FOUR WEEKENDS OF FLORAL-FILLED FUN, RUNNING FROM 12 SEPTEMBER TO 6 OCTOBER!

Grand Central Floral Parade

DATE
Sat 20 Sep
Time
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Toowoomba CBD
Cost
Free

The iconic Grand Central Floral Parade is one of Toowoomba’s most anticipated events each year! Come along to watch street performers, carnival characters, and roving entertainment escort stunning floral floats on their journey through the heart of the city to Queens Park.

Starting at 10am, the parade departs from the corner of Herries & Hume Street, winding its way along Herries Street, before turning right into Ruthven Street, right into Margaret Street, left onto Hume Street, and finishing on Godsall Street Oval. You could say it’s a real moving experience!

Note that there will be road closures throughout the Toowoomba CBD on Saturday 20 September. Check out the map and plan your trip in advance. A full listing of all road closures can be found on the Toowoomba Regional Council website.

We welcome thousands of visitors to our Grand Central Floral Parade, so allow extra travel time to get to your destination on this day.

The parade is free to watch – just pick a spot along the route and wait for the celebrations to begin! Remember to bring a hat, water bottle (it can get warm in the sun), and a foldup chair if you’ll need a seat.

Can’t make it in person? The 2025 Grand Central Floral Parade will be livestreamed from our Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Facebook page – your front-row seat from anywhere in the world!

EVent Details

Please bring your own fold up chair for the parade if you need a seat.
No food will be provided for this event. Feel free to purchase or bring your own food.
Music and entertainment is all part of the magic of the parade. Sit back and enjoy!
Yes, this event is wheelchair accessible and disability friendly. There will a mobility viewing zone on Ruthven St (across from the art gallery).
Please find parking in and around the CBD including at Grand Central and walk down to view the parade.
You will be able to find bathrooms in venues and shopping centres nearby.
Leashed dogs are welcome, but note that some pets might not like the loud atsmophere.

Additional Information

What is the Grand Central Floral Parade?+

The Grand Central Floral Parade is an iconic annual celebration taking place during Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. It features over 30 floral parade floats decorated by community groups and businesses, in line with a different theme each year. The floats journey through the city centre to Queens Park, escorted by bunches of street performers, marching bands and dance troupes. It's a free community event that transforms the city streets, bringing together locals and visitors to celebrate.

What time does the parade start and how long does it last?+

The parade starts at 10am and lasts around an hour and half. It is expected to finish at Godsall Street Oval at 11.30am.

What is the 'Floral Frenzy' theme all about?+

We’re going for a full botanical takeover! This year we're asking our parade entrants to unleash their most creative, vibrant, and eye-popping floral designs for a parade that'll leave Toowoomba buzzing! Picture colourful blooms everywhere, transforming the city into a petal-powered paradise! It’s not just a Parade – it’s a flower uprising!

Is this event free to attend?+

Yes!

What is the parade route from the city streets to Queens Park?+

The parade departs from the corner of Herries & Hume Street, winding its way along Herries Street, before turning right into Ruthven Street, right into Margaret Street, left onto Hume Street, and finishing on Godsall Street Oval.

Where are the best viewing spots along the route?+

Herries Street, Margaret Street, Hume Street and Godsall Street Oval.

Can I follow the parade to Queens Park or do I need to pick one viewing location?+

Due to the large crowds and road closures, you'll need to pick one viewing spot along the parade route and stay there for the duration. With thousands of visitors attending this popular event, it's not possible to follow the parade or move between locations once it begins.

How early should I arrive to get a good viewing spot?+

We recommend choosing your viewing location early and arriving well before the 10am start time to secure a good spot. Check out the parade route map to decide which location along Herries Street, Ruthven Street, Margaret Street, Hume Street or Godsall Street Oval that works best for you and your group. Remember to factor in extra travel time!

Download the road closure map
Are there reserved seating areas available?+

No, there are no reserved seating areas for the Grand Central Floral Parade. All viewing is on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend arriving early to secure the best viewing spots and you're welcome to bring folding chairs for your comfort.

