japanese gardens usq qld tours

Japanese Gardens at USQ

Our beautiful big outdoors / attractions and tours / japanese gardens at usq, toowoomba’s award-winning japanese gardens are renowned for their stunning representation of traditional japanese landscape design..

The park, located on the University of Southern Queensland campus, is called ‘Ju Raku En’, which is Japanese for ‘enjoying peace and longevity in a public place’. Features of the garden include:

• mountain stream and waterfall
• central lake
• Azalea Hill
• 3 kilometres of paths
• 230 species of Japanese and Australian native trees and plants

20 Regent St Darling Heights Queensland 4350

20 regent street toowoomba

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16 Fleet Street, Darling Heights Queensland 4350, Australia

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Japanese Garden – Ju Raku En, Toowoomba

Things to do darling heights , toowoomba , queensland.

Discover the tranquility of one of Toowoomba’s most peaceful and beautiful parks – the 4.5 hectare Japanese Garden at the University of Southern Queensland. Ju Raku En roughly translates as ‘to enjoy peace and longevity in a public place’

Located on the northern side of the campus, it’s Australia’s largest, most traditionally designed Japanese stroll garden.

Its elements of mountain stream and waterfall, Dry Garden, central lake, Azalea Hill, 3km of paths, 230 species of Japanese and Australian native trees and plants, and lawns combine in seamless and restful harmony.

Japanese gardens emphasise the use of rocks to create three dimensional pictures. All of the large rocks in Ju Raku En were placed by the garden’s designer, Professor Kinsaku Nakane of Kyoto, to appear naturally dispersed in a random way.

Visitors stroll through the garden or relax on the seat near the Dry Garden; it’s not uncommon to see photographers out early, artists quietly painting a scene or children feeding bread to the fish. Bird species include swans, ducks, geese and smaller natives. Japanese maples provide a riot of autumn colour, while in spring masses of lilac blossoms hang from the Wisteria Pergola – the perfect backdrop for a wedding.

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Ju Raku En Japanese Garden

Brisbane & Around

One of Australia's largest and most traditional Japanese gardens, Ju Raku En is around 4km south of the centre at the University of Southern Queensland. The 5-hectare oasis was designed by a Japanese professor in Kyoto and contains all the expected elements, from rippling lake and carefully aligned boulders to conifers, bamboo stands, cherry blossom trees and photogenic bridges.

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https://www.toowoombarc.qld.gov.au

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A Japanese Garden in Toowoomba – Ju Raku En

By Author Toni Broome

Posted on Published: June 24, 2014  - Last updated: August 28, 2021

Toowoomba is known as the garden city and the Ju Raku En Japanese garden in Toowoomba is one of the best examples in Australia. If you planning to head out to the city for a day trip from Brisbane or the Gold Coast , passing through on an outback road trip heading further inland or checking out the Carnival of Flowers held in the regional city every spring, then this garden is one you’ll want to see.

We love Japan and always include a variety of gardens on our travels over there, whether they’re public parks, private gardens or part of temple and castle complexes they have features in common that make them both beautiful and peaceful.  These are some of our favourite gardens in Japan but there are stunning examples of the techniques and planting styles all around the world.

We enjoy visiting many of these international gardens on our travels and appreciate the unique interpretations of the style and how they are adapted for the different plants that thrive in ane area and climate while staying true to the design aesthetic.

Ju Raku En is one of the largest, most complex and traditionally designed Japanese gardens in Australia.  We have visited at various times of the year and it has something unique to offer in each season but like many gardens, it is arguably at its best during the spring flowering and autumn leaf seasons.

It’s not always easy to pick your timing perfectly especially for something like the blossom season that only lasts for a couple of weeks but Toowoomba has distinct seasons unlike most of Queensland and you’ll usually hit the best of spring in mid to late September and the coloured leaves in April.

Features of the Japanese garden

The garden features many of the design techniques and aspects of typical Japanese gardens while at the same time incorporating Australian plants to bring seasonality to this little pocket of Queensland.  There is a central lake, stream and waterfall, rocks and an island that features the ‘tea room’. 

The island is accessed by a series of bridges, passing over the bridges represents the Buddhist symbolism of journeying to paradise.  Paths wind all through the gardens past azalea hill, to the bench where the dry garden can be contemplated, the pagoda that in spring will be drenched in purple wisteria bloom and under the gently waving bamboo grove.

