Highfields Pioneer Village: A Step Back in Time
Step back in time at Highfields Pioneer Village: Explore historical buildings, vintage machinery, and Queensland's pioneering past in a charming open-air museum.
Highfields Pioneer Village offers an immersive journey into Queensland's rich history, showcasing the lives and times of early settlers in the Darling Downs region. This 20-acre village features over 60 authentically restored historical buildings, each filled with artifacts and stories from a bygone era. Explore a range of exhibits, including a working blacksmith shop, a vintage boot repair shop, and a one-teacher schoolhouse. Wander through the Southern Cross Museum, Transport Museum, Toowoomba Fire Brigade Museum, and Ambulance Museum, each offering a glimpse into different facets of pioneer life. See antique agricultural machinery and equipment in working order, including a 1912 Marshall Portable Steam Engine. Don't miss the chance to ride the Myrtle May miniature steam train or Henry the Model T Ford bus, both lovingly restored and running on select days. The village also features a heritage chapel, available for weddings and christenings, and the Big Cow, a towering concrete structure that has become a local landmark. Run entirely by dedicated volunteers, Highfields Pioneer Village is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Darling Downs pioneers. It's a place where history comes alive, offering visitors of all ages an engaging and educational experience.
Local tips
- Visit on a weekday for a quieter experience and more personal interactions with the volunteers.
- Check the website for special events or seasonal activities, such as the Easter Vintage Festival, that may enhance your visit.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the village has many pathways and areas to explore.
- Don't miss the chance to enjoy billy tea and damper, a traditional Australian treat, at the Bushranger Cafe.
A brief summary to Highfields Pioneer Village
- 73 Wirraglen Rd, Highfields, Queensland, 4352, AU
- +61746966309
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Toowoomba, take a TransLink bus to Highfields. Check the TransLink website for the latest schedules and routes. Once you arrive at the Highfields bus stop, it's approximately a 1.5 km walk to the village. Head east on the New England Highway, then turn right onto Wirraglen Road. Continue straight until you see the village entrance. A single bus fare from Toowoomba to Highfields costs approximately AUD 3-5.
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Taxi/Ride-share
For a direct route from Toowoomba, consider taking a taxi or ride-share service like Uber. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Expect to pay around AUD 40-60 for the trip.
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Driving
If driving from Toowoomba, head north on the Warrego Highway (A2). Take the exit for the New England Highway (A15) towards Highfields. Follow the New England Highway for about 6 km, then turn left onto Wirraglen Road. Highfields Pioneer Village is located at 73 Wirraglen Rd. On-site parking is available.
