View source for Toowong

{{Distinguish|Towong, Victoria}}
{{Other uses|Toowong (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2018}}
{{Use Australian English|date=August 2011}}
{{GeoGroup}}
{{Infobox Australian place
| type                = suburb
| name                = Toowong
| city                = Brisbane
| state               = qld
| image               = Toowong buildings seen from the river, Brisbane, Feb 2020.jpg
| caption             = Toowong apartment buildings viewed from the Brisbane River, 2020
| alternative_location_map = Australia Queensland metropolitan Brisbane
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in metropolitan [[Brisbane]]
| coordinates         = {{coord|-27.4816|152.99|type:city_region:AU-QLD|display=inline,title|name=Toowong (centre of suburb)}}
| local_map           = yes
| zoom                = 12
| pop                 = <!-- populates automatically -->
| pop_year            =
| pop_footnotes       =
| established         = 
| postcode            = 4066
| area                = 4.1
| timezone            = [[AEST]]
| utc                 = +10:00
| dist1               = 5.9 <!-- road distances as per template instructions -->
| dir1                = SW
| location1           = [[Brisbane CBD]]
| dist2               = 
| dir2                = 
| location2           = 
| dist3               = 
| dir3                = 
| location3           = 
| dist4               = 
| dir4                = 
| location4           =
| lga                 = [[City of Brisbane|Brisbane City]] ([[Paddington Ward]] and<ref name="PaddingtonWard">{{cite web|title=Paddington Ward|url=https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/about-council/governance-strategy/councillors-wards/paddington-ward|website=Brisbane City Council|access-date=12 March 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312054725/https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/about-council/governance-strategy/councillors-wards/paddington-ward|archive-date=12 March 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> [[Walter Taylor Ward]])<ref name="WalterTaylorWard">{{cite web|title=Walter Taylor Ward|url=https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/about-council/governance-strategy/councillors-wards/walter-taylor-ward|website=Brisbane City Council|access-date=12 March 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312055648/https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/about-council/governance-strategy/councillors-wards/walter-taylor-ward|archive-date=12 March 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| stategov            = [[Electoral district of Maiwar|Maiwar]]
| fedgov              = [[Division of Ryan|Ryan]]
| near-n              = [[Bardon, Queensland|Bardon]]
| near-ne             = [[Auchenflower, Queensland|Auchenflower]]
| near-e              = [[West End, Queensland|West End]]
| near-se             = [[St Lucia, Queensland|St Lucia]]
| near-s              = [[Taringa, Queensland|Taringa]]
| near-sw             = [[Taringa, Queensland|Taringa]]
| near-w              = [[Mount Coot-tha, Queensland|Mount Coot-tha]]
| near-nw             = [[Mount Coot-tha, Queensland|Mount Coot-tha]]
}}
'''Toowong''' ({{IPAc-en|t|ə|'|w|ɒ|ŋ}} {{respell|tə|WONG}}) is a riverside [[Suburbs and localities (Australia)|suburb]] in the [[City of Brisbane]], [[Queensland]], Australia.<ref name=qpnl>{{cite QPN|50318|Toowong|suburb in City of Brisbane|accessdate=12 February 2022}}</ref> In the {{CensusAU|2021}}, Toowong had a population of 12,556 people with a median weekly household income of $1,927.<ref name=Census2021/>

== Geography ==
[[Image:Houses in Wool Street, Toowong, Queensland 01.jpg|thumb|left|320px|Queenslander style detached house in Toowong]]
Toowong is situated between [[Mount Coot-tha, Queensland|Mount Coot-tha]] and the [[Brisbane River]] and is made up of rolling hills with little flat land. Since European settlement most of the land has been cleared for residential and commercial use with the exception of some park land and bushland near the [[Western Freeway, Brisbane|Western Freeway]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Toowong parks |url=https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/things-to-see-and-do/council-venues-and-precincts/parks/parks-by-suburb/toowong-parks |access-date=2023-07-03 |website=www.brisbane.qld.gov.au |language=en}}</ref>

At the centre of Toowong is a commercial precinct including [[Toowong Village]], and several other commercial and office buildings. The western side of the suburb is predominantly residential with a mix of medium density dwellings and detached [[Queenslander (architecture)|Queenslander]] houses, extending to the foothills of [[Mount Coot-tha]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

Toowong borders the [[Brisbane River]]. Along the riverside are a number of transport links: [[Coronation Drive, Brisbane|Coronation Drive]], the [[Regatta ferry wharf]], and the Bicentennial Bike Path (a bike and walkway) to the [[Brisbane CBD]]. This section of the river is the [[Toowong Reach]].<ref name="globe">{{Queensland Globe|access-date=29 February 2020}}</ref>

==History==
Several early settlers subdivided their blocks, including [[Richard Langler Drew|Richard Drew]] who named his subdivision the 'Village of Toowong' in 1862.<ref>{{cite web |last=Routh |first=S. J. |title=Drew, Richard Langler (1823–1869) |url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/drew-richard-langler-13302 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305055859/http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/drew-richard-langler-13302 |archive-date=5 March 2018 |access-date=3 March 2018 |website=[[Australian Dictionary of Biography]] |publisher=National Centre of Biography, Australian National University |df=dmy-all}}</ref> The origin of the name Toowong was derived from an [[Indigenous Australians|Aboriginal]] word describing a bird.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.queenslandplaces.com.au/toowong|title=Toowong|publisher=Centre for The Government of Queensland|access-date=29 November 2020|archive-date=8 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208220343/https://www.queenslandplaces.com.au/toowong|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:First St Thomas Anglican Church, Toowong, 1865-1877.jpg|left|thumb|First St Thomas Anglican Church, 1865–1877]]
On Sunday 29 October 1865, the Anglican Church of St Thomas the Apostle opened on Lot 13 in Curlew Street, donated by Richard Langler Drew ({{Coord|-27.48986|152.98869|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=St Thomas' Anglican Church (former)}}).<ref>{{cite news |date=27 October 1865 |title=Classified Advertising |volume=XX |page=1 |newspaper=[[The Brisbane Courier]] |issue=2,417 |location=Queensland, Australia |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1281027 |accessdate=21 December 2023 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=30 October 1865 |title=TELEGRAPHIC |volume=XX |page=2 |newspaper=[[The Brisbane Courier]] |issue=2,419 |location=Queensland, Australia |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1281215 |accessdate=21 December 2023 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref><ref name="qhr3">{{cite QHR|15111|St Thomas Church of England|600336|access-date=21 December 2023}}</ref>{{Sfn|Gregory|Henricksen|2007|p=15}}

Toowong Mixed School opened on 10 October 1870. In 1879, it was renamed Indooroopilly State School. In 1888, it was renamed Indooroopilly Pocket State School. In 1905, it was renamed [[Ironside State School]]. It is within the present-day boundaries of the neighbouring suburb of [[St Lucia, Queensland|St Lucia]].<ref name="qfhs">{{Citation |author1=Queensland Family History Society |title=Queensland schools past and present |publication-date=2010 |edition=Version 1.01 |publisher=[[Queensland Family History Society]] |isbn=978-1-921171-26-0}}</ref>

Toowong started developing with the arrival of the [[Ipswich railway line]] in 1875. It was originally suburb of detached villas and large yards owned by an elite upper-middle class that worked in the city and socialised with each other.

