Grand Central Floral Parade

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers' much-loved Grand Central Floral Parade returns this year with a kaleidoscope of colour on Saturday 21 September from 10am.

This year's Grand Central Floral Parade promises to be a party, celebrating the iconic Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers' 75th anniversary. With the theme, It’s A Party, the parade will bring colour, pizzazz, music, and joy to the thousands that line the streets, with 85 floats and participants expected this year.

The parade is more than a huge city-wide celebration, it was how the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers first started! Seventy-five years ago a bullock team led a street procession that stretched three miles in length through Toowoomba. It was an idea that bloomed as a way to put the “Garden City” on the map and generate economic prosperity following the hardships of war.

Fast forward to 2024, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is the current title holder of Australia’s best major event (crowned at the recent) Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, and the 75th anniversary program features over 77 fabulous events over 4 petal-filled weekends from 13 September to 7 October.

The Grand Central Floral Parade is a highlight of the Carnival and one of Toowoomba’s favourite events of the year, as locals and visitors alike line the streets to watch colourful characters and roving performers entertain the crowds, as they escort the stunning floral floats on their journey through the heart of the city to Queens Park.

Arrive early to grab a great spot along the route and make sure your phone is charged so you can take heaps of photos!

The parade starts at 10am, departing from the corner of Herries & Hume Streets. The floats and walking groups will make their way along Herries Street, turn right into Ruthven Street, right into Margaret Street, left onto Hume Street and finishes on Godsall Street Oval on the corner of Hume & Godsall Streets.

After the parade, explore more of what the iconic Carnival has to offer – the #trEATS program of spring-inspired signature dishes will be in full swing with over 60 cafes and restaurants taking part, and make sure you visit the incredible parks, home to over 190,000 blooms this year!

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is a valued partner of Must Do Brisbane.com