Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is is the toast of the nation after being crowned best major event at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards. The 75th anniversary program features more than 80 events over four petal-filled weekends from 13 September to 7 October.
The pawsome Petals and Pups program boasts more than 20 dog-friendly activities and 27 off-leash parks, as well as dog-friendly cafés, restaurants and accommodation recommendations. It’s the purr-fect time to get your paws amongst the petals in the Garden City.
In a first, the much-loved Ferris Wheel in the Botanic Gardens, which gives the best blooming views over all the petals, will this year welcome well-behaved dogs on board!
A bit of history...
Dogs have always been a part of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. Cultured Canines
If spending a weekend strolling through perfectly manicured gardens, taking in amazing art, and indulging in a long lunch (all with your canine companion by your side) sounds like your perfect day, then the Cultured Canine itinerary is for you!
Get lost in the laneways
The First Coat street art has changed the face of the Toowoomba streetscape for good and the work of the many talented artists is regarded as world class. Check out this interactive street art map if there’s a particular mural you want to find.
Views and brews
A visit to the iconic Picnic Point parkland (164 Tourist Rd, Toowoomba) is a must do on the Cultured Canine list! Pick up a freshly brewed coffee from the Picnic Point Café (164 Tourist Rd, Toowoomba) and enjoy the spectacular views of the Great Dividing Range. Be sure to stop by at the bronze statue of the famous Puppy and snap a selfie with your own canine. #tcof
Lunch at your leisure
After a busy morning art-hopping, stop in at Park House Café (92 Margaret St, Toowoomba) opposite Queens Park to enjoy a delicious long lunch featuring a fresh spring salad or a hearty burger and a glass of your favourite beverage. Make sure you request an outdoor table so your pup can join you right at the table.
Parkside perfection
Following your long lunch, stroll directly across the road to the centre of Queens Park (43-73 Lindsay St, Toowoomba). The Queens Park off leash dog park is a social hub for both small and large breeds with lots of friendly owners and dogs. Once you’ve had your fill of playtime, wander into the Botanic Gardens to admire the perfectly manicured gardens featuring an ever-changing display of flora.
There is no mistaking a pampered pup and their owner! Your fur baby is your life and you love nothing more than making amazing memories together.
But first, coffee
Start the day right with a puppuccino (and cappuccino) from the lovely team at Grinds Espresso Rail (2/255 Margaret St) in the heart of Toowoomba’s CBD. Get your puppuccino to go or enjoy it al fresco before setting off on a day of adventure.
Doggie day spa
A pampered pup must always look their best! Book in for a quick wash and blow dry at Toowoomba Grooming (6/100 Hill St, Newtown) to make sure your pup is Insta ready! Make sure you book well in advance as clients travel from interstate to get a signature cut with the experienced team. #freshhairdontcare
Hello Harolds!
Have you experienced Harold’s? Fellow dog lover and proud pampered pup owner, Aaron Bourne from Harold’s Finishing Touches (cnr Bridge & Hume Sts) is a must visit if you are in town. Having featured in national magazines and TV shows, Harold’s is a treasure trove of curated collectibles to make your house a home. The best part of visiting this amazing store is your pampered pup can show off their very best manners and browse alongside you in the store!
Stop and smell the flowers
Following a busy day of salons, shopping and snacks, visit the floral haven of Laurel Bank Park (50 Hill St, Toowoomba) to wind down and smell the flowers! The extensive park features a hedge gallery, scented gardens and many shaded spots – perfect for relaxing with your pup, taking some spring photos to send to friends and planning your next adventure together.
Adventure dogs and their owners are active go-getters who love action and adventure! If you and your pup love adventuring and getting back to nature, the Toowoomba region is your ideal location.
Hearty weekend breakfast
A packed day of adventure needs fuel to keep you going. Start the day right with a mouth watering breakfast from Piccolo Papa at ‘Duggan Lane’ in Grand Central Shopping Centre, off Duggan Street (breakfast on weekends only). Make sure you book a table outside so your furry friend can join you.
Off leash leisure time
Following a hearty breakfast, travel down the road to Garnet Lehmann Park (1A Aberdeen St, Rangeville) for a bushland adventure. Enjoy the varied bird calls as you stroll through the native bushland area (leash on) and unclip the lead and allow your adventure dog to explore designated off leash area which features bridges, natural waterways and stepping stones. This beautiful park is always filled with like-minded adventure dogs who love the freedom to stretch their legs and get back to nature.
Free range rover
If rolling hills as far as the eye can see and the freedom to roam are your thing, than Dr Alex Horn Park (55 Stuart St, Harlaxton) is for you! Put your running shoes on and grab your pup’s favourite ball or frisbee and enjoy an afternoon of adventure in this unique park as you and your pup explore! Expert tip – the late afternoon sight of the sun setting over the hills is a sight worth waiting for and the perfect end to a big day of adventures!
Toowoomba locals will tell you the café and coffee scene is worth sticking around for! Plan your day around stopping in for fresh produce and master-brewed coffee at some of the region’s best dog-friendly cafés.
- 95 Mary Street – 95 Mary St, Toowoomba
- Burrow Café – 117a Bridge St, East Toowoomba
- Cafe Valetta – 96 Margaret St, Toowoomba
- Gip’s Restaurant – 120 Russell St, Toowoomba
- Ground Up Espresso Bar – 501 Ruthven St, Toowoomba
- New Brew Café – 102 Taylor St, Toowoomba
- Ortem Café & Events – 15 Railway St, Toowoomba
- Park House Café – 92 Margaret St, Toowoomba
- Picnic Point Restaurant – 165 Tourist Rd, Toowoomba
- The Chocolate Cottage – 10475 New England Hwy, Highfields
- The Finch – 2/469-473 Ruthven St, Toowoomba
- Urth Cafe – 195 Hume St, Toowoomba
View the dog off-leash maps and plan your visit here.
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers – A History
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, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers was introduced as a way for the city to use its “Garden City” reputation to promote increased economic activity following the hardships of war. 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, as it has been ever since.
No comments
Post a Comment