A Primitive Methodist Church was opened in Toowong on Sunday 9 April 1876.<ref>{{cite news|date=8 April 1876|title=TAMBO.|page=2|newspaper=[[Telegraph (Brisbane)|The Telegraph]]|issue=1,093|location=Queensland, Australia|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169493855|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=20 September 2021|archive-date=6 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306015946/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/169493855|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=19 April 1876|title=PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH, TOOWONG.|page=3|newspaper=[[Telegraph (Brisbane)|The Telegraph]]|issue=1,101|location=Queensland, Australia|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169495795|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=20 September 2021|archive-date=6 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306015944/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/169495795|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Shire of Toowong was created in 1880, in response to a petition from Toowong residents. In 1881 the population numbered 1,275 and seven years later it had almost doubled to 2,230. By 1901 the population numbered around 4,700.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Toowong {{!}} Queensland Places |url=https://www.queenslandplaces.com.au/toowong |access-date=2023-07-03 |website=www.queenslandplaces.com.au}}</ref>

[[Toowong State School]] opened on 22 January 1880 in Aston Street with enrolments reaching 350 students in the first nine years.<ref name="qfhs" /><ref>{{cite news |date=20 January 1880 |title=Classified Advertising |volume=XXXIV |page=3 |newspaper=[[The Brisbane Courier]] |issue=3,952 |location=Queensland, Australia |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article888471 |via=National Library of Australia |accessdate=6 March 2022 |archive-date=6 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306015947/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/888471 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=20 January 1880 |title=RE-OPENING OF STATE SCHOOLS. |page=2 |newspaper=[[The Telegraph (Brisbane)|The Telegraph]] |issue=2,242 |location=Queensland, Australia |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article174711414 |via=National Library of Australia |accessdate=6 March 2022 |archive-date=6 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306015946/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/174711414 |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 1910, the school was relocated to its present site. In 1927, it achieved its highest enrolment of 895 students, so many that the verandahs were used as classrooms.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-02-13 |title=History |url=https://toowongss.eq.edu.au/our-school/history |access-date=2022-03-05 |website=Toowong State School |language=en |archive-date=14 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314022050/https://toowongss.eq.edu.au/our-school/history |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1881, a Baptist church opened in Toowong; it is still extant and listed on the [[Brisbane Heritage Register]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Queensland Baptist churches by date of erection/opening|url=https://www.bhsq.org/barq/churches100years/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-29|website=Baptist Church Archives Queensland|archive-date=26 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126074653/https://www.bhsq.org/barq/churches100years/index.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=1881 Toowong|url=https://www.bhsq.org/barq/churches100years/images/1881-Toowong.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-29|website=Baptist Church Archives Queensland|archive-date=6 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306015950/https://www.bhsq.org/barq/churches100years/images/1881-Toowong.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Toowong Baptist Church|url=https://heritage.brisbane.qld.gov.au/heritage-places/1702|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-29|website=[[Brisbane Heritage Register]]|archive-date=29 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129021220/https://heritage.brisbane.qld.gov.au/heritage-places/1702}}</ref>

In 1899, 461 allotments were advertised to be auctioned by Isles, Love & Co on Saturday, 2 September 1899 (Federation Day), Saturday 9 September 1899 and Saturday 16 September 1899. This area was called the Dunmore Estate and is now mostly in Toowong as well as partly in Milton. On the real estate map for Dunmore Estate, Cribb's Paddock, Milton is a black and white photo titled "Panoramic view of the river looking towards town".<ref>{{cite web |last=Maclean|first=D. F.| year=1899 | title=Dunmore Estate Cribb’s Paddock, Milton / Isles, Love Land Agents ; D. F. Maclean, Surveryor. | publisher=Outridge Printing Co.|url=https://hdl.handle.net/10462/deriv/251713}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3698525|title=Classified Advertising|date=29 July 1899|newspaper=[[The Brisbane Courier]]|access-date=3 July 2019|issue=12,963|location=Queensland, Australia|volume=LVI|page=12|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=15 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915093450/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/3698525|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1899 it was advertised in the Brisbane Courier for contractors for the Dunmore Estate, Cribb's Paddock, Milton to make an access road through the lagoon and a roadway under the railway bridge.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3698096|title=Classified Advertising|date=24 July 1899|newspaper=[[The Brisbane Courier]]|access-date=3 July 2019|issue=12,958|location=Queensland, Australia|volume=LVI|page=8|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=15 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915093451/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/3698096|url-status=live}}</ref> It was reported in The Brisbane Courier and The Telegraph that a total of 240 lots were sold - 108 lots on 2 September 1899,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3700930|title=PREVENTION OF TUBERCULOSIS.|date=4 September 1899|newspaper=[[The Brisbane Courier]]|access-date=3 July 2019|issue=12,994|location=Queensland, Australia|volume=LVI|page=4|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=15 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915093509/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/3700930|url-status=live}}</ref> 81 lots on 9 September 1899<ref>{{cite news|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article173091803|title=Dunmore Estate.|date=11 September 1899|newspaper=[[Telegraph (Brisbane)|The Telegraph]]|access-date=3 July 2019|issue=8,366|location=Queensland, Australia|page=6|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=15 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915093512/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/173091803|url-status=live}}</ref> and 51 lots on 16 September 1899.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article173078951|title=Dunmore Estate.|date=18 September 1899|newspaper=[[Telegraph (Brisbane)|The Telegraph]]|access-date=3 July 2019|issue=8,372|location=Queensland, Australia|page=6|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=15 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915093522/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/173078951|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 1 February 1902, Clayfield Boys' College was established on Old Sandgate Road (now Bage Street) near the Wesleyan Church at [[Eagle Junction]] by Arthur (Barney) Rudd with an initial enrolment of 4 students.<ref>{{cite news |date=8 January 1902 |title=Advertising |volume=LVIII |page=2 |newspaper=[[The Brisbane Courier]] |issue=13,725 |location=Queensland, Australia |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19141186 |via=National Library of Australia |accessdate=6 March 2022 |archive-date=6 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306015948/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/19141186 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="qfhs" /> In 1909, it began to accept boarding students. In 1912, the school moved to a new location on the corner of Bayview Terrace, [[Clayfield, Queensland|Clayfield]], near the tram terminus.<ref name="ourtoowong">{{cite web |title=BBC |url=http://ourtoowong.com/services/education/bbc |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090829000701/http://ourtoowong.com/services/education/bbc |archive-date=29 August 2009 |access-date=6 March 2022 |website=Our Toowong}} OurToowong page for BBC</ref>  In July 1918, the school was purchased by the [[Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association]] and renamed Brisbane Boys' College.<ref>{{cite news |date=23 July 1918 |title=EDUCATIONAL UNIFICATION. |page=7 |newspaper=[[The Brisbane Courier]] |issue=18,880 |location=Queensland, Australia |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20251330 |via=National Library of Australia |accessdate=6 March 2022 |archive-date=6 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306015949/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/20251330 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1931, the school relocated to its current campus in Toowong with 193 students.<ref>{{cite news |date=28 January 1931 |title=STEADY PROGRESS. |page=14 |newspaper=[[The Brisbane Courier]] |issue=22,777 |location=Queensland, Australia |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article21664018 |via=National Library of Australia |accessdate=6 March 2022 |archive-date=6 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306015951/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/21664018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Honouring our History |url=https://www.bbc.qld.edu.au/why-bbc/honouring-our-history/ |access-date=2022-03-05 |website=Brisbane Boys' College |language=en-AU |archive-date=23 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423105124/https://www.bbc.qld.edu.au/why-bbc/honouring-our-history/ |url-status=live }}</ref>[[Image:Brisbane12BenchTramToowong1910.jpg|thumb|Tram at the Toowong tram terminus c. 1910]]

In 1903, the Brisbane Tramways Company built a [[tram]] line along Milton Road to service the western side of the suburb.  Initially the tram line terminated at the cemetery, but was later extended up Woodstock Road (Formally Dean Street), to the palatial home of the then Manager of the tram company [[Joseph Stillman Badger]].  In 1922, along with the rest of Brisbane's tram system, the line was taken over by the government (see [[Transport for Brisbane]].)  The tram line closed in December 1962, after the disastrous [[Paddington tram depot fire]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

On 2 November 1902, [[Roman Catholic Archbishop of Brisbane|Archbishop]] [[Robert Dunne (bishop)|Robert Dunne]] laid the foundation school for a Catholic primary school in Holland Street.<ref>{{cite news |date=3 November 1902 |title=Toowong R.C. School |volume=LIX |page=6 |newspaper=[[The Brisbane Courier]] |issue=13,981 |location=Queensland, Australia |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19191214 |via=National Library of Australia |accessdate=6 March 2022 |archive-date=6 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306015951/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/19191214 |url-status=live }}</ref> St Michael's and Holy Souls School opened on 1 July 1903. In 1916, it was renamed St Ignatius School. The school outgrew its original site and, in 1930, re-located to its current site as a combined church and school on land donated by the Sisters of Mercy. At that time there were 212 students in 9 classes. In 1948, a new 2-storey brick building was opened.<ref name="qfhs" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=History of St Ignatius School |url=http://www.stignatiustoowong.qld.edu.au/aboutus/Pages/History-of-St-Ignatius-School.aspx |access-date=2022-03-05 |website=St Ignatius Catholic Primary School |archive-date=7 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507163515/http://www.stignatiustoowong.qld.edu.au/aboutus/Pages/History-of-St-Ignatius-School.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Toowong Baths were first constructed as a {{convert|25|m}} swimming pool in 1909 on [[Coronation Drive]] south of Booth Street ({{coord|-27.4838|152.9945|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Toowong Swimming Pool (former)}}). Originally established by a private company, the baths were acquired in 1920 by the [[Toowong Town Council]]. In 1925, the Town of Toowong was amalgamated into the [[City of Brisbane]] and the baths come under the control of the Brisbane City Council. In the late 1950s, the buildings associated with the pool were replaced with new iconic buildings designed by Brisbane City Council architect [[James Birrell]]. The new Birrell-designed [[Toowong Library]] was constructed on Coronation Drive on the northern side of Booth Street. Despite public outcry, the Brisbane City Council sold the pool complex to fund the redevelopment of Toowong Library (which was also controversial) blaming declining patronage of the pool. The Toowong Swimming Pool was demolished on 21 March 2001. An office block now occupies the site.<ref>{{cite web|title=Heritage lost - gone but not forgotten|url=http://epa.qld.gov.au/cultural_heritage/heritage_places/heritage_lost__gone_but_not_forgotten/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090706044900/http://epa.qld.gov.au/cultural_heritage/heritage_places/heritage_lost__gone_but_not_forgotten/|archive-date=6 July 2009|access-date=18 April 2015|publisher=[[Queensland Government]]}}</ref>

[[Stuartholme School]] was established in March 1920 by the [[Society of the Sacred Heart]] as a boarding school for girls with 5 initial enrolments. It now also accepts [[day students]].<ref name="qfhs" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=History |url=https://stuartholme.com/our-school/history/ |access-date=2022-03-06 |website=Stuartholme School |language=en-US |archive-date=21 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121232053/https://stuartholme.com/our-school/history/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On Saturday 25 October 1930, a stump-capping ceremony was held for a public hall in Grosvenor Street in West Toowong.<ref>{{cite news|date=27 October 1930|title=STUMP-CAPPING.|page=3|newspaper=[[The Brisbane Courier]]|issue=22,697|location=Queensland, Australia|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article21598069|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=24 September 2021|archive-date=6 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306015953/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/21598069|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 21 November 1959, the Anglican Church of the Holy Spirit in West Toowong was dedicated by [[Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane|Archbishop]] [[Reginald Halse]]. It was on Exmouth/Orchard Street ({{Coord|-27.4846|152.9779|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|display=|name=Holy Spirit Anglican Church (former)}}).<ref name="gregorys1975">{{Cite book|title=Gregory's Street Directory of Brisbane and Suburbs and Metropolitan Road Guide|year=1975|edition=11|pages=108}}</ref><ref name="udb1990">{{Cite book |author1= |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/9955730 |title=UBD street directory. Brisbane |date=1990 |publisher=Universal Business Directories (Australia) |pages=Map 25, Grid reference N7 |access-date= }}</ref> Its closure on 28 November 2006 was approved by Assistant Bishop [[Ron Williams (bishop)|Ron Williams]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Closed Churches |url=https://www.anglicanarchives.org.au/churches/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403003329/https://www.anglicanarchives.org.au/churches/ |archive-date=3 April 2019 |access-date=24 February 2019 |website=Anglican Church of Southern Queensland}}</ref>

