowoomba while still living in a community with its own facilities and identity.
A mix of established and newer neighbourhoods
Highfields includes established residential areas as well as newer development.
That mix, together with mature vegetation, open spaces and growing local infrastructure, helps Highfields retain its own character rather than simply feeling like an extension of Toowoomba.
Find local businesses in Highfields
Knowing what is available locally can make everyday life much easier.
Whether you need a café, tradesperson, health provider, accountant, retailer, real estate agent or another service, Buy Local Toowoomba helps you discover businesses operating across Highfields, Toowoomba and the Darling Downs.
You can also browse all Buy Local Toowoomba categories when you know the type of service you need but not the business.
Supporting businesses close to home also helps strengthen the wider local economy and makes useful services easier to sustain within communities such as Highfields.
Frequently asked questions about Highfields
Where is Highfields in relation to Toowoomba?
Highfields is north of Toowoomba and is reached primarily via the New England Highway. Central Toowoomba is generally around a 15-minute drive away, although travel times depend on traffic and your exact starting point.
What are some of the best-known things to do in Highfields?
Peacehaven Botanic Park and Highfields Pioneer Village are two of the area's best-known attractions. Williams Park and Charles and Mottee Rogers Bushland Reserve provide walking opportunities, while the Highfields Sport and Recreation Park and aquatic centre provide additional recreation options.
What is a good park for children in Highfields?
Peacehaven Botanic Park has a large nature-themed adventure playground along with open lawns, picnic areas and walking paths. Highfields Sport and Recreation Park and Williams Park also have playground facilities.
Are there walking trails in Highfields?
Yes. Williams Park has a 2.36-kilometre return walking circuit along Klein Creek, while Charles and Mottee Rogers Bushland Reserve offers a shorter 872-metre loop. Peacehaven Botanic Park also has accessible pathways through its gardens.
Is there shopping in Highfields?
Yes. Highfields Village is anchored by Woolworths and Highfields Plaza is anchored by Coles. Both centres include specialty retailers and everyday services.
What schools are in Highfields?
Local options include Highfields State School, Highfields State Secondary College, Mary MacKillop Catholic College and Toowoomba Christian College. Catchment and enrolment rules vary, so families should check current requirements directly with each school.
Are there cafés and restaurants in Highfields?
Yes. Highfields has cafés, takeaway options and casual dining, including The Chocolate Cottage and Highfields Tavern. You can also browse cafés and coffee around Toowoomba through Buy Local Toowoomba.
How far is Highfields from Toowoomba?
Highfields is generally around 15 minutes by car from central Toowoomba, depending on traffic and your starting point.
Explore more of Toowoomba
If you are exploring other parts of the region, read our guide to living in Middle Ridge for another look at parks, schools, shopping and local life in Toowoomba.
Families can also explore our Perfect Family-Friendly Day in Toowoomba for ideas around the city.
Or visit Toowoomba Local Guides to discover more local places, businesses and things to do across the region.
