The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is a spring festival that runs from mid-September to early October, when Queens Park Botanic Gardens and Laurel Bank Park fill with seasonal flowers. The displays in the public parks are free to see, and there is a free street parade, ticketed garden tours and a program of food and community events.
The next Carnival runs from Friday 17 September to Monday 4 October 2027. It is a long day trip from Brisbane or an easy weekend away, and a good one for families because the main attraction is simply walking through the gardens.
Dates and what’s on
The Carnival is held in September through to early October each year. Next time it runs from Friday 17 September to Monday 4 October 2027, so there are three weekends to choose from.
The organiser splits the program into three weeks. Week one opens with Floral Friday and the Grand Central Floral Parade, along with tasting tours. Later weeks have included FEASTival, twilight tours, Behind the Blooms, a Weekend Table, a Paw Parade and a food trail called #trEATS. The exact line-up is published for each Carnival, so check the program once it is out.
The parks: Queens Park and Laurel Bank Park
The two main feature parks are Queens Park Botanic Gardens and Laurel Bank Park, both in Toowoomba. Seeing the feature floral displays in the public parks is free.
Both parks have a Carnival Info Hub, and a Park to Park Map on the Carnival website shows a walking route between them. Opening times are not listed, but the displays are open daily.
Grand Central Floral Parade
The Grand Central Floral Parade is the Carnival’s big street event and it is free to watch. It runs through the Toowoomba CBD, and the route has gone from the corner of Herries and Hume Streets along Herries Street, into Ruthven Street, Margaret Street and Hume Street, and ends at Godsall Street Oval in Queens Park. Check the parade page for the date, time and route for the year you are going.
There is no reserved seating, so pick a spot and stay there, because you cannot follow the parade along the route. The organiser suggests Herries, Margaret and Hume Streets and Godsall Street Oval, and being in place about 15 minutes before the start. A mobility viewing zone on Ruthven Street, opposite the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery, is also first come, first served.
The parade is described as wheelchair accessible and disability friendly, with descriptive audio commentary at Godsall Street Oval. Leashed dogs are welcome, but the crowds and noise can upset some pets, so have an exit plan.
Tickets and cost
The floral displays in the public parks and the parade are free. Certain signature events, tours and entry to private gardens need tickets, and some community events ask you to book or pay on the day. Book through the Carnival of Flowers website, which lists what is ticketed.
Getting there and parking
Toowoomba is about 125 km from the Brisbane CBD, about 1 hour 45 minutes by car without traffic (the organiser calls it a 90-minute drive). Queensland Rail runs the Westlander and the Spirit of the Outback from Brisbane, and Greyhound and Murrays run coaches, so check the timetables for departure times.
There is parking at the feature parks, but it is limited. Arrive early, or park a short walk away and use the Park to Park Map.
Dogs and accessibility
Leashed dogs are welcome in most public parks, including Queens Park Botanic Gardens and Laurel Bank Park. They are not allowed at Boyce Gardens or Spring Bluff Railway Station, and pet dogs are generally not allowed at ticketed events. Assistance animals are welcome at all Carnival venues.
Most major venues and gardens are accessible for people with mobility needs, though some private gardens and public parks have limited access because of terrain. Each event page has the details, and the Carnival website has an accessibility page.
Nearby
- Toowoomba Farmers Market – a Saturday stop to combine with the gardens.
- More things to do in Toowoomba
- More public gardens in South East Queensland
- Nerima Gardens, Ipswich – a Japanese garden on the way back towards Brisbane.
- What’s on in South East Queensland
Details can change, so check the organiser’s website before you go.
Quick answers
When is the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers?
It runs every year from mid-September to early October. The next one is Friday 17 September to Monday 4 October 2027.
Is the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers free?
The floral displays in the public parks and the Grand Central Floral Parade are free. Some signature events, tours and private gardens need tickets.
Where is the Floral Parade held?
Through the Toowoomba CBD, finishing at Godsall Street Oval in Queens Park. It is free to watch and there is no reserved seating.
Can I take my dog to the Carnival of Flowers?
Yes, on a leash, in most public parks and at the parade. Pet dogs are generally not allowed at ticketed events.
How far is Toowoomba from Brisbane?
About 125 km, roughly 1 hour 45 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD. Trains and coaches also run.
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