How to spend a long weekend at Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

The gardens will be bursting with blooms throughout September, but serious foodies should plan their long weekend at Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers in line with their favourite food event.

The biggest of them all is the Festival of Food and Wine. This place is a foodie’s heaven, with all the best local produce of Queensland Country sitting side-by-side: seafood, cheese, mezze platters, organic doughnuts, slow-cooked BBQ pork, and award-winning tipples. And when the sun goes down, a killer line-up of musicians and performers take to the stage. 

Not able to make it that weekend? No worries. There are plenty of food events throughout the month, including a pub crawl, Sip & Stroll cocktail tours and Dinner Edit exclusive dining events. You can also feast your way through Toowoomba on your own DIY food getaway between garden visits: local restaurants will debut delightful spring specials as part of the #trEATS regional food trail, but be sure to stop in at these cafes too.

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 place to stop and smell the roses. 

While visiting Queens Park, Laurel Bank and Picnic Point, make sure you take your time wandering the amazing displays of floral colour. Laurel Bank also features the Scented Gardens, which was specially designed for the visually impaired, and Queens Park has its own botanic gardens section. 

But if you think that’s impressive, wait ’til you see the Chronicle Garden Competition entries. These dedicated home gardeners, business owners and schools spend most of winter preparing their gardens to delight the senses of excited visitors. Pick up a copy of the competition garden guide from the local Visitor Information Centre and mapping out your must-see gardens.

Where to stay on a long weekend at 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.

Uncover more of Toowoomba while you're here

Taking a long weekend for the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is the perfect opportunity to delve into more of the region. Whether that's sticking to the city to discover the best cafes and street-art lined laneways, or heading out into the national parks nearby. There's so much to do, so choose your own adventure:

• Step back in time at the Cobb & Co Museum, catch a show at Empire Theatre, and check out these other great things to do. 
• Hit the road to check out wine country, local farms and waterfalls.
• Explore like a local and visit these favourite spots.
• Make the carnival part of your family caravan holiday. 
• Op-shop, hike Table Top Mountain, and squeeze as much into your weekend as possible.