There is a designated mobility viewing zone for guests with mobility devices located in central street carparks of Ruthven Street opposite the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery, which is also first-come, first-served.

Which roads will be closed during the parade?+

There are a number of road closures throughout the Toowoomba CBD on parade day. Check out the map and plan your trip in advance.

Download the road closure map
What time do road closures begin and end?+

Road closures will be in place from 5am through to approximately 2pm or as the event dictates.

What's the best way to get to the parade route?+

There are many road closures throughout the Toowoomba CBD on parade day with parking available on out the outskirts of the CBD. We recommend checking out the map and planning your trip in advance.

Download the road closure map
Is public transport affected by the road closures?+

Yes, there are a number of public buses which will not operate within the road closures. Check the TransLink website for more information on bus times and available bus stops.

Is the parade route wheelchair accessible?+

Yes, the parade route follows public city streets and footpaths, so it's accessible in the same way you would normally access the Toowoomba CBD. The route uses standard street infrastructure with regular footpath access points.

Are there designated accessible viewing areas?+

For the most comfortable viewing experience for guests using mobility devices, we have a designated mobility viewing zone located in the central car parks on Ruthven Street opposite the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery on a first-come, first-served basis.

Are there accessible parking options near the parade route?+

Visitors attending the parade can access street parking in the CBD (outside the road closure zone) as well as the following car parks:
• Water Street car park
• Central car park
• Julia Street car park
• Grand Central Shopping Centre car park
• Lindsay Street ‘U’ car park
• Little Street car park (behind the art gallery)

Persons with accessible parking stickers on their vehicles may be permitted to enter the Neil/Annand Street Carpark and use the regular disabled parking bays.

Can I bring my pet to watch the parade?+

Yes, leashed pets are welcome at the Grand Central Floral Parade. However, please be mindful that the parade can be very crowded and noisy, which may be stressful for some animals. Consider your pet's temperament and comfort level with large crowds, loud music, and sudden noises before bringing them along. Make sure to keep your pet on a leash at all times and have an exit plan if they become overwhelmed during the event.

What should I bring for a comfortable viewing experience?+

We recommend bringing sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), water to stay hydrated and snacks if you think you’ll need them. You may also want to bring folding chairs if you think you’ll need a seat during the event.

Are there food and drink vendors along the route?+

While there aren't dedicated food vendors positioned along the parade route, city cafes and restaurants throughout the CBD will be open for trade during the parade. You can grab food and drinks from these establishments before finding your viewing spot.

Where are the nearest restroom facilities?+

Public toilets are available at various venues throughout the CBD, as well as at Grand Central Shopping Centre.

What's the weather backup plan?+

The Grand Central Floral Parade goes ahead rain, hail or shine! Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather conditions and bring an umbrella or raincoat if rain is forecast.

Can I join the parade or is it just for registered participants?+

The parade is only for registered participants. Spectators are welcome to watch and cheer from the designated viewing areas along the route, but you cannot join the parade procession itself.

What happens when the parade reaches Godsall Street Oval at Queens Park?+

Once the parade finishes you'll have the opportunity to get up close and view the flourishing floats and entrants, with some entrants partaking in a flower market. Be mindful not to reach onto or climb onto the floats. Finalists for each parade category will be announced, as well as the all-round Grand Champion of the Grand Central Floral Parade.

How long should I expect crowds and traffic delays to last?+

Toowoomba Regional Council will be working hard in the background to clear and reopen the streets as soon as possible, however this does take time and we expect all roads to be back to normal operation no later than 2pm.

What should I do after the parade?+

After enjoying the parade, we encourage you to explore Toowoomba's beautiful feature floral parks! Visit Queens Park Botanic Gardens and Laurel Bank Park to see stunning seasonal displays and immerse yourself in the floral magic that makes Toowoomba famous. You can also take time to explore the CBD, with its charming cafes, shops, and local attractions. Don't forget to pick up a program at the Info Hubs located in either park to find out what other events and activities are happening during your visit.

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Sat, 20 Sep - 20 Sep, 12pm AEST