The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, now in its 68th year, has blossomed into one of Queensland's must-attend festivals - 10 glorious spring days and nights of flowers galore, magnificent gardens, food, wine, concerts, vintage train trips, fascinating tours and amusements for all ages.
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With so many gorgeous goings-on, here are 10 highlights with something for everyone, from foodies to flowers and music fans.
Photo: John Nguyen Photography
A must-see for all ages is this dazzling extravaganza of floral floats, street performers, carnival characters, incredible inflatables and stilt walkers, which weaves its way through the main streets of Toowoomba to end at historic Queens Park. Get there early to bag a front-row viewing spot. Departs from the corner of Herries and Hume streets, Toowoomba. September 16, 3pm. Free. More
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With so many splendid gardens to explore, there's a tour for everyone. As well as Queens Park and Laurel Bank Park, there's Boyce Gardens, Harrow Homestead & Garden, the serene Japanese Garden Ju Raku En and The Chronicle Exhibition Gardens, which are five private gardens, chosen as Toowoomba's finest for 2017 and open to the public for tours. September 15-24. Various times and prices. More
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Take an enchanted twilight tour of beautiful Laurel Bank Park and discover the secret world of one of Toowoomba's iconic parks after dark. Led by a Laurel Bank Park gardener, this unique event offers the chance to track down rare and exotic species and learn about what goes on behind the scenes. Laurel Bank Park Hall, 50 Hill Street, Toowoomba. September 18-21 6.30pm. $5 per person. More
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Spend three days sampling the renowned produce, flavours and wine of Southern Queensland Country, fresh from the rich pastures, abundant orchards and wine vineyards - and all in one place. While there, meet celebrity chef Anna Gare and gardening presenter Sophie Thomson and stick around for the Heritage Bank Live Concert Series from sundown. Upper Queens Park, Margaret and Lindsay streets, Toowoomba. One-day pass $15-$45; three-day (online only) $35-$95. More
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Celebrity chef special guest Anna Gare presides over the splendid gala opening night of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers - an exquisite degustation dining experience showcasing the best of local produce with matching wines, held under the stars in beautiful Laurel Bank Park. 50 Hill St, Toowoomba. September 14, 6pm, $185 per person. More
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Four historic Toowoomba pubs are on the itinerary of this progressive foodie's lunch or dinner tour. Commencing with canapes at Fitzy's, then drinks and bites at Muller Bros rooftop bar, mains at the quirky Spotted Cow Hotel, followed by dessert at the old Irish Club Hotel. Pick up from Toowoomba Railway Station, Railway Street, Toowoomba. September 17 and 24, 11am-3.15pm; September 22-23, 5.30pm-9.45pm, $99 per person. More
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A vintage diesel-engine train departs twice daily from Toowoomba to the spectacular flower-festooned, historic Spring Bluff Station, with a lively welcome by the acting station manager, tours of glorious Spring Bluff Gardens and on Sunday, September 17, the Jim Miller Big Band will serenade picnickers in the station gardens. September 17-23. Departs Toowoomba 9am, 1pm; departs Spring Bluff 11am, 3pm. Adults $20, children (4-15 years) $10. More
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Three evenings of fab concerts headlined by The Temper Trap (Friday), The Angels (Saturday) and Daryl Braithwaite (Sunday), along with Alex Lahey, The Paper Kites, Boys in the Band, Hot Potato Band, The Diamonds and The Voices, to be enjoyed with fine food and wine from the Ergon Energy Food & Wine Festival. Upper Queens Park, Margaret and Lindsay streets, Toowoomba. September 15-16, 10am-10pm; September 17, 10am-9pm. One day $15-$45; three days (online only) $35-$95. More
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Take a trip to the dark side of Toowoomba, a city of prisons and unsavoury characters as well the eccentric and funny, with local Paul Herbert, who shares the many untold stories and intriguing secrets of the historic city, finishing up at the Irish Club Hotel in Russell Street. Departs from Upper Queens Park, Margaret and Lindsay streets, Toowoomba. September 23, 3-5pm. Adults $35; concession $30. More
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Toowoomba's oldest pub, the 155-year-old National Trust-listed Drayton's Royal Bull's Head Inn, is the setting for some spooky fun after dark. Visitors are invited to bring their own torches and lanterns and gather 10 minutes early before heading inside to explore and soak up the atmosphere of the popular resting place of 1800s travellers. 59 Brisbane Street, Drayton. September 22-23. 6.30-7.30pm, 8-9pm. Adults $12; concession $8; family (two adults, two children) $30. More
