Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers 2020

Overview

Every year, when spring hits Toowoomba, the regional city becomes the brightest place in southeast Queensland. Blooms blossom, greenery sprouts and flora reaches towards the sun — that's right, it's Carnival of Flowers time.

Running from Friday, September 18–Sunday, September 27 at a variety of Toowoomba locations — including Laurel Bank Park and the Botanic Gardens of Queens Park — the annual event showcases all of the gorgeous florets, growths and gardens around town. On the agenda: everything from park tours to kaleidoscopic arrays of tulips, petunias and poppies. In total, more than 170,000 blossoming bulbs and seedlings have been planted, so this huge — and free — carnival won't be short on natural splendour.

Outdoor dwellers can also expect live music in flower-filled parks, food trucks slinging bites to eat, a food trail showcasing more than 60 local eateries and a ferris wheel with a blooming great view, while pub, dinner, art and architecture-focused walks are also on offer.

Celebrating its 71st year, the carnival features an illuminated night garden, too, which'll be on display for its entire ten-day run.

Yes, that means there's no bad time to visit — and you might want to make the trek more than once. Indeed, when it comes to scenic spring sights, there's no prettier place to be. And, given it takes less than two hours to head up the mountain from Brisbane, it's perfect for a weekend day trip. Make a playlist, take a picnic and there's your Saturday or Sunday sorted.

Naturally, this year's event will be adhering to COVID-19 requirements — so expect some social distancing with your bouquets.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland