Get tickets to 7 carnival events
TCOF activities you need to book to attend
THIS year’s Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers program is bursting with activities, and if you want to secure your spot at certain events you better get in quick.
While there are many free activities over the 10 days of carnival, such as taking a walkthrough of The Chronicle Garden Competition gardens or attending the Grand Central Floral Parade, some require you to book in advance.
The 2019 Carnival of Flowers runs from Friday, September 20 to Sunday, September 29.
Here are 7 events where tickets are required (and booking in advance is recommend):
1. QANTAS GALA DINNER
The Qantas Gala Dinner is held the night before carnival kicks off as a celebration of the days to come. It is described as a magical night under the stars.
The dining experience features six courses of locallysourced hand-crafted food and local wines and beers.
When: Thursday, September 19, 6pm
Cost: $199 Location: Civic Square
2. FRIDAY PROGRESSIVE FOODIE TOUR
Discover more of Toowoomba’s flavours on a progressive dinner tour beginning with mezze sharing platters at Sofra.
Attendees can enjoy mains at Inbound Restaurant and dessert at Encores Restaurant.
The tour includes all meals and a drink at each venue. All guests must be aged 18 years or over. When: Friday, September 27, from 5.15pm
Cost: $139
Location: Departs from the Masonic Hall, 60 Neil St
3. SATURDAY PROGRESSIVE FOODIE TOUR
Attend a gourmet progressive dinner tour beginning with cheese and canapes and a guided tour of Cobb and Co Museum’s Carriage Room.
Enjoy mains at Gip’s Restaurant followed by dessert at Picnic Point Restaurant.
The tour includes all meals and a drink at each venue. All guests must be aged 18 years or over. When: Saturday, September 28, from 5.15pm
Cost: $139
Location: Departs from the Picnic Point Bus Stop, Tourist Rd
4. TALKING PUBS TOUR
Attend a four-hour foodie tour to four Toowoomba pubs. Start with grazing platters at the dog-friendly, Bar Wunder, followed by Asian-style entrees at Junk Toowoomba.
Enjoy a main course served on a volcanic stone at The Cube Hotel, followed by dessert at George Banks. All guests must be aged 18 years or over. ■ LUNCH TOURS
Date: Sunday, September 22 and Sunday, September 29, from 11am
Meet: Bar Wunder
Price: $99 ■ DINNER TOURS
Date: Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28 from 5.15pm
Meet: Bar Wunder
Price: $99
5. HATS AND HIGH TEA
Immerse yourself in the history and beauty at Gabbinbar Homestead at a high tea event.
Indulge in a four-course hand-crafted tasting menu with a drinks package. Wear your most creative or fun hat to celebrate all things carnival and spring. There are prizes up for grabs for the most delightful hats. The event will be hosted by local foodies Triple M’s Lee Faulkner and Dine Darling Downs’ Kristen O’Brien.
When: Wednesday, September 25, from 10.30am
Location: Gabbinbar Homestead Cost: $149
6. OUR LOCAL LARDER BRUNCH
Graze on the finest produce and artisan foods produced on the Darling Downs.
Meet the producers and enjoy a taste of our region at Gips Restaurant.
The event includes a grazing share-style brunch, with drinks included. When: Sunday, September
22, from 10am
Location: Gips Restaurant Cost: $99
7. HERITAGE BANK FESTIVAL OF FOOD AND WINE
The Heritage Bank Festival of Food and Wine is a signature event of the carnival that showcases spectacular floral displays and regional produce and boutique wines.
Held over three days in Queens Park, the festival will include live music, food and wine, market stalls, cellar doors and a activities including cooking demonstrations and landscaping demonstrations.
There is a great line-up of Australian musicians this year, with John Farnham headlining the event.
There is also children’s program for kids of all ages.
When: Friday, September 20 to Sunday, September 22
Location: Upper Queens Park Cost: From $15 to $105