Toowong State High School opened on 29 January 1963. It was on the site of the house ''Easton Gray'', once owned by Sir [[Arthur Hunter Palmer]], [[Premier of Queensland]] and subsequently the residence of his brother-in-law [[Hugh Mosman]] (who discovered gold at [[Charters Towers]]).<ref>{{cite news |date=30 October 1930 |title=LINKS WITH THE LONG AGO. |page=7 |newspaper=[[The Queenslander]] |publisher=National Library of Australia |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article23130915 |access-date=22 June 2014 |archive-date=6 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306023910/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23130915 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=16 November 1909 |title=Death of Hon. Hugh Mosman. |volume=LXVI |page=4 |newspaper=[[The Brisbane Courier]] |issue=16,177 |location=Queensland, Australia |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19592340 |access-date=15 December 2016 |via=National Library of Australia |archive-date=6 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306023908/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/19592340 |url-status=live }}</ref> The site was purchased by the [[Queensland Government]] in 1944 for the construction of a secondary school in Toowong.<ref>{{cite news |date=7 February 1944 |title=STATE HIGH SCHOOL FOR TOOWONG AREA. |page=3 |newspaper=[[The Courier-Mail]] |publisher=National Library of Australia |location=Brisbane |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article42044866 |access-date=22 June 2014 |archive-date=3 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303074359/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/42044866 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 9 May 2000, the school was renamed Toowong College. It closed on 31 December 2006.<ref name="schoolclosures">{{Cite web |date=20 August 2013 |title=Queensland state school - centre closures |url=https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tp/2013/5413T3241.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320144902/https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tp/2013/5413T3241.pdf |archive-date=20 March 2022 |access-date=6 April 2022 |website=[[Queensland Government]]}}</ref> It was at 78 Bywong Street ({{coord|-27.4871|152.9789|type:edu_region:AU-QLD|name=Toowong College (former)}}).<ref>{{Cite web |date=1981 |title=9443-222 Mount Coot-tha |url=https://gisservices.information.qld.gov.au/arcgis/rest/directories/historicalscans/cad_scans/cad-map-10000-9443-222-mount-coot-tha-1981.jpg |access-date=22 April 2022 |publisher=[[Queensland Government]] |type=Map |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011015336/https://gisservices.information.qld.gov.au/arcgis/rest/directories/historicalscans/cad_scans/cad-map-10000-9443-222-mount-coot-tha-1981.jpg |url-status=live }}</ref> The school's website was archived.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-08-20 |title=Toowong College |url=http://toowongcollege.eq.edu.au/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060820171552/http://toowongcollege.eq.edu.au/ |archive-date=2006-08-20 |access-date=2022-04-22 |website=}}</ref>

The Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology opened in 2007 on the Toowong College site.<ref name="qfhs" />

===Local government===
Toowong has been part of a number of different local governments:
* [[Toowong Division]] (1879–1880)
* [[Shire of Toowong]] (1880–1903)
* [[Town of Toowong]] (1903–1925)
* [[City of Brisbane]] (1925–present day)

==Demographics==
In the {{CensusAU|2011}}, Toowong had a population of 11,255 people; 50.2% female and 49.8% male. The median age of the Toowong population was 28 years, 9 years below the Australian median. The most notable difference was the group of people aged in their twenties; in Toowong this group made up 36.1% of the population, compared to 13.8% nationally. This is largely because of the close proximity of the University of Queensland. Children aged under 15 years made up 10.8% of the population and people aged 65 years and over made up 8.3% of the population. 61.1% of people living in Toowong were born in Australia, compared to the national average of 69.8%. The other top responses for country of birth were [[England]] 3.9%, [[China]] 3.8%, [[New Zealand]] 3%, [[India]] 1.8%, [[Malaysia]] 1.6%. 72.7% of people spoke only English at home; the next most popular languages were 5.3% [[Mandarin Chinese|Mandarin]], 2.2% [[Cantonese]], 1.3% [[Spanish language|Spanish]], 0.7% [[Korean language|Korean]], 0.7% [[French language|French]]. The most common responses for religion in Toowong were No Religion 33.7%, Catholic 22.0%, Anglican 12.0%, Uniting Church 5.0% and Buddhism 2.9%.<ref name="Census2011">{{Census 2011 AUS|id=SSC31655|name=Toowong|access-date=12 August 2014|quick=on}}</ref>

In the {{CensusAU|2016}}, Toowong had a population of 10,830 people.<ref name=Census2016>{{Census 2016 AUS|id=SSC32883|name=Toowong (SSC)|access-date=20 October 2018|quick=on}}</ref>

In the {{CensusAU|2021}}, Toowong had a population of 12,556 people with a median weekly household income of $1,927.<ref name=Census2021>{{Census 2021 AUS|id=SAL32854|name=Toowong (SAL)|access-date=28 February 2023|quick=on}}</ref>

== Heritage listings ==
[[Image:Church of Saint Ignatius Loyola from Kensington Terrace.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Church of Saint Ignatius Loyola]]
[[Image:Christmas decorations at Regatta Hotel, Brisbane, 2020.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Regatta Hotel]], Toowong]]
[[Image:Warrawee.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Warrawee, Brisbane]]Toowong has a number of [[heritage-listed]] sites, including:

* St Briavels (house), 20 Archer Street<ref name="BHR1681">{{cite BrisbaneHR|1681|St. Briavels|accessdate=9 March 2020}}</ref>
* Bowersholme (house), 4 Aston Street<ref name="BHR1682">{{cite BrisbaneHR|1682|Bowersholme|accessdate=9 March 2020}}</ref>
* [[Stuartholme School|Stuartholme School, 365 Birdwood Terrace]]<ref name="BHR2213">{{cite BrisbaneHR|2213|Stuartholme School|accessdate=9 March 2020}}</ref>
* Rhos-y-Medre (house), 29 Burns Road<ref name="BHR1687">{{cite BrisbaneHR|1687|29 Burns Road, Toowong|accessdate=9 March 2020}}</ref>
* Sylvania (house), 1 Clouston Lane<ref name="BHR1956">{{cite BrisbaneHR|1956|1 Clouston Lane, Toowong|accessdate=9 March 2020}}</ref>
* [[Regatta Hotel]], 543 [[Coronation Drive]]<ref>{{cite QHR|15106|Regatta Hotel|600331|access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref>
* [[Toowong Municipal Library|Toowong Municipal Library (former)]], 579–583 Coronation Drive<ref>{{cite QHR|16747|Toowong Municipal Library (former)|602011|access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref>
* [[Middenbury House]], 600 Coronation Drive<ref>{{cite QHR|Middenbury|600330|access-date=26 February 2018}}</ref>
* Craigsmount (house), 33 Curlew Street<ref name="BHR2191">{{cite BrisbaneHR|2191|Craigsmount|accessdate=9 March 2020}}</ref>
* [[Warrawee, Toowong|Warrawee]] (house), 10 Dean Street<ref>{{cite QHR|15107|Warrawee|600332|access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref>
* Anzac Park, 100 Dean Street<ref name="BHR1706">{{cite BrisbaneHR|1706|Anzac Park|accessdate=9 March 2020}}</ref>
* Toby the Dog Toowong Post Office memorial, 58 Ebor Street<ref name="BHR1692">{{cite BrisbaneHR|1692|Toby the Dog Toowong Post Office memorial|accessdate=9 March 2020}}</ref>
* Kayes Rocks, Glenny Street ({{coord|-27.4889|152.9944|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Kayes Rocks}})<ref name="BHR1693">{{cite BrisbaneHR|1693|Kayes Rocks|accessdate=9 March 2020}}</ref>
* [[St. Ignatius Loyola Church, Toowong|Church of Saint Ignatius Loyola]], 46 Grove Street<ref>{{cite QHR|19657|Church of Saint Ignatius Loyola|602532|access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref>
* [[Mount St Mary's Convent]] (also known as Goldicott), 50 Grove Street<ref>{{cite QHR|16362|Mount St Mary's Convent|601601|access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref>
* Post-war house, 7 Herbert Street<ref name="BHR2192">{{cite BrisbaneHR|2192|7 Herbert Street, Toowong|accessdate=9 March 2020}}</ref>
* Spanish Mission house, 23 Herbert Street<ref name="BHR16963">{{cite BrisbaneHR|1696|23 Herbert Street, Toowong|accessdate=9 March 2020}}</ref>
* [[File:High Street, Toowong, Queensland.jpg|thumb|Patterson's Folly (planted median strip), 2021]]Patterson's Folly, High Street ({{coord|-27.4870|152.9911|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Patterson's Folly}})<ref name="BHR1700">{{cite BrisbaneHR|1700|Patterson's Folly|accessdate=9 March 2020}}</ref>
* Royal Exchange Hotel and Royal Exchange Building, 22 High Street<ref name="BHR1697">{{cite BrisbaneHR|1697|Royal Exchange Hotel and Royal Exchange Building|accessdate=9 March 2020}}</ref>
* former Carver and Co. building (now Peerless Dry Cleaning), 53 High Street<ref name="BHR1698">{{cite BrisbaneHR|1698|Carver and Co. building (former)|accessdate=9 March 2020}}</ref>
* [[St Thomas Church of England]], 69 High Street<ref>{{cite QHR|15111|St Thomas Church of England|600336|access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref>
* Kiarrba (house), 4 Holmes Street<ref name="BHR1701">{{cite BrisbaneHR|1701|4 Holmes Street, Toowong|accessdate=9 March 2020}}</ref>
* Toowong Baptist Church, 5 Jephson Street<ref name="BHR1702">{{cite BrisbaneHR|1702|Toowong Baptist Church|accessdate=9 March 2020}}</ref>
* Toowong Fire Station, 20A Jephson Street<ref name="BHR1703">{{cite BrisbaneHR|1703|Fire Station|accessdate=9 March 2020}}</ref>
* St Arvans (house), 3 Moggill Road<ref name="BHR1705">{{cite BrisbaneHR|1705|St Arvans|accessdate=9 March 2020}}</ref>
* [[Brisbane Boys' College Buildings]], 55 Moggill Road<ref>{{cite QHR|15112|Brisbane Boys College|600337|access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref>
* [[Richard Randall Art Studio]], Mount Coot-tha Road<ref>{{cite QHR|15074|Richard Randall Art Studio|600299|access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref>
* [[Toowong Cemetery]], corner of Mount Coot-tha road and Frederick Street, including within the cemetery<ref>{{cite QHR|16510|Toowong Cemetery|601773|access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref>
** [[Caskey Monument]] {{Hsp}}<ref>{{cite QHR|15110|Caskey Monument|600335|access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref>
** [[Temple of Peace (Toowong Cemetery)|Temple of Peace{{Hsp}}]]<ref>{{cite QHR|15109|Temple of Peace|600334|access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref>
** [[Trooper Cobb's Grave]]{{Hsp}}<ref>{{cite QHR|15108|Trooper Cobb's Grave|600333|access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref>
* [[Toowong State School]], 50 Quinn Street (37 St Osyth Street)<ref name="qhr">{{cite QHR|Toowong State School|602845|access-date=18 December 2017}}</ref>
* Kinellar (house), 89 Sherwood Road<ref name="BHR1708">{{cite BrisbaneHR|1708|89 Sherwood Road, Toowong|accessdate=9 March 2020}}</ref>
* Dovercourt (house), 124 Sherwood Road<ref name="BHR1709">{{cite BrisbaneHR|1709|124 Sherwood Road, Toowong|accessdate=9 March 2020}}</ref>
* [[Toowong Memorial Park]] (also known as Toowong Cenotaph, Toowong Soldiers' Memorial), 65 Sylvan Road<ref>{{cite QHR|19581|Toowong Memorial Park|602459|access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref>
* Memorial Crows Ash, 143A Sylvan Road<ref name="BHR1711">{{cite BrisbaneHR|1711|Memorial Crows Ash|accessdate=9 March 2020}}</ref>
* Tram stop, Woodstock Road ({{coord|-27.4836|152.9838|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Tram stop}})<ref name="BHR1712">{{cite BrisbaneHR|1712|Tram stop|accessdate=9 March 2020}}</ref>
*[[Endrim, Woodstock Road tram shed, and tram track]] (also known as Arlington, 'Boss' Badger's residence), 6–28 Woodstock Road ({{coord|-27.4840|152.9845|region:AU-QLD_type:landmark|display=inline|name=Endrim and the Woodstock Road Tram Shed and Track}})<ref>{{cite QHR||Endrim and the Woodstock Road Tram Shed and Track|650071|access-date=21 July 2021}}</ref>