Like traditional Japanese gardens, Ju Raku En uses walls and borrowed scenery to create the illusion that the garden is bigger and more secluded than it is.  Winding paths give the opportunity to explore rather than taking a single lap and within the 3-hectare site there are around 3km of pathways to enjoy if you completed all of the loops.

Who designed and maintains the garden?

The masterplan was created in Japan after extensive study of the site and took 9 years to design and build before it was opened to the public on the 21st April 1989.  In the life cycle of Japanese gardens, it is still quite young but has matured beautifully creating a peaceful and contemplative space within its academic and suburban community.

The ‘Ju Raku En’ Japanese Gardens are a beautiful spot to spend an hour or two in Toowoomba. They were designed and named by renowned garden designer and master of the tea ceremony, Professor Kinsaku Nakane of Kyoto who was involved in the restoration and research of many classic gardens in the historic city and across Japan.

The name Ju Raku En can be loosely translated as to enjoy peace and longevity in a public space.  It is a theme that Professor Nakane and the joint custodians of the garden, the Toowoomba City Council and the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), have stayed true to.

Where is the Toowoomba Japanese Garden?

The Toowoomba Japanese gardens are located inside the University of Southern Queensland grounds off West Street. If you follow the loop to the right at the end of the main avenue there is free public parking here and a large vermillion red gate marking the garden entrance.

The back entrance opens into the surrounding suburbs on Regent Street. You will find a good amount of street parking is available in the surrounding streets. 

The map below shows many of the top attractions in Toowoomba including the Japanese Gardens.

Visitor information

Is there an entrance fee to the Japanese Garden in Toowoomba?

No, entry is free.

What are the opening hours?

The Japanese gardens in Toowoomba are open from 7 am to 7 pm daily. 

What facilities are available in the garden?

The gardens are well-appointed making them an enjoyable spot to bring a picnic or book and stay for a while. There are picnic tables, shaded seating areas and toilet facilities are all available within the gardens. The lawns overlooking the pond are also open so you can spread out a picnic rug.

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Have you been to the Japanese garden in Toowoomba?    Have you been to other Japanese style gardens outside of Japan that you’d recommend?  We’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments below.

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Izumi Kershaw

Thursday 4th of September 2014

Your photos are beautiful, love your posts!

[email protected]

Monday 22nd of September 2014

Thank you so much Izumi , I love taking photos and hope that to improve with a bit of regular practice.

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Ju Raku En Japanese Garden

West Street, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba , Queensland 4350 Australia

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“One of Toowoomba's most peaceful and beautiful parks is the four and a half hectare Japanese Garden at the University of Southern Queensland.”

Located on the northern side of the campus, it's Australia's largest and most traditionally designed Japanese stroll garden. Its elements of mountain stream and waterfall, Dry Garden, central lake, Azalea Hill, three kilometres of paths, 230 species of Japanese and Australian native trees and plants, and lawns combine in a seamless and restful harmony. Japanese gardens emphasise the use of rocks to create three dimensional pictures. All of the large rocks in Ju Raku En were placed by the garden's designer, Professor Kinsaku Nakane of Kyoto, to appear naturally dispersed in a random way. Visitors stroll through the garden or relax on the seat near the Dry Garden; it's not uncommon to see artists quietly painting a scene or children feeding bread to the fish or birds, which include swans, ducks, geese and smaller natives. Japanese maples provide a riot of autumn colour, while in spring masses of lilac blossoms hang from the Wisteria Pergola - the perfect backdrop for a wedding.

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More than 30 years ago Doctor Adrian Allen dreamed of a beautiful Japanese style garden. Through a huge community effort the dream became a reality. 

The Japanese Garden ‘Ju Raku En’ (roughly translated to mean 'to enjoy peace and longevity in a public place') is one of Australia's largest and most traditionally designed Japanese stroll gardens. The Garden is a relatively young garden and will take many years for it to be considered complete. 

Help us continue to improve this important and idyllic community space and discover one of Toowoomba's most peaceful and beautiful gardens.  Give now

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Japanese Gardens USQ QLD

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Located on the University of Southern Queensland campus, the Japanese Gardens USQ Qld Darling Heights, also known as "Ju Raku En" in Japanese, meaning "enjoying peace and longevity in a public place," is a beautiful public garden destination for visitors seeking tranquility while enjoying nature.

