Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

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Posted 2024-09-08 by Nadine Cresswell-Myatt ⇒ follow

One of Australia's most renowned events, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, is celebrating its 75th anniversary. The festival will burst into bloom from 13 September to 7 October.

Seventy-five years ago, a bullock team led a street procession that stretched three miles through Toowoomba. This was the first Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, and now, in 2024, the event has been crowned Australia's best at the 2024 National Tourism Awards.

This celebration will showcase Spring gardens in full bloom for four weeks, but there is so much more to the festival than stunning gardens. The festivities start with the Festival of Food & Wine, which offers gourmet food, fine wine, and entertainment.

Enjoy Symphony Under the Stars with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra in October, and the Dinner Edit will take you on a culinary tour of Toowoomba's best foodie experiences.

This beloved festival is steeped in history and holds immense significance for the region, its community and the dedicated volunteers who bring it to life. As Queensland's longest-running annual festival, it continues to thrive and grow each year.

Last year, some 417,000 visitors visited the region for this fabulous event. This year, the event is set to surpass last year's record.

This year, the program is packed with over 80 unique events, each offering a different experience, all under the theme, It's A Party. Get ready to be part of a diverse and exciting celebration.

Queens Park Botanic Gardens and Laurel Bank are must-visits. They have fantastic flower displays and jaw-dropping blooms—imagine 40 million petals in bloom.

Flowers and flavour are among the world's great duos, and this program is another fantastic reason to visit. The area is famed for its incredible produce and flavours. Expect a tasty food adventure!

Program highlights include:

Festival of Food & Wine
Friday, 13 September – Sunday, 16 September
Join Aussie musical talents like Thirsty Merc, Kate Ceberano and Pete Murray. Enjoy Farm to Fork sweet treats on stage with Anna Polyviou. Drop by The Tasting Room for a foodie masterclass or indulge in the finest local flavours at the food and wine stalls.

Symphony Under the Stars
Friday, 4 October
This spectacular open-air concert at the Queens Park Amphitheatre will be a night to remember. The full Queensland Symphony Orchestra will perform several classics under starry skies.

Dinner Edit
21 September, 28 September, and 5 October Experience Toowoomba's vibrant culinary scene with a choice of three nights at three exceptional dining locations: Ortem, Impression on Scott, and 95 Mary Street. Each night will feature a unique menu prepared by talented local chefs, offering a delightful culinary experience.

Other events include farmers' markets, high teas, pub feasts, and stunning garden displays.

Check out the carnival guides to make the most of your trip:

• Everything you need to know about Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
• Bloomin' beautiful: Where to see flowers during Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

For more information about the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers or to grab tickets for any of the events visit the event website. Don't miss out on this spectacular celebration of nature, food, and music!

A Blast from the Past

In 1950, the first Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers featured an elephant promoting the circus in town. From the beginning, the floral parade has been an iconic part of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers and a favourite for locals and visitors alike.

The whole town and thousands of visitors turn out each year to see street performers, carnival characters, and roving entertainment escort stunning floral floats through the city's heart to Queens Park.