Flower festivals to add to your calendar
If you’re looking for travel inspo, it doesn’t get more colourful than Australia’s calendar of flower festivals. Whether sunflowers, tulips, or roses are your pick of the bunch, get ready to wander through blooming gardens, soak up the sunshine, and embrace all things floral.
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers | September 12 to October 6 in Toowoomba, Queensland
Kicking off with a classic, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers takes place every September. It’s Australia’s longest-running floral event of its kind, having celebrated its 75th birthday in 2024, and an absolute must-visit. Think vibrant garden displays, over 190,000 blooms, and a floral parade that brings the streets of Toowoomba to life. There’s also live music, food and wine festivals, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Tulip Time Festival | September 12 to October 6 in Bowral, New South Wales
If tulips are more your vibe, head to Bowral’s Tulip Time Festival. Timed perfectly with the start of spring, this Southern Highlands gem features 80,000 tulips and offers a perfect mix of nature, local markets and delicious food stalls. Bowral is also a great weekend getaway spot, so why not make a road trip out of it and explore the gorgeous countryside while you’re there?
Floriade | September 14 to October 13 in Canberra, ACT
The largest flower festival in the Southern Hemisphere, Floriade in Canberra is a true floral extravaganza. Taking place each year from mid-September to mid-October, Floriade sees Commonwealth Park transform with over a million flowers on display. But it’s not just about the blooms – there are workshops, food markets, live performances, and a huge night festival called NightFest that’ll keep you entertained long after the sun sets.
Everlasting Kings Park Festival | September 12 to 29 in Perth, Western Australia
For those who love the variety and beauty of native plants, the Kings Park Festival in Perth is an absolute treat. Held at the start of spring, this festival showcases Western Australia’s unique wildflowers in full bloom. Kings Park itself is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, so you’ll have plenty of space to explore and take in the stunning scenery. Plus, there are art installations, guided walks, and outdoor concerts to enjoy.
Tesselaar Tulip Festival | September 13 to October 12 in the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria
Dreaming of a trip to the tulip fields? The Tesselaar Tulip Festival in the Dandenong Ranges will make that dream come true. From mid-September to mid-October, the festival offers stunning tulip displays with over a million blooms spread across the countryside. There’s also live entertainment, market stalls, and themed weekends celebrating food, wine, and culture. It’s the 5perfect excuse for a getaway to Victoria’s lush hills.
Riverland Rose and Garden Festival | October 10 to 19 throughout the Riverland towns, South Australia
Roses more your thing? The Riverland Rose and Garden Festival is a floral celebration in South Australia’s Riverland region. This festival is all about beautiful rose gardens, art exhibitions, and local food and wine. You can visit open gardens, enjoy flower displays, and even take a relaxing river cruise while you’re there. It’s a great way to experience both the flowers and the laid-back country lifestyle.
Leura Gardens Festival | October 3 to 6 in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales
Though short and sweet, the Leura Gardens Festival in the Blue Mountains is another spring favourite. Running over a weekend, it invites visitors to explore beautiful Leura – a town known for its charming, cool-climate gardens. The festival showcases some of the best, with a stunning array of blooms, trees, and shrubs. If you love exploring quaint villages, taking in mountain views, and immersing yourself in nature, this festival offers the perfect excuse for a Blue Mountains escape.
Kalbar Sunflower Festival | May 1 to 3 in Scenic Rim, Queensland
Looking for something a little different? The Kalbar Sunflower Festival in the Scenic Rim is the place to be. Taking place each April, this festival shines a sunny spotlight on the region’s fields of bright yellow sunflowers which stretch as far as the eye can see. You can take photos, pick your own sunflowers, and even try sunflower-themed food. It’s a short drive from the Gold Coast, making it an easy day trip or a perfect weekend escape.
Looking for more things to do this spring? Check out our what’s on listing.
“Good old-fashioned service, a smile, and a chat can make all the difference,” says Jem. “For some people, this might be their big outing of the week, so we try to make it fun. We already have a few regulars who love the old rock and roll music we play.”
