Just 90 minutes from the city, Queensland’s most colourful festival transforms the Garden City into a sea of blooms, long lunches, food festivals, floral parades and unforgettable spring experiences. It’s the kind of event that feels different every year, yet somehow still manages to capture the same magic that has kept people returning for more than seven decades.
From wandering through Queens Park with a coffee in hand to discovering hidden private gardens, sipping local wines across the Darling Downs and spending an entire afternoon at FEASTival, there is no shortage of reasons to make the trip this September.
With 100 days to go, the Carnival team has released their official list of 100 Things To Do at Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, and while we fully support attempting all 100, we’ve narrowed it down to our five must-do experiences for 2026.
BEST OF BRISBANE’S TOP 5 PICKS
- Experience Grand Central Floral Parade
There is simply nothing else like it in Australia. Floats covered in thousands of flowers, community groups, performers and Carnival favourites wind through the streets of Toowoomba in a celebration that perfectly captures the spirit of the festival.
- Spend a Day at FEASTival
Food lovers, this one’s for you. FEASTival returns to Queens Park across two massive days packed with local producers, celebrity chefs, cooking demonstrations, tastings, live entertainment and some of the best food you’ll eat all spring.
- Wander Through Queens Park and Laurel Bank Park
The gardens are the heart of Carnival, and no visit is complete without losing yourself amongst the incredible displays. Whether you’re there at sunrise, golden hour or after dark, the blooms never disappoint.
- Book a Weekend Table Experience
Some of Queensland’s most unique dining experiences happen during Carnival. Think vineyard lunches, grazing workshops, long table feasts and intimate food experiences showcasing the very best of the Darling Downs.
- Catch the Spring Bluff Train
One of Carnival’s most beloved traditions. Hop aboard the Queensland Rail journey to Spring Bluff and experience one of Queensland’s most beautiful heritage railway stations in full bloom.
THE OFFICIAL 100 THINGS TO DO AT TOOWOOMBA CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS
Flowers, Gardens & Nature
- Wander Queens Park Botanic Gardens.
- Explore Laurel Bank Park.
- Spot the towering foxglove blooms.
- Discover this year’s themed garden displays.
- Find the hanging basket display at Cobb+Co.
- Pick up the official plant list.
- Visit the scented garden.
- Explore private gardens open to the public.
- Look for rat’s tail statice.
- Count the sculptures in Laurel Bank.
- Visit regional private gardens.
- Find the biggest tree in the parks.
- Guess the shapes of the topiaries.
- Chat with a Council gardener.
- Visit Boyce Gardens.
- Explore Ju Raku En Japanese Garden.
- Admire the spring colour combinations.
- Return later in Carnival to see new blooms.
- Visit Peacehaven Botanic Park.
- Find the most colourful corner of Queens Park.
- Learn the name of a new flower.
- Chat with a private garden owner.
- Buy local flowers to take home.
- Spot native birds in the parks.
- Look for butterflies amongst the blooms.
Kids & Family Activities
- Dress your dog for Paw Parade.
- Cheer on the Paw Parade lookalike competition.
- Hunt for the waggiest tail at Paw Parade.
- Say hello to Thomas the Tank Engine.
- Ride the Ferris wheel above the gardens.
- Visit the all-abilities playground.
- Take your dog through the parks.
- Play classic carnival games.
- Explore the adventure playground.
- See the Itty-Bitty Floral Parade display.
- Let the kids lead the way.
- Visit an off-leash dog park.
- Ride the Ferris wheel after dark.
Festival & Entertainment 
- Dress head-to-toe in florals for Floral Friday.
- Secure your spot for Grand Central Floral Parade.
- Spot Carnival favourite Kevin Howarth, Toowoomba’s Town Crier.
- Count the community groups in Floral Parade.
- Spend two days at FEASTival.
- Watch Simon Toohey cook live.
- See Nornie Bero on the Flavour Lab stage.
- Join Dominique Rizzo’s FEASTival masterclass.
- Watch the Carnival fireworks.
- Catch live music and twilight performances.
Food & Drink Experiences
- Raise a glass at a vineyard lunch as part of Weekend Table.
- Book one of Weekend Table dining experiences.
- Create your own gourmet grazing box.
- Follow the #trEATS trail.
- Join a Sip & Stroll tour.
- Grab a coffee from a local favourite.
- Take part in a Cork & Walk tour.
- Enjoy a long spring lunch.
- Picnic with food-truck treats.
- Join a Pint Pursuit tour.
- Taste your way through FEASTival.
- Treat your dog to a puppuccino.
- Upgrade to the FEASTival Canopy Club.
Explore Toowoomba
- Join a Behind the Blooms tour.
- Visit a Carnival Info Hub.
- Book a local guided tour.
- Experience a Twilight Tour.
- Ride the Spring Bluff train.
- Visit Queensland Museum Cobb+Co.
- Explore Toowoomba’s street art scene.
- Find Carnival-themed shopfront displays.
- Walk between the city’s two signature parks.
- Visit Picnic Point Lookout.
- Explore Spring Bluff Railway Station.
- Catch a show at Empire Theatre.
- Take a sunrise walk through Queens Park.
Shopping, Markets & Workshops
- Visit a plant show.
- Join a hands-on workshop.
- Pick your own flowers.
- Buy a locally grown plant.
- Browse Carnival markets.
- Pick up a Carnival souvenir.
Photography & Social Media
- View the displays from the elevated platform.
- Visit at golden hour.
- Photograph the Ferris wheel.
- Capture your dog amongst the flowers.
- Share your photos with #tcof.
- Film a reel through the Botanic Gardens.
- Take a group photo at Laurel Bank.
- Photograph the illuminated gardens.
- Snap a photo at Ju Raku En’s red bridge.
Community, Culture & Reflection
- Volunteer at Carnival.
- Ask a volunteer about their favourite moment.
- Sit on the grass and soak it all in.
- Write a postcard home.
- Start planning next year’s visit.
- Visit during Quiet Hour.
- Learn about Carnival’s history.
- Acknowledge the Traditional Custodians.
- Bring a first-time visitor.
- Stand amongst the blooms and take it all in.
- Share your favourite Carnival memory.
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers runs from 18 September to 5 October 2026, and if you’re anything like us, the countdown is already on.