Petals & Pups Itineraries – Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

Dogs have always played an historic part in the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers with a Pomeranian named “Puppy” leading the Toowoomba Thistle Pipe Band in the very first Carnival parade from 1950-1958. Puppy belonged to the band`s drum major, Mr. Hugh Morgan and was attired in a rug in the band`s tartan pattern.

Today a statue commemorating Puppy the dog stands at Picnic Point (164 Tourist Rd, Toowoomba) in Toowoomba.

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.

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 alongside Puppy. #tcof

Lunch at your leisure

After a busy morning art-hoping, stop in at The 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 center of Queens Park (43-73 Lindsay St, Toowoomba). The Queens Park off leash dog park is a social hub for both small and large dogs with lots of friendly owners and dogs. Once you have had your fill of playtime wander into the Botanic Gardens to admire the perfectly manicured gardens featuring an ever-changing display of flora.

Pampered Pup

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. Follow the Pampered Pup itinerary for an Instagramable day of indulgence. #pupsofinstragram

But first coffee

Start the day right with a puppuccino (and cappuccino) from the lovely team at Grinds Espresso Rail (2/255 Margaret Street) 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 (Corner of Bridge & Hume Streets) 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 (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 Dog

Adventure dogs and their owners are active go-getters who love action and adventures! If you and your pup love adventure and getting back to nature than the Toowoomba region is your ideal location. Follow the itinerary below for a day of adventure!

Hearty 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 High Street (4/52 High St, Rangeville). 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 Garnett Lehman 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 un clip 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.

Fuel up for fun!

After an energetic morning running, sniffing and socialising at Garnett Lehmann Park (1A Aberdeen St, Rangeville), stop in at the aptly named Bar Wunder (424 Ruthven St, Toowoomba), for a retro bar inside and a ‘super’ dog friendly beer garden outside. Enjoy some delicious delights and ready yourself for your next adventure.

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 Street, Harlaxton) is for you! Put your running shoes on and grab your pups 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!

Variety is the spice of life! Why not step outside of your comfort zone and try one of the other itineraries above – you may just discover that you and your dog have another side you didn’t know existed!

Parks

It is no secret that the Toowoomba Region has many amazing parks and with 27 off leash dog parks there is something to suit everyone!

View the dog off leash maps and plan your visit – here

Eats

Toowoomba locals will tell you that 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 pup friendly cafes.

Bar Wunder – 424 Ruthven 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
Home Grown Health – Health Food Store – 11 Railway St, Toowoomba
Milk & Honey Espresso Bar – 6 Ann St, Toowoomba
New Brew Café – 102 Taylor St, Toowoomba
Ortem Café & Events – 15 Railway St, Toowoomba
Parkhouse Café – 92 Margaret St, Toowoomba
Picnic Point Restaurant – 165 Tourist Rd, Toowoomba
Pony Espresso Coffee Bar – 2A Bowen St, Toowoomba
Travellers Coffee House – 189 Hume St, Toowoomba
The Chocolate Cottage – 10475 New England Hwy, Highfields
The Finch – 2/469-473 Ruthven St, Toowoomba
Urth Cafe 195 Hume St, Toowoomba

Travel essentials

To ensure your day of fun is fantastic make sure you pack the following essentials for your pup:

Water bottle + bowl
Leash and harness
Poop bags
Soft blanket
Familiar food and snacks
Ball or frisbee to chase

Stay and Play

Having a great time and need another night to enjoy the activities? There are several dog friendly accommodation options in Toowoomba and the surrounding areas.