Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers 2025

Spring is set to burst into colour in the Garden City – Toowoomba’s iconic Carnival of Flowers returns in September 2025. This much-loved annual Australian flower festival has been bringing joy with blossoms since 1950, growing into a month-long extravaganza of gardens, parades, food and fun. It’s an event for everyone, from passionate green thumbs to families looking for a weekend outing. (And yes, even your dog is welcome!) The Carnival has even been crowned Australia’s best major event, so you know it’s going to be special.

Lily's Florist previews this awesome event with our take on what to see, how do get there and more.

Where is the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Located?

Key Dates & What’s On in 2025

Mark your calendars: the 2025 Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers will run from Friday 12 September to Monday 6 October 2025, spanning four fabulous spring weekends. During this time the city will host dozens of events (over 80 events were featured during the 75th anniversary program in 2024) celebrating flowers, food, music and community. Here are some schedule highlights to look forward to:

Grand Central Floral Parade – Saturday 20 September 2025

The famous floral street parade is the event that stops the city. On parade day, Toowoomba’s CBD comes alive with spectacular floats completely covered in fresh blooms, marching bands, street performers and giant floral characters. The parade usually kicks off late morning (around 10am) and winds through the city streets to Queens Park. Get in early to snag a good viewing spot – it’s one of Toowoomba’s most beloved events of the year!

All Month Floral Displays

Queens Park and Laurel Bank Park will be the stars of the show all festival long. These public gardens are planted with around 190,000 spring blooms timed to be at their peak in September. Wander through dazzling flower beds of poppies, petunias, snapdragons, ranunculus and more, arranged in intricate designs. Both parks are free to enjoy, and each offers a unique experience – Queens Park has grand formal beds and a Ferris wheel overlooking the blooms, while Laurel Bank features perfumed gardens, hedge topiaries, and even a playground for the kids. Don’t forget to look up in the city centre too: over 50 hanging flower baskets decorate Toowoomba’s streets during Carnival, ensuring the whole town is blooming.

If you're inspired by the stunning blooms at Queens Park and want to bring a touch of Toowoomba's floral beauty into your home, check out our Toowoomba flower delivery service for fresh arrangements.

Community Events & Family Fun

Beyond the big parade and gardens, there’s a heap of fun activities on the program. Little ones (and the young at heart) will love the Teddy Bear’s Picnic at Picnic Point – a morning of family games, fairy bread making, and even a cute teddy bear parade that debuted in 2023. Each weekend, sideshow rides and carnival games pop up in Lower Queens Park, complete with fairy floss, showbags and even nightly fireworks displays lighting up the spring sky. Another treat is the Cinema Under the Stars, a free outdoor movie night – pack a picnic rug and jacket for an open-air film screening at a local park. Also keep an eye out for the St Luke’s Flower & Music Festival, a delightful event at a historic church where talented locals create elaborate floral displays inside the chapel, host art exhibits, and put on lunchtime concerts daily. Whether it’s live music in the park, kids crafting workshops, or boutique markets, there’s something happening every day of the Carnival.

Foodie Delights (#trEATS)

Bring your appetite – the Carnival is a feast for the tastebuds too! In past years the centrepiece was the Festival of Food & Wine, a three-day foodie fiesta of produce markets, winery stalls, and big-name Aussie bands on stage. For 2025, the format of this event is a little up in the air – but rest assured, food and wine lovers won’t be left hungry. The region’s famous flavours will still be celebrated through a range of food events and tours. Notably, the popular Carnival “#trEATS” program will run all month, with local cafes, restaurants and pubs offering exclusive spring-themed dishes for $10–$20 each. It’s a great way to sample Toowoomba’s best eateries – think floral-inspired cupcakes, farm-to-fork specials, and craft brews on tap. You can also join guided foodie tours like the Talking Pubs Tour, which takes you on a jovial crawl through historic pubs with bites and brews at each stop, or the Progressive Foodie Dinners that hop between top restaurants in one night. So even without a single big food festival in 2025, you’ll find plenty of delicious ways to taste the Carnival.

