First day of spring sees Toowoomba’s Carnival of Flowers in full bloom

Spring has arrived and for the Garden City that means one thing: it’s time for the Carnival of Flowers, the biggest event on the Toowoomba calendar.

The first day of spring has well and truly arrived, with locals and tourists excited for the start of Toowoomba’s premier event, the Carnival of Flowers.

The Garden City will see four colourful weeks of art and cultural exhibitions, picnics and park entertainment, foodie events, and of course, plenty of opportunities to see the flourishing gardens.

With 190,000 bulbs and seeds planted for this year’s event, it’s no wonder Toowoomba is the place to be come September.

Fans of Australia’s longest-running floral event are flocking in from all across the country to get among the flowers, and it’s not just the tourists stopping to smell the roses.

Cat Ardi Brennan checks out the magnificent floral display in Queens Park Botanic Gardens for Carnival of Flowers, Thursday, August 31, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Toowoomba local and Excavation Equipment general manager Catherine Ardi Brennan said carnival season is an important time for the community as it puts the very best of Toowoomba on display for the rest of the world.

“I’ve lived in Toowoomba most of my adult life … and I honestly wouldn’t live anywhere else,” Ms Brennan said.

“Toowoomba really turns it on for the carnival, so of course I love to get involved in the parade. To the flower festival, to simply strolling the … gardens. No matter what you’re interests are or budget, there is something for everyone in the family to participate in.”

Sisters Maisy (left) and Eadie Tardent, in Queens Park Botanic Gardens, are excited for spring and the Carnival of Flowers, Wednesday, August 30, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

But the premier event isn’t just for the sightseeing.

Hallmark Hospitality senior sales manager Luke Mellers said the festival is great for local businesses like The Spotted Cow Hotel.

“Last year, 360,000 visitors came to Toowoomba during September and hotel bookings were around the 200,000 mark, so it’s no surprise we will expect an increase in customers at The Spotted Cow,” Mr Mellers said.

“The hotel is close to some of the main gardens, so we will definitely see locals and tourists coming in for a meal or a cool drink after touring the flowers.”

Cat Ardi Brennan checks out the magnificent floral display in Queens Park Botanic Gardens for Carnival of Flowers, Thursday, August 31, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Southern Queensland Country Tourism chief executive Peter Homan said there’s truly no event like the Carnival of Flowers.

“It’s an internationally recognised event and nothing disperses money into the city like the carnival,” Mr Homan said

“People love flowers and they want to see nature in full bloom don’t they?”.

Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce professional fundraiser and event planner Jo Capp said the month long event is a testament to our colourful city.

“It’s truly a massive celebration of how incredible Toowoomba is,” Ms Capp said.

“So many people benefit from the event, including so many charities who are benefactors for the carnival. It’s wonderful.”

Major events for the Carnival of Flowers:

Festival of Food & Wine: Friday September 8 – Sunday September 10

Sideshow Alley: Friday September 15 – Sunday September 17

Grand Central Floral Parade: Saturday September 16

Teddy Bears Picnic: Saturday September 23

Cinema Under The Stars: Saturday September 30

Toowoomba Studio Art Trail: Every weekend in September

Toowoomba Art Society Spring Members’ Exhibition: Tuesday August 29 – Sunday October 1

Talking Pubs Tour: Friday September 1 – Saturday September 30

Heritage Bank Parkland Entertainment at Laurel Bank and Queens Park: Friday September 1 – Saturday September 30