How to spend a long weekend at Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

Sure, the gardens are glorious, but the food? Next level.

If you can, time your visit with Feastival (27 - 28 September 11am - 8pm) the new name for Toowoomba’s signature foodie celebration. It’s still the ultimate taste test of Queensland Country, with fresh seafood, gooey cheeses, slow-cooked BBQ, organic doughnuts, mezze platters, and award-winning local wines. By night, the stage comes alive with headline acts and homegrown talent.

Can’t make that weekend? No worries. You can still sip and snack your way through Toowoomba with local cafes serving up some of the best local produce. 

Catch thrills at Sideshow Alley

No carnival would be complete without the excitement of adrenaline-pumping rides, show bags, sideshow games and carnival food, no matter how old you are. 

Sideshow Alley in Lower Queens Park is a technicolour whirlwind, topped off with firework displays lighting up the sky each evening. This is one of the best weekends for families to spend a long weekend at Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, with the ferris wheel spinning at Queens Park.

Grab your spot for the Grand Central Floral Parade

The Grand Central Floral Parade is an iconic part of the festivities, so if you want to join the fun, plan your long weekend at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers around this event. Arrive early to secure a prime spot, as thousands of people flock to watch the floral floats, colourful street performers, stilt walkers, carnival characters and live bands make their way through the Toowoomba CBD to Queens Park.

Best parks and gardens to visit during your weekend

This is the weekend to stop and smell the roses.

• Queens Park – Botanic garden vibes with spring’s best dressed blooms.

• Laurel Bank Park – Home to the famous Scented Gardens, designed for the visually impaired.

• Picnic Point – Panoramic views with a side of floral colour.

Want to see locals at their most creative? Grab a Chronicle Garden Competition guide from the Visitor Information Centre and take a self-drive through some of the most impressive private gardens you’ll ever see.

Where to stay on a long weekend at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

Accommodation usually books out fast when the Toowomba Carnival of Flowers comes around. You'll find great hotels close to the action like Quest, Oaks, and Eastgate on the Range. Or make a real country weekender of it and find serenity at Ravensbourne Escape - about 40 minutes' drive from Toowoomba.

If you haven’t been lucky enough to secure a room in Toowoomba, try the surrounding areas of Withcott, Highfields, Helidon, Crows Nest and Pittsworth. All are within a 10-35-minute drive of Toowoomba. The Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre also keeps a list of accommodation with vacancies, so if you’re not having any luck, give them a call.

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