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Toowoomba social scene: Complete guide to clubs and activities to make friends and meet new people

How many times have you heard the sentiment ‘there’s nothing to do in Toowoomba’? Well we disagree, and here is our comprehensive list of some of Toowoomba’s best clubs to get involved with a make new friends.

From hiking clubs and sporting teams to quiz nights and art classes there are dozens of ways to meet new people in Toowoomba.

Whether you’re new to town or simply looking to expand your social circle here is our comprehensive guide to Toowoomba’s social scene.

Hiking clubs

Peak and Repeat is one of Toowoomba’s newest social clubs
Peak and Repeat is one of Toowoomba’s newest social clubs

For those looking to stretch their legs, get out in nature and enjoy the beauty of the Darling Downs there are no shortages of walking and hiking clubs in the region.

Peak and Repeat

One of Toowoomba’s newest social clubs Peak and Repeat is all about inclusivity, friendship and connection. The club meet every fortnight and have a wide range of members of all demographics.

Happy Hikers Toowoomba

If you’re a hiking fanatic, a curious newbie, or just looking for an excuse to escape the couch and explore the great outdoors Happy Hikers Toowoomba is the club for you. The group regularly hit the trailer and embrace everything from leisurely strolls to heart-pumping hikes.

Toowoomba Bushwalkers Club

Since 1974, the members of Toowoomba Bushwalkers Club Inc have been explored the amazing region, discovering incredible locations, building friendships and enhancing fitness. Typical monthly activities include walks, an overnight camp, a social outing, and a meeting. Walks vary in length and difficulty and members can choose the activities that best suit your interests and ability.

Sport

Holy Name Tennis Club is known as ‘Australia’s friendliest tennis club’ Picture: Kevin Farmer
Holy Name Tennis Club is known as ‘Australia’s friendliest tennis club’ Picture: Kevin Farmer

There are no less than a hundred sporting clubs in the Toowoomba region and they are all great places to make friends. Whether you’re looking to kick a ball or lacing up some boxing gloves here are some of Toowoomba’s best sporting clubs.

Holy Name Tennis Club

Known as ‘Australia's friendliest tennis club’ Holy Name Tennis Club was formed in 1920 and is one of the oldest continually operating Tennis Clubs in Toowoomba. With social games most days and nights you are sure to find a group suitable to play with.

Behan Jiu Jitsu

Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, become a competitive athlete, learn self defence or simply socialise with a group of friendly people Behan Jiu Jitsu is the place for you.

Toowoomba Bears Rugby Union

Toowoomba Bears Rugby was established in 1982 as a group of aspiring players looked to resurrect the Aubigny Rugby Club. The club now hosts all ages and abilities, both male and female and they welcome you to sign up as a player, volunteer or social member.

Smithy’s TGW Gym is a family friendly gym with fighters ranging from beginners to Australian champions. (from left) Lekaysha Woodbridge, Amelia O'Toole, Jed Morris, Andy Kisiel, Harry Graham and Harrison Edwards recently returned from the Australian Golden Gloves Championships Picture: Kevin Farmer
Smithy’s TGW Gym is a family friendly gym with fighters ranging from beginners to Australian champions. (from left) Lekaysha Woodbridge, Amelia O'Toole, Jed Morris, Andy Kisiel, Harry Graham and Harrison Edwards recently returned from the Australian Golden Gloves Championships Picture: Kevin Farmer

Smithy’s TGW Gym

Toowoomba’s premier boxing gym Smithy’s caters from beginners all the way through to seasoned pros whether you're looking to get fit or lace up the gloves and fight there's a class for you.

Highfields Rugby League

Get involved in Rugby League and meet new people at the Highfields Rugby League club.

Willowburn Football Club

Established in 1949, Willowburn is Toowoomba’s oldest football club. Willowburn prides itself on more than just a football club but a football family.

CrossFit Confront

Check out the CrossFit Confront difference as you embark on your fitness journey and meet like minded people.

The Bar Health and Fitness

The Bar Health and Fitness is committed to helping busy Toowoomba locals find a way to enjoy getting fit and healthy. They believe people shouldn’t have to sacrifice the social events, time with your kids or BBQs and beer on the weekend to still make amazing progress in the gym. Their mission is to provide simple and effective training to the Toowoomba community.

Toowoomba Bowls Club

Located in East Toowoomba, opposite the beautiful Queens Park and Botanical Gardens in Lindsay Street join Toowoomba Bowls Club on the green for social roll ups, barefoot bowls and regular club competitions. All equipment is provided and friendly instructions are given. They cater for small or large groups with function packages available.

Games

Battlestation is Toowoomba’s largest and longest running gaming store and host game nights. (From left ) Allan Bachman, Harley Holland and Carl Frankel play Magic: The Gathering at Battlestation in Toowoomba.
Battlestation is Toowoomba’s largest and longest running gaming store and host game nights. (From left ) Allan Bachman, Harley Holland and Carl Frankel play Magic: The Gathering at Battlestation in Toowoomba.

For Toowoomba residents less keen on sport why not check out one of the many gaming clubs in town.

Battlestation game nights

Battlestation is Toowoomba’s largest and longest running gaming store, supplying games and miniatures for over a decade and host regular games nights throughout the week. From Warhammer 40k to DND there is something for all gamers at Battlestations. Battle station also host Toowoomba Board Gamers a group who play a wide variety of games.