The garden offers visitors a peaceful walk through a beautiful landscape design featuring a mountain stream and waterfall, a dry garden, a central lake, Azalea Hill, 3 kilometers of paths, and over 230 species of Japanese and Australian native trees and plants. Visitors can admire the beautiful variety of plants and trees and take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The best time to visit is during the spring, especially if you want to see the azaleas in bloom. The garden is open year-round, and admission is free. Given that it is a public space, visitors can use it as a place to relax whenever they want. While in the area, visitors can take advantage of nearby attractions, such as Empire Theatre, Grand Central Shopping Centre, and City Golf Club, which will make their trip to the region an enriching experience. The Japanese Gardens USQ Qld Darling Heights is located in Toowoomba, Australia. Visitors can fly to Brisbane Airport, which is approximately 90 minutes from Toowoomba by car, and then drive or take a train or bus to Toowoomba. Once in Toowoomba city, visitors can take a taxi or drive to the University of Southern Queensland campus to enter the garden. The Japanese Gardens USQ Qld Darling Heights is an excellent destination for anyone looking to enjoy nature while experiencing peace and tranquility in a public place.

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55 Regent St, Darling Heights QLD 4350, Darling Heights, QLD 4350

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Japanese Gardens

by Electrician Toowoomba | Jan 19, 2022 | Toowoomba

Located at 55 Regent St, Darling Heights QLD 4350 the Ju Raku En Japanese Garden (meaning ‘to enjoy peace in a public place’) are owned by the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) and Toowoomba Regional Council and were opened on 21 April 1989. There are over 230 varieties of Japanese and Australian native trees. The beautifully manicured gardens are a popular place to come and enjoy the peaceful serenity the gardens offer. Here are some of key information about the Japanese Gardens. 

Driving directions to the Japanese Gardens from our office in Toowoomba City. 

The central lake is home to many turtles, bearded dragons, ducks and fish. There are also many traditional red Japanese style bridges that cross over the streams that enter the lake and connect sections of the lake together. Walking through the gardens visitors will be awe inspired by the bamboo forest, azalea-covered, beautiful little waterfall and Zen rock garden amongst many other natural and manmade features. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful Japanese atmosphere and experience a true sense of serenity in this unique setting.

During the spring time this serene garden is brimming with colour from the blooming florals. It’s also a fantastic time of year to visit Toowoomba because it coincides with one of the cities biggest annual events the Carnival of Flowers .

Accessibility

Open everyday from 6am to dusk the Gardens are a wonderful place to visit any time of the year. There are abundant parking spaces available within the University of Southern Queensland’s grounds near the entry gate on the south side of the Gardens. Toilets are available to visitors at the adjacent Birch Court Park.

One of the great features of the gardens is that they are also accessible to visitors with reduced mobility with paths that are wheelchair accessible. For those requiring wheelchair access entrance via USQ is recommended.   

Weddings & Events

There are two ways to enjoy the Japanese gardens. The first is to visit the gardens and walk around and enjoy the beauty of the grounds, perhaps even enjoying a picnic lunch or light refreshments. The second option is to reserve an area of the gardens for a wedding, event or ceremony. Contact the university’s Facilities Management to book a space in the gardens for you and your guests. The USQ website provides more information about events at this beautiful location.

Ju Raku En Japanese Gardens

Visiting the Ju Raku En Japanese Garden is a great way to spend time with your family and friends. There are several beautiful spots to take photos and take a picnic lunch. The gardens are open seven days a week and offer plenty of picnic areas. There are many other places around Toowoomba to visit whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the area.  Check out some other points of interest in our article here about the DownsStream Tourist Railway & Museum.

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Questions & Answers

What is the phone number for japanese gardens usq qld.

The phone number for Japanese Gardens USQ QLD is (07) 4631 2100.

Where is Japanese Gardens USQ QLD located?

Japanese Gardens USQ QLD is located at LOT 55 Regent St, Darling Heights QLD 4350, Australia

What is the internet address for Japanese Gardens USQ QLD?

The website (URL) for Japanese Gardens USQ QLD is: https://www.usq.edu.au/about-usq/locations/toowoomba/japanese-garden

What days are Japanese Gardens USQ QLD open?

Japanese Gardens USQ QLD is open: Monday:7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday:7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday:7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday:7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday:7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday:7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday:7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

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