Japanese Garden

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’

Jointly owned by the University of Southern Queensland and the Toowoomba Regional Council, this maturing landscape sits on the northern side of the campus and stands as Australia’s largest and 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 wander the paths or rest beside the Dry Garden, while early mornings often bring photographers, quiet sketching artists and children feeding the fish. Swans, ducks, geese and native bird species frequent the grounds. Japanese maples blaze with autumn colour, and in spring the Wisteria Pergola drapes in lilac blooms—a favourite backdrop for weddings.