TOOWOOMBA FEATURE
Spring into Garden City carnival time
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n October 1950, about 50,000 people lined the streets of Toowoomba to watch a bullock team lead the inaugural Carnival of Flowers procession. During the past 72 years, it has grown into a month-long event that begins on the first day of Spring and attracts more than 250,000 visitors. The Carnival of Flowers has been awarded gold in the Major Festival and Event category of both the Queensland Tourism Awards (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018) and Australian Tourism Awards (2016, 2017, 2018). On top of that, it also entered the Hall of Fame at the 2017 Queensland Tourism Awards and 2018 Australian Tourism Awards. Toowoomba, Australia’s biggest regional city outside of Canberra, sits some 700m above sea level and with rich volcanic soils, giving it a landscape of both national parks with panoramic views and more than 240 public parks and gardens. Its mix of historic streets and open spaces quickly earnt it the title of Garden City. Toowoomba’s gardens date to 1865, when the local council took control of land and developed Queen’s Park. Today it is 25ha of bright flower beds, stately
Toowoomba bursts into colour for the Carnival of Flowers trees and green lawns, yet has retained the charm and character common to 19th century public parks and botanic gardens. The Carnival of Flowers is a perfect time to explore Toowoomba – learn about its landscape, heritage and community while the region’s food, flora and fauna, arts and crafts and urban and country dining are being showcased. The city has four distinct seasons but
Spring is when nature is at its best and the festival offers various ways to explore its beauty, history, architecture and produce. Take a three-hour tour of private gardens and public floral displays within the city limits, accompanied by a commentary of Toowoomba’s historical events, with Toowoomba Sightseeing Tours. A Talking Pubs Tour goes to four
character-filled Toowoomba pubs, starting with appetizers at Toowoomba’s new brewery The Brewhouse, and followed by entree at Tatt’s Hotel, main at the new Proof BBQ & Booze and dessert at The Rock. Toowoomba Walking Tours introduce the city’s architecture, street art and history. Discover the street art hidden in Toowoomba’s laneways and the remarkable architecture of the historic city centre. For history and architecture buffs, the exploration continues to the historic St Stephens Uniting Church where a display of flower arrangements, bouquets and wedding dresses throughout the decades will be a feature this year. The Toowoomba Farmers Markets is a chance to buy seasonal produce, local meats, hand-made bread, pasta, jams, salts, honey, eggs and locally grown herbs and salad items from local farmers and artisans. In the evening, the Spring Vibes Twilight Market is a mix of local craft, vendors, food trucks, live music and carnival activities. Toowoomba’s past is as interesting and colourful as its journey into future and the Carnival of Flowers is the perfect excuse to go and see it for yourself. Visit tcof.com.au
This is our invitation to you! Pack a picnic and stroll through our Region’s award-winning parks and gardens
Laurel Bank Park
Queens Park
Peacehaven Botanic Park
Japanese Garden
A kaleidoscope of colour, Laurel Bank Park features manicured gardens, mature trees, children’s play equipment, barbecue and picnic areas and two croquet lawns.
Queens Park is something to behold, with bright flower beds, large canopies of stately trees and an off-leash area that keeps the local dogs very happy.
Peacehaven Botanic Park is home to more than 400 different native plants and trees, expansive green lawns and stunning views towards the Bunya Mountains.
Visitors to the University of Southern Queensland’s Japanese Garden are treated to waterfalls, traditional Japanese bridges, cherry blossom trees, bamboo avenues and a tea house.
50 Hill St, Toowoomba
43 Lindsay St, Toowoomba
56 Kuhls Rd, Highfields
20 Regent St, Darling Heights
www.tr.qld.gov.au/parks 28 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / August 2022
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