Highlights from Christmas Wonderland.

Photos: Courtesy Burstow's Funerals

Queens Park Bontanic Gardens, December 6-24

Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy. So what better Christmas event is there than one that brings pleasure to so many people?

How about one that also offers support for those going through troubled times during the festive season?

And what, may you ask, does any of this have to do with Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland?

The answer lies in the unlikely genesis of what has become a landmark on the city's calendar.

How it came about

Back in 2003, the far-sited management of a local funeral company, Burstows, decided to organise an event to draw the community together at Christmas.  According to the Christmas Wonderland website: "We wanted to create a delightful display of lights and provide supper and free give-aways for the children."

And so they did - at their own expense and on their own premises. The lighting extravaganza enticed people out of their houses en masse. Burstows were overwhelmed at the response. 

Last year more than 50,000 people came to see the lighting display, which continues to get bigger, brighter and more spectacular.

Not only did people turn up in droves, they wanted to volunteer their support - and give something back financially as well.

A simple idea to request a gold-coin donation has seen the event turn into a major fundraiser for important local causes. In 2006, for example, $106,000 was raised for charity, the major beneficiary being Lifeline's Living Works Program, a suicide prevention initiative.

2008 Christmas Wonderland of Lights

This year, the event's original organisers recognised that it had outgrown their capacity to run it successfully, especially in its existing location. So in January, Burstow's officially handed over responsibility for the event to West Toowoomba Lions Club.

This year will also see it in its new location at Queens Park Botanic Gardens, in Lindsay Street Toowoomba, for the first time.

Winter Wonderland 2008 is destined to be bigger than ever, with businesses, community groups and individuals in Toowoomba wanting to get involved. If you would like to join them, you can register your interest via the event's website.

This year, money raised will again be donated to Lifeline, together with Toowoomba Hospital and Toowoomba Hospice.

Getting there

Toowoomba is Queensland's - and Australia's - largest inland city, with a population of about 100,000 people. Located 128 km from Brisbane via the Warrego Highway, the "City of Gardens" is easily accessed by car or bus from the capital.

Toowoomba Transit Coaches have five services to and from Brisbane each weekday, and one a day on weekends.

For a more leisurely travel experience, the historic Westlander train leaves Brisbane each Tuesday and Thursday. But it arrives in Toowoomba late, so be sure to have your accommodation booked.
Queens Park Botanical Gardens are a short walk from the city centre and Toowoomba Railway Station.

Accommodation

Given its size, it's hardly surprising that Toowoomba has a plethora of accommodation options, with something to suit most budgets.

At the top of the range, the Toowoomba Central Plaza Apartment Hotel is a near-new  4.5 star all-suite establishment.

The Quality Hotel offers four-star accommodation close to the heart of town, while Eastgate on the Range allows you to experience Toowoomba's spectacular location.

James Cottage is a handsome early 20th century brick bungalow offering bed and breakfast in historic surrrounds.

The website backpackaraound.com.au recommends the National Hotel for budget travellers.

The Darling Downs Holidays website has a fairly comprehensive list of accommodation, or visit your favourite accommodation booking service for specials and last-minute deals.
 

Christmas on the Sunshine Coast 2008

Christmas in Toowoomba 2008

Sunshine Coast Christmas lights competition

Toowoomba Christmas Tree Festival