Trivia nights

There are numerous trivia nights held across Toowoomba every week including at The Spotted Cow, Bodega, Fitzy’s, The Met, Tailgate, City Golf Club and more.

Toowoomba Chess Club

The Toowoomba Chess club was first established in 1872 and has a rich history hosting the 1986 Australian Championships. The club supports a growing enthusiasm for chess in the area from people of all ages, with a large number of school students participating in annual chess competitions through the schools every year. The club hosts a regular Friday night club gathering for adults and children and host nine different local tournaments throughout the year away from the club.

APL Toowoomba / Darling Downs District

Toowoomba’s Australian Poker League host a number of events every month in Toowoomba and the surrounding areas. Whether you like Blackjack or Texas Holdem is more your speed the club has something for you.

Creative

Catherine and Bruno Loubet run Willow Vale Cooking School which hosts regular cooking classes. Wednesday, June 9, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.
Catherine and Bruno Loubet run Willow Vale Cooking School which hosts regular cooking classes. Wednesday, June 9, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Tinker – Art School

From painting and drawing to sculpture and mixed media, there’s something for every budding artist at Toowoomba’s leading art school.

Social dancing at Dance Connection

Specialising in Ballroom, Latin, and New Vogue dance styles, Dance Connection offers a welcoming space where dancers of all ages can learn, grow, and have fun.

Creativemornings/toowoomba

Creativemornings is a monthly talk series that happens on a Friday morning from 7.30am and finishes in time to get to work. Expect artists and designers as well as entrepreneurs and small business owners, who all come together to listen to a local person talk about life and business.

Toowoomba Photography Group

Toowoomba Photography Group runs two hour photography sessions based on a photography theme/technique/style that take place in various locations in Toowoomba.

Darling Downs Radio Club

Darling Downs Radio Club is a Club surrounding all things radio and electronics. These include modern computer influences in contest logging, antennas, HF, VHF and UHF operation, construction, crystal sets, valve operation and much, more. They host lectures by club members and non club members at the Social / Technical Meetings, as well as various communication activities and occasional outings.

Toowoomba Philosophy and Classic Literature Meetup Group

Join the Toowoomba Philosophy and Classic Literature Meetup Groupfor open and engaging discussions on philosophy, classic literature, and a variety of deep, meaningful topics. The group encourages members to share their thoughts, suggest readings, and explore ideas collaboratively. Whether you’re a seasoned philosopher, a literature lover, or simply curious, all are welcome to join up.

Willow Vale Cooking School

Set on an idyllic farm in the beautiful hamlet of Perseverance, Willow Vale Cooking School is located between Esk and Toowoomba. Their cooking classes are run by legendary chef Bruno Loubet and ingredients are organically grown produce hand-picked straight from the farm. The cooking school is centered on the garden and uses mostly homegrown vegetables and fruits. Willow Vale Cooking School host six classes a month as well as private groups.

Business

Business at Dusk is Toowoomba’s main business networking event, run by the Chamber of Commerce. Toowoomba Chamber CEO Todd Rohl (left), developer Mitchell and Barry Bernoth and NRG-One CEO Carl Duncan. Bernoth Properties hosted the Toowoomba Chamber's Business at Dusk event at the revamped ground floor of the Ventia building along the Bell Street Mall in the CBD.
Business at Dusk is Toowoomba’s main business networking event, run by the Chamber of Commerce. Toowoomba Chamber CEO Todd Rohl (left), developer Mitchell and Barry Bernoth and NRG-One CEO Carl Duncan. Bernoth Properties hosted the Toowoomba Chamber's Business at Dusk event at the revamped ground floor of the Ventia building along the Bell Street Mall in the CBD.

Business @ Dusk

Business at Dusk is Toowoomba’s main business networking event, run by the Chamber of Commerce. Each month has a new venue and a new guest speaker, who touches on their experience running a business in Toowoomba, and what is happening in their industry. The events are run once a month on a Wednesday evening.

Toowoomba Success Seekers

Toowoomba Success Seekers is a group for learning, exchanging ideas and connecting with fellow success seekers.

Social

Toowoomba Minglers is a group for ages 40 plus.
Toowoomba Minglers is a group for ages 40 plus.

Toowoomba also hosts a number of social and philanthropic groups for people of all ages.

Toowoomba Minglers

Toowoomba Minglers is for people, predominantly 40+ to get together for dining and activities. They are a friendly group who enjoy company and laughter.

Toowoomba “Lets Get Active & Social”

Toowoomba “Lets Get Active & Social” strive to create a welcoming and safe community for singles and couples, who would like to get out and participate in a range of different events including dinners, bushwalks, BBQ’s, archery, kayaking, camping and more.

The Apex Club of Toowoomba

The Apex Club of Toowoomba is one of three Apex clubs in Toowoomba. Apex Clubs are service clubs for individuals aged 18 to 45. Members give back to the community by completing service projects and have a great time at regular social events.

Rotary Club of Toowoomba

At 95 years old the Rotary Club of Toowoomba has been serving the community for almost a century. Get involved and find out how you can give back to your community.

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Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/toowoomba/toowoomba-social-scene-complete-guide-to-clubs-and-activities-to-make-friends-and-meet-new-people/news-story/1f87e621c708618db8128fd68044d1f9