Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers 2025 Sets New Economic Records and Blooms Bigger Than Ever

9 February 2026

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has delivered a season of extraordinary growth and economic impact for the Toowoomba Region and the state of Queensland, with the recently released 2025 economic results confirming record-breaking performances across attendance, visitation and visitor spend.

The celebration of Spring florals attracted a record overall attendance of 511,253 people, marking a 9% increase in 2024. This remarkable turnout reflects the Carnival’s increasing appeal to locals, interstate visitors and international travellers alike.

Interstate visitors grew by an impressive 38%, and international visitor numbers surged by 46%, underscoring the event’s growing draw and substantial contribution to Queensland’s visitor economy.

With more than 80 events and activations throughout the program, Carnival has broad appeal, from botanical spectacles and cultural experiences to local food, wine and entertainment.

Visitors spent more, with overnight visitor expenditure increasing by 2%, meaning visitors are not only coming to Toowoomba but are also investing more in the region.

The total direct and incremental spending generated by the Carnival in 2025 reached $31.3M, up 6% on last year.

These outstanding results come in the first year of the Carnival’s new Strategic Plan, which prioritises:
• deepening regional devotion to the Carnival,
• delivering premium visitor experiences to boost repeat visitation,
• elevating the event’s profile nationally and internationally, and
• supporting local businesses to create greater economic value.

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers remains an essential showcase of Queensland’s natural beauty and cultural vibrancy, reinforcing Toowoomba’s reputation as a must visit destination in spring and beyond.

The Queensland Government, through Tourism & Events Queensland, has committed funding to support the Carnival in 2026 and 2027, ensuring the event can be promoted locally, interstate, and internationally, continuing its trajectory of growth.

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the extension of the iconic annual Carnival reinforced the state’s commitment to delivering high-impact, globally recognised events.

“The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is one of the many examples of regional events that have built momentum and turned into major tourism highlights for Queensland.” He said.

“A combination of support from our government, commitment from the organisers and the passion of the local community, has seen this event drive real results year-on-year, boost local jobs and helped the Darling Downs economy to thrive.”

Cr Geoff McDonald, Mayor of Toowoomba Regional Council, said the 2025 results demonstrate the enormous value the Carnival delivers to the community. “The 2025 Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has outdone itself, with record attendance and strong growth in visitation and spending,” Cr McDonald said.

“These outcomes are a testament to the dedication of our local businesses, volunteers and partners, and the growing national and international profile of our event. With the support of the Queensland Government and Tourism & Events Queensland, we are excited to build on this momentum and continue elevating Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers in 2026 and beyond.”

Looking ahead, the 2026 Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is shaping up to be another unforgettable celebration of colour and community, with the full program and tickets launching on 23 April 2026.

To stay up to date with all the latest announcements, floral highlights and ticket details, supporters are encouraged to sign up for the Carnival newsletter at https://tcof.com.au/newsletter/.

Book accommodation early to experience the best of Toowoomba in spring, by securing your spot at Queensland’s most colourful celebration. Carnival’s website tcof.com.au, is featuring special early-bird accommodation deals from Burke and Wills Hotel, Quest Toowoomba and Potter’s Boutique Hotel.

ENDS

Media friends please contact Liquidity Marketing, Lisa Grant on 0421 075 703 or lisa@liquiditymarketing.com.au for all media and interview enquiries relating to Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.