Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers attracts visitors from across the country

Green thumbs and garden buffs have travelled from all over the country to marvel at the Toowoomba region’s world famous flowers.

Nelli Bowman and Penny Pritchard-Cahill at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers on Sunday, September 15, 2024. Picture: Bev Lacey

Hundreds have flocked to the Garden City ahead of a big weekend of flowers, floats and fun for the 75th Carnival of Flowers.

With the reveal of the Chronicle Garden Competition winners and the Grand Central Floral Parade this Saturday, Toowoomba’s streets have filled with visitors keen to take part in some of the region’s biggest events of the year.

“We had hundreds of people coming through within the first few hours,” Chronicle Garden Competition Grand Champion Tiffany Wicks said.

“It’s the part that makes the competition.

“When you’ve put all this work in to finally show it and share it – that’s the most exciting part.”

The Chronicle Garden Competition 2024 City Grand Champion Tiffany Wicks Thursday, September 19, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Day trippers from Brisbane and the Gold Coast descended on Queens Park alongside

interstate visitors who travelled especially for Toowoomba’s world-class floral displays.

“It’s absolutely gorgeous, I’m getting influenced for our garden at home,” Byron Bay local Helen Casey said.

“We’re staying for three days,” Brisbane resident Julie Henville said.

“We’ve always wanted to come.”

“It’s so easy to get here, only two hours in the car, it’s no major drama at all,” husband Grant Henville added.

Sarah McVeigh and daughter Greta at the Botanic Gardens in Queens Park for the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. Photo: Nev Marsden

Gardening enthusiasts Tom Mylne and Michael Niemz made the long trek from Melbourne for a peek at the unmissable gardens.

“It’s always so impressive, especially the pattern beds,” Mr Mylne said.

“I think it’s great, it’s lovely every year.”

Events and tours across the weekend are seeing high numbers with more expected to join over the coming days.

“It’s been busy, busy,” Premier Queensland travel co-ordinator Angelika O’Neill said.

“I think the 75 years (celebration) has attracted lots of people to come to Toowoomba this weekend.”

Breanna McCarthy at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers' 75th program launch.

With accommodation booking out quickly, Toowoomba Regional Council and Airbnb have called for residents to open their homes.

“We know that this year’s Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers will be extra special,” Airbnb country manager Susan Wheeldon said.

“Airbnb has made it simple for locals to open up spare rooms in their house for the festival, by partnering with the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers to create a web page showing how to become a host and answering common questions.”

Toowoomba mayor Geoff McDonald said the Carnival of Flowers was a major economic drawcard.

“Like its well-tended gardens, the event continues to bloom and we are thrilled that people from all over Australia and internationally visit our region,” he said.

“The continued expansion of the 75-year-old event has generated extraordinary financial and social benefits for the community and Queensland; with this year’s figure expected to reach $25m.

“The incremental benefits for our hospitality industry and related businesses will be fantastic.”