Looking at visiting the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers and wondering which are the main gardens to see all of the beautiful flower beds? Having recently visited, here’s where you need to go in the garden city, one of the best events Queensland has to offer.
Before we get started, all of the gardens mentioned in this guide are all free to get into! Plus, all of the gardens are dog friendly which really surprised us. We would have brought our dogs with us, but it was very busy when we went. Maybe if we had visited when the Grand Central Floral Parade wasn’t on, it would have been easier to bring them with us.
Bring a picnic with you – you won’t regret it! All of the parks in Toowoomba are stunning and worth heading here for a day trip from Brisbane, or weekend getaway.
Make your way to the festival early to avoid traffic and if you’re staying for the weekend, book ahead. We tried to stay overnight but all accommodation in the city was booked out.
1. Grand Central Floral Parade
During the middle of the month long Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers festival in September, the big day is during the middle of the month which is when the Grand Central Floral Parade takes place.
Thousands of people come to watch street performers take over the town in a two hour parade by local businesses. This makes the town have a brilliant atmosphere although obviously it will be very busy. We didn’t mind how busy it was when we visited and actually enjoyed it even if the town and gardens were packed.
2. Queens Park Botanic Gardens
Queens Park is where most of the action is at the Toowoomba carnival of flowers. At first we wondered if the flower beds were only at the entrance on the corner of Margaret Street and New England Highway near to the ferris wheel. But it’s not. Walk up past the parkland entertainment where you’ll see fairground rides, and up to the Queens Park Botanic Gardens to see the incredible floral displays.
This park is absolutely stunning regardless of the beautiful floral displays being part of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. When you enter into the gardens, full of stately trees, bring a picnic with you, or head over the road to the Toowoomba Farmers Markets for the food trucks and local crafts. The flowers in full bloom here are spectacular at this festival.
3. Laurel Bank Park
Jump in your car after you’ve been to Queens Park and head over to Laurel Bank Park as part of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. Here you’ll find the beautiful gardens complete with a a gorgeous garden tunnel and even a garden for the visually impaired which we thought was really cool. Pop over the Laurel Bank Croquet Club for a classic Devonshire tea to complete the gardens experience.
4. Japanese Gardens
If you have time for one more garden to visit, make sure you check out the Japanese Gardens located at the University of Southern Queensland. Even though it did surprise us these gardens are located at a university campus, they are stunning. There are lots of paths to explore with a large lake in the middle of the park. With lots of Japanese red bridges and plenty of cherry blossom to photograph, it’s a beautiful spot to come and relax. Even though we visited when it was very busy, the gardens still had a beautiful vibe to them.
5. Boyce Gardens
We ran out of time, but if you are staying in the longest running floral event in Queensland, then head over to Boyce Gardens which were named after the couple, Leslie and Margaret Boyce who built it at their home. Expect to see a beautiful rainforest, pine forest, avocado orchard and flower beds all within this garden.
6. Picnic Point Lookout
You must visit Picnic Point Lookout which is another stunning place to add to your list when visiting Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. The hoop pines and kauris bring you up to beautiful lawns and incredible views overlooking the Great Dividing Range. There’s a cafe onsite with a popular section for those looking for an ice cream to enjoy the views. You’ll also find toilet facilities here as well.
7. Spring Bluff Railway Station Gardens
Built 150 years ago, the heritage-listed Spring Bluff Railway Station Gardens are part of the spectacular display for garden enthusiasts.
Enjoy the twilight sessions live entertainment
If you’re staying overnight at one of the best flower events Queensland has in the calendar, make sure you check out the live music at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. Check out the official site for more details regarding the live music sessions in Laurel Bank Park and Queens Park.
Looking to stay overnight?
If you’re staying the night in Toowoomba, here are the best places to check out.
- Luxury: Oaks Toowoomba Hotel – located right in the centre of Toowoomba, you also have the option of 2 or 3 bed rooms, with an excellent onsite cafe.
- Mid-range: Avenue Motel Apartments – Suburb reviews, with all mod cons to make your stay feel like home.
- Budget: Applegum Inn -five minute drive from the city centre, this accommodation has an outdoor pool and room service breakfast available.
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