Since its inception in 1949, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has flourished and is now an iconic Queensland event.
The brainchild of Essex Tait and the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce, Carnival was created as a way for the city to use its “Garden City” reputation to promote increased economic activity following the hardships of WWII.
On 21 October 1950 the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers commenced with a street procession that stretched three miles in length. Led by a bullock team and watched by a crowd estimated to be 50,000 strong, it was a resounding success.
The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has been honoured to receive the Gold Award for Major Festival and Event at both the Queensland Tourism Awards (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022) and Australian Tourism Awards (2016, 2017, 2018). In addition Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers was delighted to be awarded Hall of Fame at the 2017 Queensland Tourism Awards and 2018 Australian Tourism Awards.
Attendance across the event has skyrocketed in recent years with over 400,000 attendees recorded at the 2023 event. The event has extended from a 10 day program to 4 big weekends, capturing a variety of events including the Grand Central Floral Parade, Festival of Food and Wine and family events such as Cinema Under the Stars. There is always something to do and see in Toowoomba during carnival!
Banner Image: Lionel Coxen Photographic Collection – Local History and Robinson Collections, Toowoomba City Library – Southern Cross float in carnival parade