31 August 2026
With just over two weeks until the 2026 Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers begins, Toowoomba Regional Council’s horticultural teams are putting the finishing touches on the Region’s renowned public gardens.
Thousands of plants and months of planning are coming together across parks and gardens as Council crews prepare displays that will welcome visitors from 18 September.
From the iconic floral displays of Queens Park Botanic Gardens and Laurel Bank Park to Picnic Point, Spring Bluff Railway Station, Newtown Park and colourful garden beds throughout the CBD, the Region’s gardens are preparing to showcase the colours of spring.
While visitors experience the gardens at their seasonal best during Carnival, the displays are the result of months of planning, planting and maintenance by Council’s horticultural teams.
Toowoomba Regional Council Coordinator – Public Gardens, Gary Arnold said bringing the gardens to life for Carnival was one of the most rewarding times of the year.
“People see the finished product during Carnival, but there’s an enormous amount of planning and care involved in getting everything ready,” Mr Arnold said.
“Our teams take great pride in creating gardens that residents enjoy year-round and that visitors travel to experience during Carnival.”
Preparing the displays requires careful timing, with flowering schedules, temperatures, rainfall and changing weather conditions all influencing how the gardens perform in the lead up to Carnival.
Toowoomba Regional Council Queens Park Supervisor – Horticulture, Jamie Jensen said the fi nal weeks before Carnival were particularly important.
“You can plan everything down to the finest detail, but these are living displays,” Mr Jensen said.
“We’re constantly monitoring conditions and making adjustments to ensure the gardens look their best when Carnival begins.”
Visitors wanting to learn more about the work behind the displays can take part in this year’s Behind the Blooms tours, offering guided experiences through Queens Park Botanic Gardens with Council gardeners throughout the entire Carnival period from Monday to Friday each week.
The popular Twilight Tours at Laurel Bank Park also return, each week from Tuesday to Saturday, providing a unique perspective on one of Carnival’s most visited garden destinations.
Toowoomba Regional Council Laurel Bank Park Team Leader, Gemma Page said sharing the gardens with residents and visitors made the months of preparation worthwhile.
“Carnival is our biggest showcase, but these gardens belong to the community every day of the year,” Ms Page said.
“We take enormous pride in creating spaces that people can enjoy, whether they’re visiting for Carnival or simply spending time in our parks.”
With spring officially here and the countdown now firmly on, Toowoomba’s gardeners have one message for visitors, “get ready, spring is about to burst into colour across the Garden City.”
Experience the splendour of both Queens Park Botanic Gardens and Laurel Bank Park during Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers in 2026 with a free park to park bus service.
The 2026 Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers runs from 18 September to 5 October.
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
ENDS
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