History of the Iconic Queensland Event - Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

Since its inception in 1949, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has flourished into an iconic Queensland event. 

The brainchild of Essex Tait and the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce, Carnival was introduced as a way for the city to use their “Garden City” reputation to promote increased economic activity following the recent hardships of war.  

On October 21, 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, the Parade was a resounding success. The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers subsequently became firmly cemented as an annual event in the region’s community calendar.  

As the years passed, Carnival’s appeal widened, attracting tourists from across Queensland, interstate and internationally. 

2009 represented another milestone in the Event’s rich history, as Toowoomba and its surrounding regions commemorated 60 years of Carnival celebrations. More than 80,000 spectators lined the inner city streets to experience the Grand Central Floral Parade. The Ergon Energy Flower, Food & Wine Festival attracted visitors range from a broad range of ages, families and young couples through to mature aged travelers and retirees. The Young Ambassador Program raised more than $43,000 for charities in the Toowoomba region. That money went directly to helping young people in our communities.

The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is on again in 2010. It promises to be another spectacular event in the region.