* Image credit: Queesland.com

Live Music & Entertainment

Every weekend, expect live tunes to fill the air. The Heritage Bank Parkland Entertainment series will see both Queens Park and Laurel Bank Park hosting local musicians and performers amongst the flower beds – perfect for a lazy afternoon picnic as you enjoy some music. Many of the food events will also feature entertainment (in recent years, acts have ranged from the iconic Hoodoo Gurus to jazz bands). In 2024 the Carnival even hosted a special “Symphony under the Stars” concert by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra to celebrate its 75th year. Who knows what 2025 will bring – perhaps more pop-up concerts or twilight shows. Keep your eyes on the program for line-up announcements, because there’s nothing like grooving to live music with the scent of flowers in the breeze!

Flowers, Gardens and Local Green Thumbs

One of the biggest drawcards of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is, of course, the flowers! Toowoomba isn’t nicknamed the “Garden City” for nothing – the entire region bursts into life with floral colour in spring. The hero parks of the Carnival, Queens Park and Laurel Bank, are lovingly prepared by the Toowoomba Regional Council’s gardening team months in advance. (Fun fact: council gardeners planted 190,000 seedlings back in autumn to ensure a perfect spring bloom!) When you stroll through at Carnival time, you’ll be treated to stunning displays of petunias, marigolds, snapdragons, tulips, roses, dahlias and more. Each year the designs change – you might find flowerbeds forming shapes of animals, local mascots or abstract patterns. Be sure to take plenty of photos; early morning and late afternoon light are ideal for capturing the colours. And if you have sensitivities, note that Laurel Bank Park’s scented garden concentrates dozens of fragrant blooms and herbs – a real delight for the senses (with braille signs and raised beds, it’s designed to be enjoyed by visually impaired visitors too).

Beyond the public parks, Toowoomba’s community really gets involved in the floral fun. A long-standing tradition is The Chronicle Garden Competition, where local residents and businesses compete for the title of Toowoomba’s best garden. Dozens of private home gardens – from quaint cottages to elaborate estates – throw open their gates to the public during the Carnival (usually over the middle two weekends). Grab a garden guide or map (released just as Carnival begins) and spend a day exploring these award-winning yards. You’ll meet passionate owners ready to chat about every rose bush and veggie patch. In 2024, for example, local mum-of-four Tiffany Wicks won the Grand Champion Garden award for her spectacular cottage garden, and thousands of people flocked to her street in Mount Lofty for a peek at the blooms. On the other end of town, veteran gardeners like Val Peachey have been opening their prize-winning gardens for decades. Val’s garden has been part of the Carnival’s Exhibition Gardens program for 10 years, and she says sharing it with visitors from all over the world is the best part – many have been moved to happy tears by the memories her flowers evoke. These exhibition gardens also raise money for local charities (over $800,000 in donations over 50 years), so your gold coin entry goes to a good cause.

What about the growers behind the scenes? Toowoomba is home to many skilled horticulturists and flower farms in the surrounding Darling Downs. Local growers supply tens of thousands of blooms for the floats in the Grand Parade and displays. You might hear names like Roses at Cooby or Felton Flowers who contribute each year. The city’s Parks curators – think head gardeners and nursery teams – also deserve credit for the months of planning and planting. If you’re keen to learn more, you can join one of the guided garden tours during Carnival, where experts walk you through the design and planting process for the feature gardens. These tours offer wonderful insight into how those picture-perfect flower beds come to life (and you might pick up some tips for your own garden!).

Notable Events and New Additions in 2025

Every Carnival brings something a little new, and 2025 is no exception. While the core attractions – the flowers, parade and community spirit – remain as strong as ever, there are a few fresh twists on the horizon:

Evolving Food & Wine Experiences

One notable change this year is the Festival of Food & Wine – traditionally a marquee opening-weekend event – which is being reimagined. There’s been talk that this three-day foodie festival might take a break in 2025. But rather than leaving a gap, this is spurring new food experiences to blossom. Look out for expanded food tours, special night dining events, and even pop-up long table dinners showcasing local produce. The Carnival organizers are working closely with Toowoomba’s cafes, restaurants and producers to ensure visitors still get their fill of the region’s delicious fare, even without a single big festival tent. In short, food will still be a highlight – just in a fresh, more spread-out way.

