The Carnival is heading into its last week, and there’s still a very good reason to make the run up the Range: long lunches, floral-inspired eats, millions of petals and hundreds of dogs dressed for the occasion.
Here’s what’s worth the drive before it all wraps up.
Eat Your Way Around Weekend Table
From 2–5 October, Weekend Table is serving up eight dining experiences across Toowoomba and the surrounding region.
Bull & Barley Inn and Rosalie House kick things off Friday, followed by Jillys Cafe, Preston Manor, Relish Cafe and Aberfeldy Barn on Saturday. DownsSteam takes Sunday, before Bubbles & Buttercream closes out the program on Monday.
We’re talking country pub lunches, vineyard dining, six-course feasts, grazing experiences and even Champagne-fuelled floral cake decorating. Basically, come hungry.
Paw Parade Is Back
Clear Sunday morning because Queens Park is going to the dogs.
After drawing thousands of spectators in its debut year, Paw Parade returns Sunday 4 October from 8.30am–12pm, with hundreds of pups expected to strut their stuff across Lindsay Street Oval.
There’ll be costumes, big personalities and novelty categories including Best Flower-Inspired Outfit and Pet and Owner Lookalike. We’re already backing the Chihuahuas to bring unnecessary levels of confidence.
Follow The #trEATS Trail
Lemon & Raspberry Brioche French Toast @ Burrow, 15 Railway St, Toowoomba
The Carnival’s #trEATS program is also running throughout the final week, with local cafes and restaurants putting floral and seasonal spins on their menus.
Consider it permission to punctuate your garden hopping with regular snack stops.
Catch 40 Million Petals
Photo credit (this image & featured image): Melissa France
And yes, the flowers are still putting on a show. Queens Park Botanic Gardens and Laurel Bank Park remain free to visit, with more than 40 million petals making up displays across the Carnival.
With Queensland school holidays still underway, there’s time for one last Toowoomba day trip or weekend away. Wander the gardens, book a long lunch, follow the #trEATS trail and finish with a front-row seat to Brisbane’s fluffiest neighbours taking over Queens Park.
Not a bad way to farewell spring’s biggest floral party.