Dogs have always played a historic part in Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers with a Pomeranian named “Puppy” leading the Toowoomba Thistle Pipe Band in the very first Carnival parade in 1950, a tradition continued until 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.
Toowoomba is a dog friendly community and we absolutely welcome furry friends at many Carnival parks and events! Check out these itineraries to plan your Petals and Pups weekend!
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.
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 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 Dog
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 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 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!
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.
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.
- 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
Travel essentials
To ensure your day of fun is fantastic make sure you pack the following essentials for your pup:
- Water bottle and 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 | ||
| Ambiente Cottage | 16 Stephen Street, South Toowoomba Q 4350 | 0402 379 007 |
| Allan Cunningham Motel | 808 Ruthven Street Toowoomba Q 4350 | 07 4635 5466 |
| Banksia Cottage | 5 Norwood Street Toowoomba Q 4350 | 0420 530 619 |
| Big 4 Toowoomba Garden City Holiday Park | 34a Eiser Street Toowoomba Q 4350 | 07 4635 1747 |
| Blue Violet Motor Inn | 31 Margaret Street Toowoomba Q 4350 | 07 4638 1488 |
| Flying Spur Motel | 277 Taylor Street Toowoomba Q 4350 | 07 4549 6125 |
| Highlander Motor Inn & Apartments | 226 James St, Toowoomba Q 4350 | 07 4638 4955 |
| Jacaranda Place Motor Inn | 794 Ruthven Street, South Toowoomba Q 4350 | 07 4635 3111 |
| James Street Motor Inn | Cnr James & Kitchener Sts Toowoomba Q 4350 | 07 4639 0200 |
| Jolly Swagman Caravan Park | 47-53 Kitchener Street Toowoomba Q 4350 | 07 4632 8735 |
| Ruthmore Villas | Cnr Ruthven & Morton Sts, Toowoomba Q 4350 | 07 4636 4333 |
| Ruthven Street Motor Inn | 786 Ruthven Street Toowoomba Q 4350 | 07 4636 1366 |
| Sunray Motor Inn | 96 McDougall Street Toowoomba Q 4350 | 07 4634 2200 |
| Short Stay Retreat | 348 North Street Toowoomba Q 4350 | 0408 304 198 |
| The Cosy Cat Cottage | 10 Boulton Terrace, Toowoomba Q 4350 | 0477 620 279 / 0458 877 171 |
| Toowoomba Motor Village | 821 Ruthven Street Toowoomba Q 4350 | 07 4635 8186 |
| Toowoomba Homestays | 11a Stirling Street Toowoomba Q 4350 | 0439 669 339 |
| Toowoomba Showgrounds | Glenvale Road Toowoomba Q 4350 | 07 4634 7400 |
| Vacy Hall Gardener’s Cottage | 135 Russell Street Toowoomba Q 4350 | 0439 004 000 |
| GOING NORTH | ||
| Cooby View Farm Stay | 51 Loveday Rd, Geham Q 4352 | 0400 977 157 |
| Elysium Cottage | 5589 New England Hwy, Glenaven Q 4355 | 0407 144 989 |
| Farmers Arms Hotel | New England Hwy, Cabarlah Q 4352 | 07 4696 6202 |
| Homewood Cottages Highfields | 11 Cawdor Road, Highfields A 4352 | 0459 686 239 |
| Tweeters Country Getaway | 6065 New England Hwy Glenaven Q 4355 | 0476 194 848 |
| GOING SOUTH / West | ||
| Dalrymple Lodge B&B | 46-48 Raff Street, Allora Q 4362 | 07 5541 2737 |
| Spring Creek Caravan Park | New England Hwy, Clifton Q 4361 | 07 4697 3397 |
| Passchandale B&B | 57 Campbell Street, Millmerran Q 4357 | 07 4695 1797 |
| Roseneath Cottage B&B | 62 Warwick Street, Allora Q 4362 | 07 4666 3662 |
| GOING WEST | ||
| Oakridge Motel & Caravan Park | Toowoomba Rd, Oakey Q 4401 | 07 4691 3330 |
| Quinalow Caravan Park | 3 Myall St, Quinalow Q 4403 | 07 4692 1167 |
| GOING EAST / North | ||
| Room Motels Gatton | 1 Lake Apex Dr, Gatton Q 4343 | 07 5462 1111 |
| Esk Caravan Park & Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Motel | 26 Hassall St, Esk Q 4312 | 07 5424 1466 |