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101 Amazing things to do in Toowoomba, Queensland

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Written by: Administrator
Category: Lifestyle
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Encapsulated in passages of poetry by greats like Bruce Dawe: ‘Climbing the range your ears pop like champagne and your heart distends with something other than relief...’ and George Essex Evans: ‘Dark purple, chased with sudden gloom and glory, like waves in wild unrest...’ are just some attempts to describe Toowoomba’s beauty and attraction.

Located a short distance west, inland from the Queensland state capital Brisbane, Toowoomba is the gate keeper of the Golden West, formally known as the Darling Downs which is famous for its rich fertile farming land inherited from the regions volcanic ancestry. In fact Toowoomba sits right on top of a now extinct volcano.

Perched precariously close to the edge of the Great Dividing Range escarpment, Toowoomba commands a dominating position at close to eight hundred meters above sea level and is famous for it’s panoramic views and crisp fresh mountain air accompanied by mild year round temperatures.

A well planned city, Toowoomba has streetscapes that are wide, and lined with many large tree species including the ubiquitous imported noxious Camphor Laurel and the classic Jacaranda - a native from the Republic of Brazil to name just a few.

Scattered with an abundance of heritage listed buildings from the cities by-gone federation and earlier eras includes a house named Tawa, an example of one of the earliest surviving dwellings established in an area known as Mort Estate.

The Toowoomba area is the traditional homelands of the Giabal, Jagara and Jarowair indigenous tribes. Other tribes of the greater Toowoomba region include the Barunggam, Bigambal, Kambuwal and the Gooneburra peoples. Tabletop mountain is the location where a series of escalating conflicts took place culminating in the infamous ‘battle of One Tree Hill’ when early European settlers invaded the area.

Toowoomba's modern settlement traces back to 1827 when English explorer and botanist Allan Cunningham discovered a stretch of rich fertile farming land just to the west of the great dividing range which was named the Darling Downs after NSW state governor Ralph Darling, when Queensland was still a part of New South Wales.

Drayton, the first settlement on the downs, now a suburb of present-day Toowoomba was originally established in 1842 by Thomas Alford, and initially called The Springs.

By 1849 The Springs was growing and a drought ensued, so clearing and draining of swamp lands just a few miles to the North-East of The Springs took place and by 1851 settlers from The Springs purchased new sub-divisions of land and so Toowoomba progressively began to grow developing into a township by 1860 and a city in 1904.

Toowoomba’s name was acquired from a word in the aboriginal vocabulary meaning either swamp, reeds, place where melon grows or where the water sits down, but there is no definitive conclusion.

A small city at heart Toowoomba may be, but that does not take away from what the city has to offer - able to retain it's unique country charm but still match the best offerings of any modern world class city.

As an educational hub, there is no shortage when it comes to choice, whether its primary, secondary or tertiary, Toowoomba offers no less than fifty different educational institutions including it's own university, TAFE and vocational colleges.

Contrary to what many hear through the grapevine, Toowoomba is not a boring place either. Entertainment in Toowoomba is wide and varied and includes live theatre, indoor or outdoor cinemas, clubs and pubs, ten pin bowling, speedway racing, live music events and more.

Toowoomba is an economic powerhouse and has many and varied industries including tourism, education, hospitality, manufacturing, retail and agriculture. With an annual gross domestic product of more than twelve billion dollars for the financial year ending June 2019.

Famous for it spring floral festival the ‘Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers’ which is a major draw-card that attracts visitors in the tens of thousands to the city and surrounds each year, there is more to this beautiful place than first meets the eye.

Boasting a new airport capable of accommodating jumbo jets, Toowoomba is ideally situated for a short getaway with a lot of fun activities and places to explore any time of the year. Below are some other maybe not so well known hidden treasures and other activities to explore in this beautiful little city. article copyright © 2019 toowoomba.org

  • Have a bite on Eat Street (Margaret Street)

    • Sofra Turkish Cusine

    • Fitzy’s Toowoomba

    • Cafe Valetta

    • Jillys Cafe

    • Park House Cafe

    • GPO Bar & Cafe

  • Watch a movie

    • BCC Grand Central

    • BCC Cinemas (Toowoomba Strand)

