History of Carnival’s Display Parks

Queens Park

A stroll through the State Heritage listed Queens Park and Botanic Gardens is an absolute must for any visitor to the Garden City. Set across more than 25 picturesque hectares, the parkland has been enjoyed by generations of locals and regional visitors since it first opened to the public in the late 1800s. It’s a beautiful calm space where nature showcases its seasonal offerings, alongside the city’s bustling CBD.

During Carnival, Council’s dedicated team of staff design and plant beautiful mass floral displays, with riotous colour and creativity greeting thousands of visitors. A variety of community activities and annual events are also hosted at Queens Park and Botanic Gardens with Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers’ signature Heritage Bank Festival of Food and Wine leading the way.

Did you know?

During the reign of Queen Victoria, it was customary for the colonial government to grant land for a ‘Queen’s’ park. In 1861, the Municipal Council was granted land where the Grammar School is now located, but by 1871 it was exchanged for the present site (Government Camping Ground Reserve). This parcel of land had been used for grazing and was studded with deep holes made by brick makers. In 1872, Mayor W.H. Groom was instrumental in obtaining grants to fence the area and establish a botanical garden.

You can read a detailed history of Queens Park at the Queensland Government’s Heritage Register.

Laurel Bank Park

State Heritage listed Laurel Bank Park is one of Toowoomba’s premier parks and provides a majestic oasis close to the heart of town.  The park features manicured gardens, mature trees, children’s play equipment, barbecue and picnic areas and two croquet lawns and is a must-see destination during the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers in spring, when the gardens come alive with colour and natural splendour.

Laurel Bank gardens are renowned for their stunning floral displays, which include the annual display gardens, embodying a different theme every year during the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.  The full extent of the annual display gardens can be viewed atop a viewing-platform, which gives park users an aerial view of the display.

Meticulous planning and preparation by Toowoomba Regional Council gardeners ensures this is a memorable Carnival attraction, one which often includes an area specially planted out to depict a floral theme representing a significant local or national event.

Did you know?

Laurel Bank Park was privately owned by local resident Samuel George Stephens, who developed the beautiful gardens over almost 30 years. In 1932 Mr Stephens donated the land to the people of Toowoomba, making Council the official custodian. Mr Stephens was known as ‘the man of flowers’, and due to his love of flowers he asked that the land not be used as a sporting facility. Only the Croquet Greens along Herries Street were permitted.

You can read a detailed history of Laurel Bank Park at the Queensland Government’s Heritage Register.

Picnic Point

Picnic Point Parklands is a stunning, must-see location for visitors. Just a short drive from the city’s CBD, the State Heritage listed parklands provide breathtaking panoramic views eastward to Table Top Mountain and the Lockyer Valley. At night, the glow of Brisbane city lights can be seen from the iconic Picnic Point Lookout, perched high on the crest of the Great Dividing Range.

Did you know?

A statue commemorating “Puppy” the dog stands at Picnic Point. “Puppy” featured in the first ever Carnival parade and was the much loved and popular mascot of the Toowoomba Thistle Band from 1948-1958. Puppy belonged to the band`s drum major, Mr. Hugh Morgan and was attired in a rug in the band`s tartan. At the parades the little dog would trot in front of the band, bringing smiles to everyone’s faces.

Did you know?

In 1965 the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Association sponsored the opening of the Lion’s Park waterfall feature at the site of the old quarry on the northern face of the escarpment at Picnic Point.

You can read a detailed history of Picnic Point and the adjacent parkland at the Queensland Government’s Heritage Register.

Spring Bluff

Heritage listed Spring Bluff Railway Station is home to 150 years of railway history and beautifully landscaped gardens. Nestled on the main railway line between Ipswich and Toowoomba, the splendour of the gardens will stop you in your tracks. The spring exhibit is absolutely stunning with thousands of visitors each September for the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers enjoying the magnificent display with an array of poppies, ranunculus, stock, snapdragons, petunias and many other annuals bursting into colour under the warm sunshine.

Spring Bluff is a fantastic example of the teamwork that goes into the festival – Toowoomba Regional Council, Lockyer Valley Regional Council and Queensland Rail are members of the Spring Bluff Railway Trust that preserves and maintains the grounds and station, along with the support of its many amazing volunteers.

Did you know?

One of the key draw cards for the station has been volunteer ‘Acting’ Station Master Ralph Hickey, who for the past 13 or so years has been there to welcome visitors at the Spring Bluff with his legendary dancing and singing.

Did you know?

Spring Bluff Station (known as Highfields until 1890) survives as an example of the small railway settlements that used to exist on the range. Situated approximately halfway up the Main Range, equipped with a natural spring for watering and a level section of track, Spring Bluff has always been the principal halt between Murphy’s Creek and Toowoomba and the only station equipped with a resident station master. Spring Bluff was utilised locally by nearby settlers and the Highfields sawmill.

You can read a detailed history of Spring Bluff and the Main Range Railway at the Queensland Government’s Heritage Register.