Explore Toowoomba through art, connection, and community. These co-designed art routes invite everyone to stroll, wheel, walk, or run through the city and outer CBD, discovering over 130 pieces of public art along the way.
Public Art Journeys is a community-led initiative created as part of PhD research being undertaken at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) by Professor Tracy Kolbe-Alexander, Shirley-Anne Gardiner, and Professor Andrew Hickey. This project explores how public art walking routes can support physical activity, emotional wellbeing, connection, and a deeper appreciation of Toowoomba’s vibrant creative culture.
Toowoomba is home to an extraordinary array of public artworks — murals, installations, sculptures, and cultural expressions that tell the stories of our people, our history, and our identity. Public Art Journeys aims to make these artworks more accessible by creating mapped routes that encourage locals and visitors to experience the city in a new way. Whether strolling, wheeling, wandering, or pausing to reflect, these journeys invite people to move at their own pace and connect with creativity, nature, and community.
This project began with a simple question:
How can public art help people move more, feel better, and feel more connected to their community?
To explore this, Shirley-Anne launched a research study examining the role public art routes play in promoting physical activity and wellbeing in Toowoomba. The study is guided by the belief that art in public spaces can inspire movement, create joy, and contribute to healthier, more vibrant communities. This UniSQ research is supervised by Professor Tracy Kolbe-Alexander and Professor Andrew Hickey.
In September and October 2025, four co-design workshops were held with members of the Toowoomba community. Participants were invited to help shape the public art routes by:
A total of 28 people participated in the co-design process. During these workshops, participants recommended replacing the term “walking route” with “journey” to ensure the project was welcoming to people of all abilities. The word “journey” captures the spirit of wandering, strolling, meandering, and taking time to appreciate art — without pressure or expectation.
Community members collaborated to design multiple Public Art Journeys, each showcasing a unique collection of artworks across Toowoomba. QR codes will be placed throughout the city, allowing people to explore the routes effortlessly by scanning and following along online.
Each journey includes:
Research into the gamification of the public art journeys will take place in late 2026.
Complete the Online survey!
We’d love to hear what you think! Share your favourite snaps, stories, and reflections as you explore the art around our city. Your thoughts help celebrate the creativity of our community and inspire others to see Toowoomba’s public art in new ways. Join the conversation, connect with fellow art lovers, and be part of the growing movement that brings our streets to life.
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