Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers!

Can you believe we are a few short weeks away from the start of Spring? It is hard to believe Winter is almost over! Spring is Toowoomba’s favourite season; can you guess why?

You guessed it, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers!

What started as a floral celebration to boost the Garden City’s economy after the hardships of World War II, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has grown into an iconic Queensland event. Since its inception in 1949, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has received the Gold Award for Major Festival and Event at both the Queensland Tourism Awards (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018) and Australian Tourism Awards (2016, 2017, 2018). In addition, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers was delighted to be awarded Hall of Fame at the 2017 Queensland Tourism Awards and 2018 Australian Tourism Awards.

Today, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is known as the perfect mix of colourful flowers, innovative garden designs and community spirit. Each year the event attracts roughly 200,000 visitors to the Darling Downs to celebrate our Garden City.

This September has never looked, smelt, sounded, or tasted so good, with a joyous program of petals, flavours, sounds and sights! Headlining the month-long celebration are more than 190,000 flowers in full bloom across Toowoomba’s beautiful parks and public spaces. Five highlights not to be missed during this month of festivities are:

1. Festival of Food and Wine
   The three-day festival of Food and Wine will be held from the 8^th – 10^th September in Queens Park, showcasing the incredible regional produce and ultimate line up of Australian musicians including Jon Stevens, Eurogliders, Hoodoo Gurus, Sneaky Sound System and Budjerah live.
2. Grand Central Floral Parade
   Every year, the Grand Central Floral Parade stops the city, with thousands of families flooding the streets to watch this incredible procession! Held on Saturday, September 16^th, the Parade commences at 10am and isn’t to be missed.
3. #trEATS
   Looking for fantastic foodie moments? Toowoomba Region Eats (#trEATS) is serving up the goods all September! Our local cafes, restaurants and pubs will be offering exclusive springtime specials available only 1-30 September 2023. The best part – they’re all only $10-$20! The full #trEATS menu will be uploaded on the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers website (tcof.com.au/treats) in late August.
4. Queens Park – Botanic Gardens feature floral displays 
   Spread across roughly 25 hectares, Queens Park is Queensland’s largest floral park and is a must-see during spring!
5. Heritage Bank Parkland Entertainment 
   Every weekend is blooming with Parkland Entertainment! Pack a picnic and bring the family along to musical delights and activities amongst the flower beds. Throughout September Queens Park will come alive with music, entertainment, and blooms, with both day and twilight sessions.
6. Spring Buff Shuttle
   If you are looking for something a bit different, we recommend stepping back in time and booking in for a scenic return train journey from the Toowoomba railway station to the heritage-listed station and stunning gardens at Spring Bluff railway station. The Spring Bluff shuttle runs two return daily services, operating from the 16^th – 24^th Find out more about the Spring Bluff Shuttle here.

   We have listed our top six highlights but the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has so much more to offer! View the full program for the 2023 Toowoomba Carnival of flowers here.