  • Go for a swim

    • Milne Bay Aquatic & Fitness Centre

  • Climb a mountain

    • Table top mountain

  • Watch a live performance

    • Empire Theatre

  • Go touring

    • Caledonian Estate historic walk

    • Mort Estate historic walk

    • Russell Street Historic walk

    • Newtown historic walk

    • Queens Park and surrounds historic walk

    • Cultural and legal precinct walk

    • East Creek Park and Paddington Estate historic walk

    • Drayton historic walk

  • Go bushwalking

    • Glen Lomod Park

    • Picnic Point Parklands

  • Go bowling

    • Sunset Superbowl

    • South Toowoomba Bowls Club

    • Garden City Lanes

  • Go Sightseeing

  • Go to a Carnival

    • Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

  • Learn about Toowoomba

    • Toowoomba historical society

    • Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre

  • Visit a park

    • Queens Park

    • Newtown state rose Park

    • Laurel Park

    • Lake Annand Park

    • Crows Nest National Park

    • Ravensbourne National Park

  • Do some shopping

    • Grand Central

    • Clifford gardens

    • High Street Shopping Centre

    • Wilsonton Shopping Centre

  • Admire some artwork

    • First Coat Street Art Festival

    • Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery

  • Mountain Biking

    • Jubilee Park

  • Visit a church

    • St Patrick's

    • St. James Anglican Church

    • St. Luke's Church

  • Visit a pub

    • Irish Club Hotel

    • The Spotted Cow Hotel

    • Federal Hotel

    • Newtown Hotel

    • Shamrock Hotel Motel

  • Visit the markets

    • PCYC Markets

    • Margaret street markets

  • Camping

    • Murphy's creek escape

  • Visit a Library

    • Toowoomba City Library

  • Go for a drive

    • Farmers Country Drive

    • High Country Drive

    • Great Bunya country Drive

    • Open plains country drive

    • Steele Rudd country drive

  • Do some cycling

  • Do some exercise

    • Go for a walk

    • Go for a run

  • Enjoy a picnic

    • Queens Park Botanic Gardens

    • Laurel Bank Park

    • Lake Annand

    • East Creek Park

    • The Japanese Gardens

    • Perseverance Dam

    • Spring Bluff

    • Webb Park

    • Queensland State Rose Park

    • Picnic Point

  • Relax

    • Don't do anything

  • Take some photos

  • Take in some action

    • Toowoomba speedway

  • Step back in Time

    • Royal bulls head inn

    • Toowoomba Historical Society

  • Visit a Museum

    • Milne bay military museum

    • DownStream Tourist Railway & Museum

    • Cobb+Co Museum

    • Transport and Main Roads Heritage Centre

    • Met Galleries

    • Museum of Australian Army Flying

  • Stay somewhere special

    • B&B

  • Enjoy a live music event

    • Toowoomba Busking Festival

  • See some animals

    • Darling Downs Zoo

  • Misc.

    • Jondaryan Woolshed

    • Spring Bluff Railway Station

    • The Mills Prescient

    • Christmas Wonderland

    • Toowoomba Railway Station

    • Chocolate Cottage

  • Visit a lookout

    • Picnic Point Lookout

    • Top of Jubilee Park

    • Webb Park

    • Biil Goulds Lookout

  • Join a club

    • Toowoomba Stamp Club

    • 25th Battalion Association Toowoomba Inc

    • Apex Club of Toowoomba

    • Rotary Club

    • City Golf Club

    • Toowoomba Police Citizens Youth Club

  • Go to the races

    • Clifford Park Race Course

  • Horse riding

    • Cowboy up trail riding

  • Arts & Crafts

    • Crows Nest Community Arts & Crafts Centre

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The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers: A Celebration of Beauty, Culture, and Community

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Written by: Administrator
Category: Events
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Introduction

The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is one of Australia’s most iconic and longest-running floral festivals. Held annually in Toowoomba, Queensland, this vibrant event celebrates the region's stunning gardens, diverse horticulture, and local culture. The festival is an explosion of color, creativity, and community spirit, attracting thousands of visitors from around the globe every year. With its rich history, breathtaking displays, and array of activities, the Carnival of Flowers is a must-see event for garden enthusiasts, tourists, and locals alike.

A Brief History of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

The origins of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers can be traced back to 1949, when a small group of local residents decided to celebrate the beauty of the region’s gardens and flowers. Toowoomba, situated in the Darling Downs, is known for its temperate climate, which supports a variety of beautiful flowering plants, particularly during spring. The carnival’s first event was a simple flower show that gradually grew in scale and popularity. 

In 1950, the event was officially established as an annual festival, and over the decades, it has blossomed into a major cultural and tourism event. The festival’s success has made it an integral part of Toowoomba’s identity and a key event on Australia’s cultural calendar. Today, it attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year, making it one of the country’s premier horticultural events.

