Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers & Subtropical Gardens of the Coast

With its elevated position along the Great Dividing Range, Toowoomba’s gardens boast species not found in other parts of Queensland. Spend time at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, admiring its exhibition gardens and enjoying the community atmosphere. Our September departure enables us to see the region’s gardens in full bloom. We also visit ‘Mary Poppins House’, the Margaret Olley Art Centre and stay three nights at Sanctuary Cove, discovering subtropical plants and gardens.

Itinerary

Day 1: Brisbane, Picnic Point and Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery

Be picked up at the pre-tour hotel at 10.30am in Brisbane. Stop at Picnic Point, perched atop the crest of the Great Dividing Range, for 180-degree views over the World Heritage-listed area of the Scenic Rim. Afterwards, visit Toowoomba regional art gallery before taking time to settle into your hotel. This evening, a Welcome Dinner takes place in one of Toowoomba’s most historical buildings.

Day 2: Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Exhibition Gardens and Queens Park

Since 1950, the exhibition gardens of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers have been open to the public for 10 days of the year, but they are designed to have year-round appeal. Today we visit some specially selected exhibition gardens, chosen because of their unique and creative designs. Be inspired, meet their owners and learn a tip or two. Enjoy a visit to Queens Park this afternoon. Wander its shady tree-lined avenues and admire immaculate floral displays or take some free time to explore some of the many other parks and gardens in the town.

Day 3: The Darling Downs – Jimbour House & Gardens and Dalby Pioneer Park

This morning we travel to the Darling Downs region to visit Jimbour House and gardens. Built in stone, in the French château tradition, this house has been featured in many films, including East of Eden. Enjoy time to explore the quaint shops and cafes in Dalby before visiting the Dalby Pioneer Park, with its amazing collection of vintage machinery and colonial buildings. 

Day 4: Allora and Mary Poppins House

This morning, visit a historic homestead in the Allora region. Remaining in Allora, continue to ‘Mary Poppins House’, the childhood home of writer Pamela Travers. Faithfully restored by the current owners, the storybook-like gardens include roses and a gazebo, framed by a white picket fence. This evening, enjoy a private dinner at a boutique vineyard in the Lilyvale Valley; its restaurant is found inside an original Queenslander homestead. 

Day 5: Toowoomba Festival Competition Gardens and Sanctuary Cove

This morning we view some of the private gardens around Toowoomba that have taken part in The Chronicle Garden Competition that takes place every year. Later, take a tour of Ju Raku-en Garden, Australia’s largest and most traditionally designed Japanese strolling garden. The garden is home to 230 species of Japanese and Australian native trees and plants, and includes a lake, mountain stream and waterfall, creating soothing and seamless garden scenes. Continue on to Sanctuary Cove and your luxury resort set in a beautiful garden setting.

Day 6: Margaret Olley Art Centre and Tropical Fruit World

This morning we visit the Margaret Olley Art Centre in Murwillumbah. An extension of the Tweed Regional Gallery, the centre celebrates the career, life and legacy of Australia’s most celebrated painter of still life and interiors. Afterwards, we take a tour of a tropical fruit planation and journey through orchards where more than 500 of the world’s weird and wonderful fruit varieties are grown. Learn why this unique location, nestled on the edge of the volcanic caldera of Wollumbin, is so special.

Day 7: Private Garden Visit

This morning, visit a delightful garden for a guided tour and lunch. This garden displays elements from many garden traditions, including a Japanese garden, complete with an oriental bridge along with areas dedicated to natives and tropical plants. This afternoon, take some free time to relax at your resort before a Farewell Dinner this evening.

Day 8: Brisbane

This morning we depart Sanctuary Cove and make our way back to Brisbane for a drop off at the post-tour hotel by 1pm.