2023 Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers: Everything you need to know

It’s undoubtedly Toowoomba’s largest drawcard event and in less than a month the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers schedule is set to bloom. Here’s all you need to know about the month-long event.

Whether you stop to smell the roses or indulge in the mouth-watering dishes designed to celebrate the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, all your senses are in for a special treat.

To celebrate the region’s month-long event, the #trEATS food trail has been unveiled with a record number of 52 dishes featured, within the bargain price range of $10 to $20.
Toowoomba Regional Council environment and community committee chair councillor James O’Shea said Toowoomba was known for its produce and flavours.

Yodthai's Nick Ngowsakul with his homemade coconut ice cream with sticky rice, covered with puff pastry and served with mango, pineapple and bubble pearls and edible flowers. Picture: Luke Marsden.

“Flowers and flavour are one of the world’s great double acts and this year at Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers we have a record number of flavour makers taking part in #trEATs,” he said.

“During the event where Toowoomba shines on the national stage, we can give locals and visitors alike a tasty food adventure for the whole month … Bon appetit!”

Inspired by springtime florals, some of the dishes available this year will include a butterfly peaflower gelato from Gelatissimo Toowoomba and honey pistachio petit gateaux from The Plate.

Savoury lovers can also enjoy a bao bundle from Yodthai or soft-shell tacos with raspberry and hibiscus gose and marinated chicken on corn tortillas from Mouse Proof Brewing.

Jilly's Cafe - Edible garden: Thick cut cape seed loaf topped with creamy ricotta, rocket, roasted baby carrots and pumpkin, radish, edamame and poached eggs on a bed of edible soil. Finished with beetroot tzatziki and a light dusting of beetroot powder.

Ortem - Mushroom and goat cheese tart: Grilled field mushroom and goats cheese in a crispy puff pastry parcel topped with fried enoki and drizzled with an eschalot glaze.

Gelatissimo Toowoomba - Butterfly pea flower gelato: A subtly floral-infused gelato with waves of boysenberry sauce.

Burrow - Bang bang chicken rice paper crêpe with fresh herbs, pickled red onions, fried egg, dragon mayo and spicy oil.

Cobb & Co Museum - Cobb's deconstructed iced VoVo: Coconut panna cotta and home-made berry jelly with fresh cream and shortbread crumble, topped with toasted coconut and finished with macerated berries.

The Plate - Honey pistachio petit gateaux: Honey and pistachio ice cream with a raspberry gel centre atop a joconde sponge. Served with edible flowers, pistachio crumb and raspberry gel.

Facts and figures

More than 37 million petals will bloom in parks across the Garden City this Spring after gardeners planted 190,000 botanicals ahead of the 2023 Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

With just over a week to go until the month-long festivities kick off, here are all the fascinating facts about the region’s drawcard event.

This year 69 floats will be featured in the Grand Central Floral Parade, while an estimated 20,000 people will gather at the Festival of Food and Wine to watch 17 music acts and taste the flavours at 40 stalls.

Constance Bailey at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. Picture: Nigel Hallett

The #trEATS food trail has also exceeded its record this year with 51 outlets signing up to the program.

Visitors can take advantage of the 50 community events on offer, along with 75 performances at the Heritage Bank Parkland Entertainment sessions and 14 food tours.

The iconic ferris wheel in Queens Park is set to spin 2715 times across 16 days as Sideshow Alley enthusiasts give it their best shot at the variety of games on offer.

More than $800,000 has been raised through the Exhibition Gardens program which will celebrate its fifth anniversary this year.

Last year the Carnival of Flowers generated more than $22 million while attendance figures hit the record of 364,775, which increased by 28 per cent.

Festival of Food and Wine

With less than a month to go until the gates to the iconic Festival of Food and Wine reopen, those hoping to take part in the festivities are urged to secure their tickets.

Toowoomba Regional Council’s Environment and Community Services Committee chair Cr James O’Shea said he was thrilled to welcome ‘some of Australia’s best music markers’.

“Our festival keeps getting better and better,” he said.

“Combine this music mix with a wonderful three days of incredible flavours, produce and wine, fresh from the bountiful pastures, orchards and vineyards of the Toowoomba region and the result is an experience for the ages.”

Sneaky Sound System will perform at the 2023 Toowoomba Festival of Food and Wine.

Headlining the event will be Sneaky Sound System, Hoodoo Gurus and Jon Stevens with emerging talent Budjerah, who opened for Ed Sheeran, also set to take to the stage.

In addition to the bumper gig line-up, there will be plenty of entertainment for the foodies too, with live demonstrations by celebrity cook Justine Schofield and the Paddock Butchery.

Pechey Distilling Co, 4Brothers Brewery and Burleigh Brewing will also be operating in a special area called The Tasting Room.

More than 20 local food and 15 drink outlets will have tasty and refreshing delights on offer, with large floral displays and a flower crown-making workshop all part of the festivities.

(from left) Maddison Gangi and Amanda Patzwald. Festival of Food and Wine, Queens Park, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. Picture: Nev Madsen

Record attendance numbers were secured last year at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers – a month-long celebration which encompasses several major events including the Food and Wine Festival and Grand Central Floral Parade.

More than $22 million was generated through the event while attendance increased by 28 per cent, with 364,775 people and 121,535 overnight stays recorded.

The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers runs for the entire month of September, while the Festival of Food and Wine will be at Queens Park from September 8 to 10.

Ticket prices vary, with one day passes for adults selling for $90 each.

To purchase, visit tcof.com.au

Festival of Food and Wine – 2023 schedule

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers – 2023 key dates