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 Shirley-Anne Gardiner, CEO of Momentum Mental Health. 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.
Our Purpose
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.
How It Began
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.
Co-Design With the Community
In September and October, four co-design workshops were held with members of the Toowoomba community. Participants were invited to help shape the public art routes by:
Identifying artworks that were meaningful or significant
Mapping enjoyable and accessible pathways
Sharing insights about safety, comfort, and inclusivity
Exploring how these routes could support wellbeing and community pride
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.
Workshop One
Workshop One
Workshop One
Workshop One
Workshop One
Workshop One
Workshop Two
Workshop Two
Workshop Two
Workshop Two
Workshop Two
Workshop Two
Workshop Two
Workshop Three
Workshop Three
Workshop Three
Workshop Three
Workshop Three
Workshop Three
“Walkshop” Four
“Walkshop” Four
“Walkshop” Four
“Walkshop” Four
“Walkshop” Four
“Walkshop” Four
What We Created Together
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:
A curated map
Artist profiles
Photos and descriptions of featured artworks
Insights into the meaning and cultural significance of the pieces
Looking Ahead
The Public Art Journeys website is scheduled to launch officially in February 2026. After the launch, the journeys will be available for both physical activity and tourism purposes — offering residents and visitors a new way to experience Toowoomba’s creative heart.
Click on the image below to begin a digital tour of your chosen public art route. Each journey has been co-designed by locals, for locals and visitors alike. You can also download a printable version to take with you as you explore.
Click on the image below to begin a digital tour of your chosen public art route. Each journey has been co-designed by locals, for locals and visitors alike. You can also download a printable version to take with you as you explore.
Join toowoomba’s Public Art Appreciation Community
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.