More Ways to Parade

The iconic Grand Central Floral Parade will have its usual glorious procession on September 20, but in recent years the Carnival introduced the “Itty-Bitty Floral Parade” as a creative addition. This mini-parade isn’t on the street but on display – local schools, nursing homes and community groups build miniature floats that are showcased at Grand Central Shopping Centre during the Carnival. It started as a virtual event in 2020 and was such a hit that it’s continuing as a fun, small-scale homage to the big parade. It’s a lovely chance for groups who can’t march in the main event to still be part of the festivities. Keep an eye out inside the Grand Central mall for these adorable mini-floats throughout late September.

Pet-Friendly Focus

After officially dedicating last year to our furry friends (2024 was the “Year of the Dog” in honour of the first Carnival parade’s famous Pomeranian, ‘Puppy’), the Petals and Pups program is back by popular demand. This paw-some initiative makes the Carnival super welcoming to visitors with dogs. In 2025 you’ll continue to find dog-friendly activities galore – from off-leash play sessions in designated parks, to dog-friendly café menus and even dogs allowed on the Ferris wheel for a sky-high view of the flowers! So feel free to bring your pooch along for the trip; just keep them leashed in the busy areas and of course clean up after them to keep the parks pristine. (Insider tip: snap a selfie with the bronze statue of ‘Puppy’ at Picnic Point – a tribute to the Carnival’s original canine ambassador.)

Surprise Installations & Entertainment

The Carnival committee always has a few surprises up their sleeve, and 2025 will likely feature some new installations or events that haven’t been seen before. In past years we’ve seen things like giant floral art murals, immersive light displays in the gardens at night, and one-off concerts. With the festival’s growing popularity (over 417,000 attendees in 2023!), organizers are keen to keep it fresh. The official 2025 program is expected to be released around mid-year, and rumour has it there might be a new interactive “flower power” trail or a special Carnival-themed street art piece unveiled this year. Stay tuned on the official channels for these announcements – they’re bound to add an extra layer of magic to an already enchanting festival.

Travel Tips for Carnival Visitors

Planning a trip to Toowoomba for the Carnival of Flowers? Here are some handy travel tips to make the most of your visit:

Getting There

Toowoomba is about 1.5–2 hours’ drive west of Brisbane, up the Great Dividing Range. Driving (or renting a car) is a popular option – the recently improved highways make for a smooth ride, just be prepared for some steep range climbs. If you’re flying in from interstate, you can skip Brisbane altogether and land at the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, which has direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne. There are also coach services from Brisbane and the Gold Coast that run during Carnival time. Once in town, having a car is useful to reach outer gardens and attractions, but many key sites are close to the CBD and easily walkable. On parade day, plan to park early (or use any park-and-ride shuttles if offered) because streets close for the parade route and traffic gets heavy with the influx of visitors.

Where to Stay (Book Early!)

Accommodation in Toowoomba fills up fast during the Carnival, especially on weekends. It’s wise to book your stay well in advance. You’ll find options to suit every budget – from modern hotels and apartments in the city centre to charming bed-and-breakfasts on the outskirts. For convenience, look at places near Queens Park or the CBD, which put you in walking distance of many events. Popular choices include the historic Burke & Wills Hotel (right in town), Potter’s Boutique Hotel (used by many tour groups for its central location), and the Quest Toowoomba apartments. If these are full or a bit pricey, consider motels in suburbs like East Toowoomba or Newtown – you’ll still be only a short drive from the action. Another tip: some locals list rooms or homes on Airbnb specifically for Carnival period, which can be a comfy alternative. Whenever you stay, plan for minimum 2 nights if you can – one day isn’t enough to see everything, and an overnight lets you enjoy evening events without a late drive home.

