Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Day Tour from Brisbane 2026

The 2025 Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers runs from September 19-28, 2025 (10 days). This annual spring festival has been held every September for over 70 years, showcasing the Garden City at its most spectacular. Our tours operate on multiple dates throughout the festival period, with both day trips and overnight experiences available. The Grand Central Floral Parade typically takes place on the final Saturday of the festival.

Day tours ($189) include luxury air-conditioned coach transport from Brisbane, expert guided commentary, visits to 4-5 spectacular gardens including Queens Park and Laurel Bank Park, premium reserved seating for the Grand Central Floral Parade, morning tea, lunch at a quality restaurant, and all entry fees. Overnight tours ($349) additionally include 4-star hotel accommodation (twin-share), visits to 8+ gardens, evening garden illuminations, hotel breakfast, two lunches, dinner featuring regional cuisine, and extended time at each location.

Toowoomba is located approximately 125 kilometers (78 miles) west of Brisbane, about 90 minutes drive through the scenic Darling Downs region. Our modern luxury coaches feature air conditioning, comfortable reclining seats, complimentary Wi-Fi, and restroom facilities, making the journey pleasant and relaxing. We depart Brisbane at 7:30 AM and return approximately 6:30-7:00 PM for day tours. Your expert guide provides fascinating commentary about the region's agricultural heritage and Toowoomba's development as Queensland's Garden City.

Our tours visit Toowoomba's most spectacular public and private gardens. Day tours typically include Queens Park (heritage gardens with formal displays), Laurel Bank Park (Australia's largest scented rose collection), Botanic Gardens (established 1875), University gardens, and 2-3 exclusive private gardens. Overnight tours visit all these plus additional award-winning private gardens, community displays, and special evening illumination gardens. Each garden features different styles from formal European designs to contemporary Australian natives, all at their spring peak with tulips, daffodils, roses, and seasonal blooms.

The Grand Central Floral Parade is the spectacular highlight of the Carnival of Flowers, typically held on the final Saturday. This colorful procession through Toowoomba's main streets features elaborate flower-covered floats created by community groups, schools, and organizations, along with marching bands, dancers, vintage cars, and performers. Floats are decorated with thousands of fresh flowers in intricate designs. Our tours include premium reserved seating in prime parade viewing locations, ensuring you don't miss a moment of this iconic Australian celebration that attracts thousands of spectators annually.

Yes! Our Carnival tours are very popular with seniors and are designed to be comfortable for various mobility levels. Most gardens have paved pathways and are wheelchair accessible, though some private gardens may have steps or uneven terrain. Our luxury coaches have low step entry and we make frequent stops with plenty of rest time. The pace is relaxed with ample opportunity to sit and enjoy the gardens. Please inform us of any specific mobility requirements when booking so we can ensure appropriate assistance and arrange accessible seating for the parade. Walking aids and wheelchairs can be accommodated.

We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes with good support for garden paths, sun hat and sunscreen (September spring sun can be strong), light jacket or cardigan (weather can change throughout the day), camera or smartphone for capturing spectacular floral displays, reusable water bottle, and any personal medications. Toowoomba's altitude (700m) means it can be 3-5°C cooler than Brisbane. For overnight tours, pack casual comfortable clothing, toiletries, and any evening wear if you plan to dine out independently. We provide complimentary morning tea, lunch is included, and there's time for souvenir shopping at garden markets.

Absolutely! We cater to all dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and other allergies or preferences. Please inform us of any dietary needs when booking, and we'll ensure appropriate meals are arranged at restaurants. Toowoomba restaurants pride themselves on using fresh Darling Downs produce and are experienced in catering to various requirements. Morning tea and snacks can also be adjusted. The earlier you notify us, the better we can accommodate your needs to ensure you enjoy delicious regional cuisine throughout your tour.

Overnight tours include accommodation at quality 4-star hotels in central Toowoomba, conveniently located near major gardens and attractions. Rooms are twin-share (two beds) as standard, with single room supplements available for solo travelers. All rooms include ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, tea/coffee facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Hotels feature on-site restaurants, and breakfast is included. Accommodation is within walking distance of Toowoomba's CBD, Grand Central Shopping Centre, and various gardens, allowing free time to explore independently in the evening if desired.

Book as early as possible! The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is Queensland's premier spring event and our tours are extremely popular, often selling out weeks in advance. We recommend booking 2-3 months ahead to secure your preferred dates and ensure accommodation availability for overnight tours. Tours closest to the Grand Central Floral Parade date fill first. Early booking also allows time for any special arrangements like dietary requirements or mobility assistance. Limited seats are available on each departure to ensure an intimate, quality experience with personalized attention from our guides.

We offer flexible cancellation with 100% refund for cancellations made 30 days or more before departure. Cancellations 14-29 days before receive 50% refund. Cancellations within 14 days are non-refundable due to non-recoverable accommodation and booking costs. We offer 100% refund for any COVID-19 related cancellations or health concerns. If the festival is cancelled or significantly altered by organizers, full refunds are provided. Weather cancellations decided by Cooee Tours receive full refund or rebooking. We recommend travel insurance for added protection. You can transfer your booking to another person at no charge with 7 days notice.