Lake Annand is one of Toowoomba’s feature parks, at 77B Long Street in South Toowoomba: a landscaped lake with a fountain, lawns and gardens, a playground, barbecues and gazebos. It is part of the East Creek park corridor, so the paths run on to other parks in both directions.
It suits picnics, get-togethers and small events, and it is an easy, free stop for families that want shade, a barbecue and somewhere for the kids to run.
The lake at Lake Annand Park
The lake is a large man-made pond that has been landscaped into a water area with a fountain, with lush lawns and gardens around it. A bridge crosses the lake, and it is popular for wedding photos.
The park also has water features, inter-connecting paths and seating, and the trees are worth a look. Two large Queensland bottle trees stand in the park.
Lake Annand playground
The playground has children’s and youth equipment including climbing equipment and swings, and an all-abilities rocker that suits wheelchairs. Barbecue and picnic facilities sit in the playground section, so you can cook and keep an eye on the kids at the same time.
The parking area and the end of Bright Street give the best access to the main playground.
BBQs, gazebos and toilets
- Barbecues: the council lists bottled gas BBQs.
- Shelter: there are large and small gazebos, plus open space and seating.
- Toilets: accessible toilets are listed in the park.
Bookings for weddings and other uses go through the council’s park bookings section.
Walking the East Creek corridor
Lake Annand connects by walking and cycling paths to East Creek 4 Park to the north and Joseph J Leadbetter Park to the south. The paths are popular for recreation and commuting.
- Joseph J Leadbetter Park (88 to 92 Long Street) is across the road to the south. It has a skate park, a basketball court, seating and a shelter. It was renamed in 2012 for Joseph Leadbetter, a curator of Toowoomba’s parks and gardens from 1917 to 1940.
- East Creek 4 Park (42 to 44 Shiel Street) to the north has barbecue and picnic facilities, playground equipment, exercise stations under mature weeping willows, and a walk and cycle path.
- Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre is on James Street next to East Creek 4 Park.
The park’s role is also practical: it provides major stormwater detention along the corridor, according to the council’s masterplan consultant. That same consultant’s page says the paths at Lake Annand are not up to current accessibility standards, and the masterplan work covers upgrading the play and picnic facilities and the paths. Plans are not a promise of works, so look at the site before you go if you need a step-free route.
Is Lake Annand dog friendly?
Keep dogs on a leash. In Toowoomba dogs must be on a leash outside designated off-leash areas, and Lake Annand is not on the council’s list of off-leash areas. The nearest listing for South Toowoomba is West Creek Park No 6, in the area immediately north of Alderley Street and south of the City Golf Club, and it is unfenced.
Owners must remove and dispose of their dog’s faeces, and dogs must wear a collar and identification tag.
Planning your visit
- How long: an hour for the playground and a picnic, longer if you walk the East Creek path.
- Cost: free. Use of the park for weddings and other functions is booked through the council.
- What to bring: food and drinks, a hat, and a leash for the dog.
Getting there and parking
Lake Annand Park is at 77B Long Street, South Toowoomba. It is about 105 minutes by car from Brisbane CBD (about 124 km), without allowing for traffic.
There is a parking area near the end of Bright Street, which gives the best access to the main playground.
For the council’s own page, see Toowoomba Regional Council: Lake Annand Park.
Nearby
- Queens Park Toowoomba – botanic gardens, playgrounds and parking in the city centre.
- Japanese Gardens Toowoomba – a calm lake and garden walk.
- Picnic Point Toowoomba – a lookout over the Lockyer Valley with walks and playgrounds.
- Cobb and Co Museum – a wet-weather option with kids’ activities.
- Toowoomba Farmers Market – for Saturday mornings.
More ideas: Toowoomba, lakes and rivers and parks.
You might also like
- Cressbrook Dam (Biarra)
- Atkinsons Dam (Lowood)
- Lake Manchester (Brisbane)
Quick answers
Where is Lake Annand?
Lake Annand Park is at 77B Long Street, South Toowoomba, on the East Creek park corridor.
Does Lake Annand have a playground?
Yes. It has climbing equipment, swings and an all-abilities rocker, with barbecue and picnic facilities beside it.
Are there BBQs and toilets at Lake Annand?
Yes. The council lists bottled gas BBQs, large and small gazebos and accessible toilets.
Can dogs go to Lake Annand?
Dogs must be on a leash. Lake Annand is not on the council’s list of off-leash areas.
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