== Education ==
[[File:Main Building Brisbane Boys' College 02.JPG|thumb|Main Building Brisbane Boys' College, viewed from Moggill Road]]
[[Toowong State School]] is a government primary (Prep–6) school for boys and girls at 37 St Osyth Street ({{coord|-27.4818|152.9892|type:edu_region:AU-QLD|name=Toowong State School}}).<ref name="SchoolList2018">{{cite web |date=9 July 2018 |title=State and non-state school details |url=https://data.qld.gov.au/dataset/state-and-non-state-school-details/resource/5b39065c-df32-415c-994c-5ff12f8de997 |url-status=live |publisher=[[Queensland Government]] |accessdate=21 November 2018 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121065959/https://data.qld.gov.au/dataset/state-and-non-state-school-details/resource/5b39065c-df32-415c-994c-5ff12f8de997 |archivedate=21 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-02-13 |title=Toowong State School |url=https://toowongss.eq.edu.au/ |access-date=2022-03-05 |website=Toowong State School |language=en |archive-date=18 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518165717/https://toowongss.eq.edu.au/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 293 students with 29 teachers (21 full-time equivalent) and 33 non-teaching staff (16 full-time equivalent).<ref name="ACARA2018">{{cite web |title=ACARA School Profile 2018 |url=https://www.acara.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/school-profile-2018.xlsx |publisher=[[Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority]] |accessdate=28 January 2020 |archive-date=27 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827085246/https://www.acara.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/school-profile-2018.xlsx |url-status=live }}</ref> It includes a special education program.<ref name="SchoolList2018" />

St Ignatius School is a Catholic primary (Prep–6) school for boys and girls at 46 Grove Street ({{coord|-27.4857|152.9863|type:edu_region:AU-QLD|name=St Ignatius School}}).<ref name="SchoolList2018" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=St Ignatius Catholic Primary School |url=http://www.stignatiustoowong.qld.edu.au/Pages/default.aspx |access-date=2022-03-05 |website=St Ignatius Catholic Primary School |archive-date=30 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130170453/http://www.stignatiustoowong.qld.edu.au/Pages/default.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 260 students with 23 teachers (16 full-time equivalent) and 11 non-teaching staff (7 full-time equivalent).<ref name="ACARA2018" />

[[Image:Original school building, Stuartholme School, 2021 01.jpg|thumb|[[Stuartholme School]], Toowong.]]
[[Brisbane Boys' College]] is a private Presbyterian and Uniting Church primary and secondary (Prep–12) school for boys at Kensington Terrace ({{coord|-27.4870|152.9877|type:edu_region:AU-QLD|name=Brisbane Boys' College}}).<ref name="SchoolList2018" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Brisbane Boys' College |url=https://www.bbc.qld.edu.au |accessdate=21 November 2018 |archive-date=27 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027021033/http://www.bbc.qld.edu.au/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 1503 students with 148 teachers (136 full-time equivalent) and 100 non-teaching staff (85 full-time equivalent).<ref name="ACARA2018" /> It has [[Boarding school|boarding facilities]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Boarding |url=https://www.bbc.qld.edu.au/life-at-bbc/boarding/ |access-date=2022-03-06 |website=Brisbane Boys' College |language=en-AU |archive-date=15 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515120132/https://www.bbc.qld.edu.au/life-at-bbc/boarding/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Stuartholme School]] is a Catholic secondary (7–12) school for girls at 365 Birdwood Terrace ({{coord|-27.4701|152.9744|type:edu_region:AU-QLD|name=Stuartholme School}}).<ref name="SchoolList2018" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Stuartholme School |url=https://www.stuartholme.com |accessdate=21 November 2018 |archive-date=12 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212042559/https://stuartholme.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 678 students with 65 teachers (61 full-time equivalent) and 49 non-teaching staff (36 full-time equivalent).<ref name="ACARA2018" /> It has boarding facilities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Boarding |url=https://stuartholme.com/boarding/ |access-date=2022-03-06 |website=Stuartholme School |language=en-US |archive-date=1 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001183537/https://stuartholme.com/boarding/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology|Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology]] is a government secondary (7–12) school for boys and girls at 78 Bywong Street ({{coord|-27.4861|152.9790|type:edu_region:AU-QLD|name=Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology}}).<ref name="SchoolList2018" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-29 |title=Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology |url=https://qasmt.eq.edu.au/ |access-date=2022-03-06 |website=Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology |language=en |archive-date=13 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213083656/https://qasmt.eq.edu.au/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It is an academically selective school with a partnership with the [[University of Queensland]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-29 |title=Enrolments |url=https://qasmt.eq.edu.au/enrolments |access-date=2022-03-06 |website=Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology |language=en |archive-date=19 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419214615/https://qasmt.eq.edu.au/enrolments |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2018, the school had an enrolment of 642 students with 62 teachers (61 full-time equivalent) and 29 non-teaching staff (26 full-time equivalent).<ref name="ACARA2018" />


== Facilities ==
[[Image:Toowong Cemetery 1a.jpg|thumb|[[Toowong Cemetery|Brisbane General Cemetery]]]]
The [[Toowong Cemetery|Brisbane General Cemetery]], planned in 1866 and formally opened in 1875, is Queensland's largest cemetery, placed on 437,300 square metres of land. It replaced Brisbane's second cemetery the [[North Brisbane Burial Ground]]s which were located in [[Milton, Queensland|Milton]] where [[Suncorp Stadium]] stands today, closer to the centre of Brisbane. The remains of most of the 8500 people buried there are still under the stadium. The Brisbane General Cemetery, now called Toowong Cemetery, contains a signposted walk that provides information on various people buried therein.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.toowongwest.org.au/heritage_register/cemetery.htm|title=Toowong Cemetery Heritage Register|access-date=5 March 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051219231617/http://www.toowongwest.org.au/heritage_register/cemetery.htm|archive-date=19 December 2005|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The workshops and a bus depot of [[Transport for Brisbane]] is located at the western end of the suburb.

== Amenities ==
[[Image:Bikeway and footpath along Brisbane River in Toowong, Queensland, Australia 02.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Bike and walkway along the [[Brisbane River]].]]

