Dogs hold a 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.
To celebrate Puppy’s role in the Carnival we have developed a selection of itineraries showcasing Toowoomba’s best dog friendly carnival time activities to suit all kinds of pups and their owners.
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 festival has changed the face of the Toowoomba streetscape for good and the work of the many talented artists is regarded as world class.
There are over 70 murals to view and a few of them even feature dog likenesses. Visit First Coat pick out your favourites to visit and prepare to be amazed! #artlyfe
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 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 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 even been to Toowoomba if you haven’t been to 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 collectables 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). Enjoy the Garlic Butter Mushroom Benny and with added Halloumi Fries to Share along with a freshly squeezed juice to finish. 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 Red Bench Café (62 Margaret St, Toowoomba, look for the red bench) for one of their signature baked goods and a single origin coffee. Sit on the red bench itself or one of the vintage chairs and tables to enjoy your delicious treats 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 the rolling hills of Dr Alex Horn Park (55 Stuart Street, Harlaxton). 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.
- Gip’s Restaurant – 120 Russell Street, Toowoomba
- The Park House Café – 92 Margaret St, Toowoomba
- The Chocolate Cottage – 10475 New England Hwy, Highfields
- The Finch – 2/469-473 Ruthven St, Toowoomba
- Piccolo Papa – 4/52 High St, Rangeville
- Extraordinary Joe – 102 Taylor St, Toowoomba
- Red Bench Café – 62 Margaret St, Toowoomba
- The Bungalow and Basket – 4/400 Ruthven 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.
| TOOWOOMBA | ||
| Andrew’s Place | 4 Englart St, Toowoomba Q 4350 | 0438 309 016 |
| Banksia Cottage | 5 Norwood St, Toowoomba Q 4350 | 0420 530 619 |
| Bannockburn Lodge | 4 Burstow St (entry Stirling St) Tmba Q 4350 | 0419 764 043 |
| Cohoe House | 3 Cohoe St Toowoomba Q 4350 | 0419 650 765 |
| Flying Spur Motel | 277 Taylor St Toowoomba Q 4350 | 07 4549 6125 |
| James Street Motor Inn | Cnr James & Kitchener Sts Toowoomba Q 4350 | 07 4639 0200 |
| Jolly Swagman Caravan Park | 47-53 Kitchener St Toowoomba Q 4350 | 07 4632 8735 |
| Short Stay Retreat | 348 North St, Toowoomba Q 4350 | 0408 304 198 |
| Toowoomba Showgrounds | Glenvale Rd Toowoomba Q 4350 | 07 4634 7400 |
| Vacy Hall | 135 Russell St, Toowoomba Q 4350 | 07 4639 2055 |
| GOING NORTH | ||
| Crows Nest Caravan Park | New England Hwy, Crows Nest Q 4355 | 07 4698 1269 |
| Crows Nest Motel | New England Hwy, Crows Nest Q 4355 | 07 4698 1399 |
| Farmers Arms Pub – O/N RV Sites | New England Hwy, Cabarlah Q 4352 | 07 4696 6202 |
| Tweeters Country Getaway | 6065 New England Hwy Glenaven Q 4355 | 0476 194 848 |
| GOING SOUTH / WEST | ||
| Allora Showground | Cnr William & Darling Sts, Allora Q 4362 | 0402 717 836 |
| Shammah Park Motorhome Farmstay | 136 Dixon Lne, Ramsay Q 4352 | 07 4697 1414 |
| Spring Creek Caravan Park | New England Hwy, Clifton Q 4361 | 07 4697 3397 |
| Pittsworth Caravan Park | Cnr Yandilla & McIntyre Sts, Pittsworth Q 4356 | 07 4693 1440 |
| Millmerran Caravan Park | Cnr Campbell & Commens Sts, Millmerran Q 4357 | 07 4695 1572 |
| GOING WEST | ||
| Jondaryan Woolshed | 264 Evanslea Rd, Jondaryan Q 4403 | 07 4692 2229 |
| Oakridge Motel & Caravan Park | Toowoomba Rd, Oakey Q 4401 | 07 4691 3330 |
| Kelly’s Motel | 59 Campbell St, Oakey Q 4401 | 07 4691 1109 |
| Cecil Plains Rural Retreat C/Park | Cnr Taylor & Warfield Sts, Cecil Plains Q 4407 | 07 4695 1399 |
| Quinalow Caravan Park | 3 Myall St, Quinalow Q 4403 | 07 4692 1223 |
| GOING EAST / NORTH | ||
| Clewleys Country Haven | Iredale Rd via Withcott Q 4352 | 07 4630 3477 |
| Murphy’s Creek Escape | 356 Thomas Rd, Murphy’s Creek Q 4352 | 07 4630 5353 |
| Room Motels Gatton | 1 Lake Apex Dr, Gatton Q 4343 | 07 5462 1111 |
| Laidley Caravan Park | Campbell St, Laidley Q 4341 | 07 5465 3506 |
| Esk Caravan Park | 26 Hassall St, Esk Q 4312 | 07 5424 1466 |