The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has lived up to its status as the region’s premier event, with direct and incremental spending from the 2024 75th anniversary event contributing more than $29.43 million to the Queensland economy, Toowoomba Regional Council revealed today.
The new figures, released from Tourism and Events Queensland’s post-event report, also showed an overall record attendance.
Council Community Development, Facilities and Tourism portfolio spokesperson, Councillor James O’Shea said the economic return was a 19% increase on the 2023 figures.
“The 25-day 2024 Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers program generated an overall attendance of 470,608, which was up 12% on the 2023 figures,” Cr O’Shea said.
“The 2024 program also achieved 149,538 visitor nights, which was a 9% increase on the 2023 figures.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation, Andrew Powell said the numbers spoke for themselves.
“Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers continues to stun… This event sprang from humble beginnings in 1949 and has grown exponentially since,” said the Minister.
“With an injection of more than $29 million into our state’s economy, it’s clear this Carnival is unmissable and a true jewel in the crown of the Queensland events calendar. Visitors travel from all over, a record 470,000 of them, from intrastate, interstate and overseas and while they’re here they’re packing out the local accommodation, cafes, restaurants and small businesses, really giving this beautiful region a huge boost.”
Eighty-two events and activations enlivened the 75th Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers that included the Grand Central Floral Parade (attended by more than 70,000 people), more than 300,000 visits to floral feature parks and more than 2,000 people at the Symphony Under the Stars, a rare outdoor regional performance by the full Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
Cr O’Shea said that incorporating the October long weekend in the event schedule contributed to increased overnight stays across the Region on weekends and weekdays.
The 2024 event coincided with the end of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers’ five-year strategic plan.
“It is important for Council to act responsibly and review the success of its expiring strategy before committing to the next strategic plan,” Cr O’Shea said.
“Part of the new strategic plan development is promoting how the Region’s floral colour and amazing taste makers can be celebrated through a wide range of events across our regional towns. Sponsorship support is vital to this development coming to fruition.
“Plans are in place to hold a ticketed food and entertainment event in Toowoomba’s Queens Park.”
The 2025 Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is set to run from Friday, September 12 to Monday, October 6, 2025.
“Council is waiting on the finalisation of the tenders that have been advertised for this year’s Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers,” said Cr O’Shea.
The official launch of the full program of events for the 2025 Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers will take place on April 28.