Toowong has two historic hotels, the [[Regatta Hotel, Brisbane|Regatta Hotel]] and the [[Royal Exchange Hotel, Brisbane|Royal Exchange Hotel]]. The three-storey Regatta hotel contained accommodation on the upper two floors and a public bar and lounge area on the ground floor. In 1965 a protest took place in the public bar of the Regatta Hotel when Merle Thornton (mother of Australian actress [[Sigrid Thornton]]) and Rosalie Bogner chained themselves to the bar in protest of [[public bar]]s in Queensland being restricted to men only.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://education.abc.net.au/home#!/media/1264357/women-rattle-the-chains-in-public-bars|title=Women 'rattle the chains' in public bars|date=10 April 1965|work=[[Australian Broadcasting Commission]]<!--correct name in 1965-->|access-date=16 August 2018|archive-date=16 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816062804/http://education.abc.net.au/home#!/media/1264357/women-rattle-the-chains-in-public-bars|url-status=live}} (include 5 minute video)</ref>

Built in 1986, [[Toowong Village, Queensland|Toowong Village]] is an office tower and shopping centre situated at the centre of Toowong. The blue glass office tower is a prominent landmark visible from Toowong and surrounding suburbs. The shopping centre situated on the lower levels of the office tower contains the [[Toowong railway station, Brisbane|Toowong Railway Station]], Toowong Library operated by the [[Brisbane City Council]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/facilities-recreation/libraries/library-opening-hours-locations|title=Library opening hours and locations|date=3 January 2018|website=[[Brisbane City Council]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130022116/https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/facilities-recreation/libraries/library-opening-hours-locations|archive-date=30 January 2018|url-status=live|access-date=30 January 2018}}</ref> and the standard mix of retail stores.

Located on Sylvan Road, [[Toowong Memorial Park]] is a large park with gum trees, football ovals and a commanding view of the suburb. It was officially opened in 1918 in honour of those who enlisted from the Town of Toowong during the [[World War I]]. The park contains the Soldiers' Memorial on top of the hill was dedicated in 1922 and an RSL memorial is located near the Memorial gates on Sylvan Road, and also contains the Western Districts Rugby Football Club and a Basketball centre. Anzac Park is located next to the Western Freeway opposite the Toowong Cemetery. Originally the land was part of the cemetery grounds, but was converted to a rifle range in 1877. At the end of [[World War I]] the trees were planted in memory of the men from Toowong. The park land was proposed as a site for the Botanic Gardens, but the construction of the Western Freeway forced the move of the proposed site to its current location closer to Mount Coot-tha. The [[Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mount Coot-tha|Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens]] and the [[Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium]] are located at the base of [[Mount Coot-tha, Queensland|Mount Coot-tha]].

The [[Toowong Municipal Library Building]] was built 1961 on Coronation Drive opposite the Toowong pool, and was formerly the district library for the western suburbs.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/388497/SLQ_StatsBulletin1617_20171109.pdf|title=Public Libraries Statistical Bulletin 2016-17|date=November 2017|website=Public Libraries Connect|publisher=[[State Library of Queensland]]|page=12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130022546/http://www.plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/388497/SLQ_StatsBulletin1617_20171109.pdf|archive-date=30 January 2018|url-status=live|access-date=30 January 2018}}</ref> The library was also designed by Brisbane City Chief Architect [[James Birrell]], and is one of the few remaining examples of his work. The library is now used as commercial premises. The building comprises a two-storey library surrounded by trees and landscaped terraces, with cavity brick lower floor, the structure is formed by three intersecting circles. Above this base floor is a ‘floating’ crystalline form with 12 sided polygon (dodecagon) floor plan whose external walls taper outward as they rise and which houses the principal public floor of the library. The external steel wall framing of the upper floor is diagonally braced, and sheeted with plywood panels set within the structural framing and framed with silky oak beading. The library originally had a hemi-spherical skylight above its centre, which has now been replaced by an enclosure for mechanical equipment.

The library was threatened for closure in 1982 following the opening of a new municipal library at Indooroopilly in 1981. The Toowong Library did in fact close but local residents’ action saw it re-opened in 1983. Alterations were made to the building in 1983 when one of the rooms on the lower floor was acquired for use by the local councillor as a ward office, until 2005. Despite a campaign by local residents to prevent the closure of the library and redevelopment of the library and adjoining swimming pool site, the library was moved to Toowong Village shopping centre in March 2001,<ref name=":0" /> and the original building, which is protected by heritage listing, is now business premises.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.toowongwest.org.au/heritage_register/toowong_library.htm|title=Toowong Library Heritage Register|access-date=5 March 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051109034619/http://www.toowongwest.org.au/heritage_register/toowong_library.htm|archive-date=9 November 2005|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

== Community groups ==
Friends of Toowong Cemetery is a volunteer group that discover and share the history and stories of [[Toowong Cemetery]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Friends of Toowong Cemetery |url=https://www.fotc.au/ |access-date=2025-11-16 |website=Friends of Toowong Cemetery Association Inc |language=en}}</ref> The group was formed in 1992 and its first President was Cr. Judy Magub OAM, the councillor for the Toowong ward from when it was formed in 1994 until she retired in 2007.{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}}

The West Toowong Community Association was formed in 1999 by a group of residents concerned about what they saw as increasing inappropriate development in the area. The group soon branched out to protect and develop community activities in the suburb. It has run several campaigns about development in the area including an unsuccessful attempt to prevent the demolition of the James Birrel designed Toowong Pool, and a successful campaign to prevent the construction of a mobile phone relay station tower within a residential area of West Toowong. It was also instrumental in successfully lobbying for the construction of a safe crossing over the Western Freeway at Toowong, which was hotly opposed by other Toowong's residents and prompted the creation of opposing associations. The overpass was eventually successfully built, providing safe access from Anzac Park to footpaths and cycle paths leading to Mt Cootha and other recreational areas.<ref>{{cite web|title=West Toowong Community Association|url=http://www.toowongwest.org.au/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051109031333/http://www.toowongwest.org.au/index.html|archive-date=9 November 2005|access-date=5 March 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The Vera Street Community Garden was formed in 2005 and operates as a community vegetable growing and creek rehabilitation group. Open to members of the public, it is located within the grounds of the [[Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology]] (entrance via Vera St). This public garden is located on state government land, the former site of a Chinese market garden.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vera Street Community Garden|url=https://www.verastreet.org|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203091035/http://verastreet.org/|archive-date=3 February 2018|access-date=5 March 2018|website=www.verastreet.org|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Western Group of the Brisbane City Unit of the [[Queensland State Emergency Service]] has its headquarters at Perrin Park in Josling Street ({{coord|-27.4908|152.9931|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|name=Western SES Facility}}).<ref name="emergencyservices">{{Cite web |date=18 November 2020 |title=Emergency services facilities - Queensland |url=https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/built-features-queensland-series/resource/923a4139-4a79-4744-8955-d73230796bd6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124224500/https://www.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/built-features-queensland-series/resource/923a4139-4a79-4744-8955-d73230796bd6 |archive-date=24 November 2020 |access-date=24 November 2020 |website=Queensland Open Data |publisher=[[Queensland Government]]}}</ref> This site is shared with the Brisbane City Council Parks & Trees and the Toowong Community Meeting Place.