When and Where the Festival Takes Place

The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers typically takes place in early spring, usually around the second weekend in September. The festival spans 10 days, showcasing the region’s floral beauty, local food, entertainment, and community spirit. The event is centered in and around the Toowoomba Region, which is known for its stunning parks, gardens, and streets lined with flowering trees.

Key locations for the carnival include:

  • Queens Park: Toowoomba’s central park and one of the city’s oldest public spaces, offering lush gardens and the perfect backdrop for floral displays.
  • The Botanic Gardens at the University of Southern Queensland: A picturesque location offering a mix of native and exotic plants.
  • Private and Public Gardens: Many of Toowoomba’s most beautiful gardens, both public and private, open their gates to the public during the festival, providing an intimate and stunning floral experience.
  • Main Street Parade: The streets of Toowoomba come alive during the carnival, with elaborate flower floats, street performances, and local vendors celebrating the season.

Highlights of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is a jam-packed event with a variety of activities and highlights that appeal to visitors of all ages. Some of the key features of the carnival include:

  1. Floral Displays and Garden Tours
    One of the main attractions of the Carnival of Flowers is the breathtaking floral displays that adorn public and private gardens throughout the region. Many of Toowoomba's gardens are known for their impressive array of flowers, from tulips and roses to daffodils and geraniums, all blooming in spectacular color. During the carnival, visitors can embark on self-guided or guided tours of these gardens, marveling at the flowers that have been meticulously cultivated and tended to by local gardeners.
  2. The Grand Parade
    The highlight of the Carnival of Flowers is the Grand Parade, which takes place on the festival's opening weekend. This vibrant parade features a procession of beautifully decorated floats adorned with a stunning array of flowers. The floats are designed by local businesses, schools, and community groups, and often incorporate creative themes celebrating the region’s history, culture, and natural beauty. The parade draws thousands of spectators and is a highlight for both locals and visitors.
  3. Garden Tours and Workshops
    In addition to the outdoor floral displays, the Carnival of Flowers offers a range of workshops, demonstrations, and tours aimed at both amateur gardeners and seasoned horticulturists. Visitors can learn about everything from landscaping and garden design to flower arranging and plant care. These workshops are designed to inspire attendees and provide practical knowledge they can apply in their own gardens.
  4. Food and Wine Festival
    The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is not just about flowers; it is also a celebration of local food and wine. During the event, visitors can indulge in a variety of culinary delights, including gourmet food stalls, pop-up restaurants, and local produce markets. The festival often features food and wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and the chance to sample the best that Toowoomba’s vibrant food scene has to offer.
  5. Live Entertainment and Concerts
    The carnival is also a hub of live entertainment, with performances ranging from local musicians and bands to national and international acts. Throughout the festival, various stages and venues host concerts, theater productions, and street performances, adding an energetic and festive atmosphere to the event. There are also family-friendly activities such as circus shows, art exhibitions, and interactive experiences for children.
  6. The Carnival of Flowers Gala
    For those seeking a more sophisticated evening out, the Carnival of Flowers Gala is an annual event that features a night of fine dining, entertainment, and celebration. This formal event attracts attendees from across Australia and provides a chance to enjoy a glamorous evening while raising funds for local charities.

The Impact of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has a significant impact on the local community, both economically and socially. It boosts tourism, attracting visitors from all corners of Australia and beyond. The event provides a valuable opportunity for local businesses, including florists, food vendors, and accommodation providers, to thrive during the festival period.

Beyond the economic benefits, the Carnival of Flowers fosters a strong sense of community pride. It brings together people from all walks of life, creating a sense of connection and shared celebration of Toowoomba’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The event highlights the importance of sustainability and environmental consciousness, with many garden displays featuring eco-friendly practices and promoting conservation efforts.

Conclusion

The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is more than just a celebration of beautiful blooms; it is an expression of the region's culture, community, and creativity. Over the years, the festival has grown into one of Australia’s most anticipated events, attracting tens of thousands of visitors who come to admire the flowers, participate in the festivities, and experience the unique charm of Toowoomba.

With its rich history, breathtaking gardens, lively entertainment, and emphasis on local food and culture, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is an event that showcases the very best of Queensland’s horticultural and cultural heritage. Whether you’re a garden enthusiast, a lover of fine food and wine, or simply looking for a fun and vibrant festival experience, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers offers something for everyone to enjoy.

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