Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers features Petals and Pups

Edited by Travel Weekly

In celebrations of its 75th anniversary, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (TCOF) features Petals and Pups, an official dog-friendly program.

The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is the toast of the nation after being crowned best major event at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards. The 75th anniversary program features over 80 events over four petal filled weekends from 13 September to 7 October.

This years celebration is dedicated to hounds and their humans, and in salute to Toowoomba’s first canine Ambassadog, “Puppy” the Pomeranian, who led the very first grand parade.

The Petals and Pups program boasts more than 20 dog-friendly activities and 27 off-leash parks, as well as dog-friendly cafes, restaurants, and accommodation recommendations. All of which makes it the perfect way enjoy the petals in the Garden City with your furry friend.

Also, the much-loved Ferris Wheel in the Botanic Gardens welcomes well-behaved dogs on board for the best views over all the petals.

Dogs have always been a part of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. At the very first Carnival parade in 1950 the Toowoomba Thistle Band’s drum major, Hugh Morgan, set the benchmark with his tartan-clad pooch ‘Puppy’ marching alongside the ensemble. Today a statue commemorating ‘Puppy’ stands in the iconic Picnic Point Parklands which overlooks Toowoomba’s scenic panorama of the Great Dividing Range.

Program highlights

Cultured Canine itinerary – The day starts with exploring Toowoomba’s fantastic street art scene, before a visit to Picnic Point where a selfie with the famous bronze statue of ‘Puppy’ is a must. From here, guests take a lazy lunch, before having some off-leash play at Queens Park and then some petal time in the Botanic Gardens.
Pampered Pup itinerary – The day begins with a cappuccino for both the guest and their pet, before some doggie day spa time followed by some well-behaved dog-friendly local luxe shopping before taking in the blooms at Laurel Bank Park.
Adventure Dog itinerary – An action-packed trailblazing day starts with hearty breakfast, followed by a bushland adventure at Garnett Lehman Park, and a snack before free ranging at Dr Alex Horn Park.

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Toowoomba carnival of flowers