Toowong is home to one of the first four Scout troops in to be founded in [[Queensland]] in 1908. One hundred years on and Toowong has since merged with Milton & Taringa Scout troops but celebrates its 100 years as the oldest Scout troop in [[Queensland]]. Taring-Milton-Toowong Scout Troop is also known for their annual Scout rally which is one of the longest running Scout rallies in the world.

The Toowong branch of the [[Queensland Country Women's Association]] meets at the Toowong Library in the [[Toowong Village]] shopping centre at 9 Sherwood Road.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Branch Locations|url=http://www.qcwa.org.au/branch-locations/|access-date=26 December 2018|publisher=[[Queensland Country Women's Association]]|archive-date=26 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226010724/http://www.qcwa.org.au/branch-locations/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Sport==
The West Juniors [[Australian rules football]] club has its home ground at Oakman Park in Toowong.

Despite its name. [[Toowong FC]] (soccer club) has its home ground at Dunmore Park on the corner  Roy and Evans Roads in neighbouring [[Auchenflower, Queensland|Auchenflower]]. The club consists of 17 kids teams [Age 4 Up], 3 Senior Women's Teams and 5 Senior Men's Teams.

The [[Wests Rugby|Western Districts]] Rugby Club (“The Bulldogs”) has its home grounds in [[Toowong Memorial Park]], on Sylvan Road, alongside the train lines.

== Transport ==
[[Image:Regatta Ferry Terminal Coronation Drive Toowong P1160957.jpg|thumb|Regatta Ferry Terminal, Toowong]]

Toowong is a major transport node, with almost all bus and train routes passing through Toowong from the western suburbs.

By Train, The [[Toowong railway station, Brisbane|Toowong train station]] on the [[Ipswich railway line, Queensland|Ipswich Line]] and [[Springfield railway line|Springfield Line]] is located under [[Toowong Village, Queensland|Toowong Village]].

By Bus, [[Toowong railway station, Brisbane (bus routes)|Buses]] travel along [[Coronation Drive, Brisbane|Coronation Drive]] from the city stopping on Benson Street and then on towards the [[University of Queensland]], or stop on High Street outside the [[Royal Exchange Hotel, Brisbane|Royal Exchange Hotel]] and continue towards [[Indooroopilly]] and other western suburbs.

By Road, Toowong is accessed by [[Coronation Drive, Brisbane|Coronation Drive]] and [[Milton Road]] from the north, and by [[Moggill Road]] and the [[Western Freeway (Brisbane)|Western Freeway]] to the south and west. The main roads inside Toowong are High Street and Sherwood road.

By City Cat, the [[Regatta Ferry Wharf, Brisbane|Regatta CityCat]] stop located outside the [[Regatta Hotel, Brisbane|Regatta Hotel]] on Coronation Drive allows transport downstream towards the [[Brisbane CBD]] and upstream towards the [[University of Queensland]]

By Bicycle, Toowong two main bicycle paths, one that starts at [[Coronation Drive, Brisbane|Coronation Drive]] and proceed towards the [[University of Queensland]] and the second that again starts from Coronation Drive but runs to and along the [[Western Freeway, Brisbane|Western Freeway]].

==Politics==
Toowong is within the:

* [[Brisbane City Council|Brisbane City Council's]] [[Paddington Ward]] and [[Walter Taylor Ward]]
* [[Legislative Assembly of Queensland|Queensland Legislative Assembly's]] [[electoral district of Maiwar]]
* [[Australian Government|Australian Government's]] [[division of Ryan]].

==In popular culture==
Toowong is mentioned in the folksong [[Brisbane Ladies]] (c 1891)  which begins:<ref>{{Cite web|title=Brisbane Ladies|url=http://www.contemplator.com/canaus/brisbane.html|access-date=2021-05-27|website=www.contemplator.com|archive-date=26 April 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060426035732/http://www.contemplator.com/canaus/brisbane.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
:Farewell and adieu to you, Brisbane ladies
:Farewell and adieu, you maids of Toowong

==Notable people==
Notable people with connections to Toowong include:
<!-- List is in alphabetic order by surname, only add entries where there are citations (ideally here) to support the connections to Toowong -->

* [[Raymond Dart]], [[anatomist]] and [[anthropology|anthropologist]], was born in Toowong in 1893.
* [[Bernard Fanning]], [[lead vocalist]] of Australian band [[Powderfinger]] was born in Toowong on 15 August 1969.
* [[Janet Walker (costumier)|Janet Walker]], costumier and dress-making bust inventor died in Toowong
* [[Ziggy the bagman]], a homeless man who has been a controversial issue for Brisbane, slept on the streets of Toowong for many years.

==See also==
{{Portal|Queensland}}
* [[List of Brisbane suburbs]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

=== Sources ===

* {{Citation |author1=Gregory |first=Helen |title=A church for its times : the story of the church of St Thomathe apostle, Toowong |publication-date=2007 |publisher=Anglican Parish of Toowong |isbn=978-0-646-47589-9 |author2=Henricksen |first2=Noel |author3=}}

== Further reading ==

* Fewings, & Gregory, H. (1990). ''Arcadian simplicity : J.B. Fewings memoirs of Toowong / edited by Helen Gregory.'' Boolarong for Library Board of Queensland. {{ISBN|0864391102}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* {{cite web |title=Toowong |url=https://queenslandplaces.com.au/toowong |website=Queensland Places |publisher=Centre for the Government of Queensland, University of Queensland}}
* {{cite web|title=Toowong
|work=BRISbites
|url=http://www.brisbites.com/suburbView.asp?suburb=10&topic=1
|publisher=[[Brisbane City Council]]
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720233711/http://www.brisbites.com/suburbView.asp?suburb=10&topic=1
|archive-date=20 July 2008
}}
* {{cite web|title=Toowong
|work=Our Brisbane
|url=http://www.ourbrisbane.com/living/suburbs/toowong/home/
|publisher=[[Brisbane City Council]]
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080214083809/http://www.ourbrisbane.com/living/suburbs/toowong/home/
|archive-date=14 February 2008
}}

{{Suburbs of Brisbane City Council}}

[[Category:Toowong| ]]