* Image credit: Concrete Playground

Dining & Nightlife

Toowoomba’s food scene will pleasantly surprise you. For a regional city, it boasts a vibrant array of eateries – and many will be showcasing special dishes for the Carnival. For a memorable meal, try Sofra Turkish Cuisine, a local favourite known for its delicious banquets (perfect for sharing after a day in the gardens). Craving modern Australian fare? Zev’s Bistro offers a seasonal degustation that foodies rave about. And if it’s a casual bite you’re after, join the locals for brunch on Ruthven Street or Margaret Street, where cafes like Ground Up Espresso hide down laneways adorned with street art. Since you’re visiting during a major festival, it’s wise to book restaurant tables ahead for Friday and Saturday nights – places will be buzzing with Carnival visitors. After dinner, you can enjoy some country-town hospitality at one of the classic pubs (check out The Spotted Cow or Irish Club Hotel for a friendly pint), or head to a small bar like The Brewhouse to sample local craft beers – you might even bump into some of the Talking Pubs tour groups making their rounds.

Getting Around Town

Toowoomba is relatively easy to navigate. The CBD is compact, and you can walk between Laurel Bank Park, Queens Park, and the city centre in under 20 minutes. There are also local buses and plenty of taxis/rideshare if needed (though at peak times like parade finish, there may be a wait). If you’re driving, note that some streets will be closed for events (especially during the parade and foodie events in Queens Park). The city council often relaxes some parking restrictions during Carnival, but always check the signs. A hot tip for garden-hopping: pick up a Carnival map or guide from the Visitor Information Centre (or info hubs at the parks). It will show not just the event locations but also public toilet spots, water refill stations, and accessible parking – super useful when exploring a new city with big crowds. Comfortable shoes are a must as you’ll be on your feet a lot, and don’t forget a hat and sunscreen – spring days in Queensland can get quite warm around midday. Conversely, evenings can be cool in Toowoomba (it’s on a mountain range after all), so have a jacket handy if you’re out at night.

Explore the Region

If you have extra time, consider exploring a bit beyond the Carnival events. The Toowoomba region has some lovely spots – Spring Bluff Railway Station (a short drive north) is famous for its manicured station gardens and historic railway café, especially beautiful during spring. A drive up to Picnic Point Lookout is always worthwhile for panoramic views east toward Brisbane – you can see why Toowoomba is called the top of the range. There are also wineries and national parks within an hour’s drive, if you need a break from flower-gazing. And for a change of scene in the evenings, you could catch a show at the Empire Theatre (a beautifully restored art-deco theatre) or see what’s on at the local pubs – there are often special trivia nights, live bands, and other entertainment coinciding with Carnival. Remember, the Carnival of Flowers is not just an event, it’s a city-wide celebration – so dive in and enjoy the festive atmosphere everywhere you go!

The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers 2025 is shaping up to be an unmissable celebration of flowers, food and fun. With blooming parks, a spectacular parade, scrumptious local eats, and a community that loves to welcome visitors, it’s the perfect excuse for a spring getaway. Whether you’re a local making your annual Carnival rounds or a tourist experiencing it for the first time, you’ll find something to delight you at every turn – be it a breathtaking garden bed, a tasty treat, or a friendly “hello” from a proud Toowoomba gardener. So come September, head up the range and join the petal party. Don’t forget your camera, your curiosity, and your sense of adventure – this Carnival only happens once a year, and you’ll want to savour every colourful moment. Happy Carnival!

Sources

• Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers – Official Website and Media Releases

• Travel Weekly – Petals and Pups program & 75th Anniversary coverage

• Tourism and Events Queensland – Why You Need to Visit Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

• Southern Queensland Country Tourism – Guide to the Four Weekends of Carnival

• The Chronicle – Coverage of Carnival garden winners and events

• GIRL.com.au – Stories on local exhibitors and garden profiles

• Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce – Media Release on Festival of Food & Wine 2025