Laurel Bank Park and Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Visual Story

Logo

1. Arrival and Parking

Laurel Bank Park parking areas are located along Hill Street and Herries Street, featuring parallel on-street parking and off-street parking on bitumen and crushed gravel surfaces. The parking spaces include two marked accessible car parking spaces near a yellow brick building with a chimney. The area is shaded by tall pine, gum, and palm trees, with trimmed hedges and grass borders defining the parking zones. Concrete footpaths connect the parking areas to the park entrance and surrounding streets, with bollards restricting vehicle access to pedestrian paths.

This space is primarily used for vehicle parking and pedestrian access to the park. Activity levels may increase during weekends or events. You may hear cars moving on bitumen or gravel and people walking to and from their vehicles. You may smell cut grass, mulch, and floral scents. The shaded environment may feel cooler under the tree canopy, with firm, even surfaces on footpaths and parking areas.

A street scene with a large tree in the centre, surrounded by parked vehicles. On the left, several cars are lined up along the road, partially shaded by trees. On the right, a white vehicle is parked near a signpost. The background features a hedge and a house with a sloped roof. The road is wide and the area is well-lit, with sunlight casting shadows on the pavement.
A street scene with large trees lining both sides. On the left, a signpost and a few parked cars are visible near a pathway leading into a park-like area. On the right, several cars are parked along the kerb. A small building with a sloped roof is partially visible among the trees. The road is wide and clear, with sunlight casting shadows from the trees. The area is lush with greenery, and the sky is clear.
A paved road runs through a park with a large sign on the left detailing parking arrangements. To the right, several palm trees line a grassy area with a curved path. In the background, two white vehicles are parked on the right side of the road. The area is surrounded by lush green trees and well-maintained gardens. A streetlamp is visible on the left, and a building is partially visible on the right.
A paved road runs through the centre, with a row of parked vehicles, including a white truck, on the right. On the left, there is a well-maintained garden with neatly trimmed hedges and a small patch of dark soil. Tall trees line both sides of the road, casting shadows on the grass and pavement. The scene is well-lit, suggesting daylight, and the road stretches into the distance, flanked by greenery.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Cars moving on bitumen
  2. Gravel crunching underfoot
  3. People walking nearby
  4. Leaves rustling in trees
  5. Distant traffic noise
Smell

Smells

  1. Cut grass scent
  2. Mulch aroma
  3. Floral fragrances
  4. Fresh outdoor air
  5. Earthy soil smell
Touch

Feel

  1. Cool shade under trees
  2. Firm bitumen surface
  3. Rough crushed gravel
  4. Smooth concrete paths
  5. Light breeze through leaves
Sight

Sight

  1. Parallel on-street parking
  2. Off-street bitumen parking
  3. Tall pine and gum trees
  4. Yellow brick building
  5. Trimmed hedges and grass

2. Botanic Gardens - Year Round

Laurel Bank Park features wide, flat bitumen pathways edged with concrete, bordered by green grass and trimmed hedges. The entrance includes stone pillars and a metal gate. The park contains stone garden beds, trimmed hedges, and a metal staircase leading to a raised viewing platform. There are shaded areas with pergolas and benches, as well as a hedge maze shaped like a train with red benches. Gravel paths curve around garden beds and trees. Tall trees, including palms and pines, provide extensive shade throughout the park.

This area is used for walking, viewing gardens, and sitting on benches. Activity levels may increase during weekends or events. Sounds of footsteps, gravel crunching, and people talking are common. You may hear croquet being played nearby. Gardeners in fluorescent clothing may be seen working. The scent of grass and flowers may be noticeable. Sunlight filters through tree canopies, creating shaded and sunny areas.

A wrought iron gate with the sign "Laurel Bank Park" is open, leading into a park with neatly trimmed hedges and palm trees. The path inside the park is lined with grass and trees. On the left, a pavement runs alongside a road with a few cars. Tall trees provide shade along the pavement. The gate is supported by stone pillars, and sunlight casts shadows on the ground.
A paved path runs through a park, flanked by well-maintained grass. On the left, there are circular flower beds with soil, surrounded by lush trees. On the right, tall trees cast shadows over benches and a hanging basket. A lamppost lines the path, which stretches into the distance.
A paved path runs along the left side, bordered by neatly trimmed grass and palm trees. On the right, a landscaped area features stone planters with conical topiary bushes. A metal staircase with railings leads up to a small platform. In the background, a variety of trees provide a lush backdrop, with a mix of evergreen and deciduous foliage. The ground is covered with well-maintained grass, and a streetlamp is visible near the staircase.
A park scene with a stone-paved area in the foreground, featuring low stone walls and neatly trimmed hedges. On the left, a metal staircase with yellow-edged steps leads upwards. The background is a grassy area bordered by various trees, including some with autumnal foliage. A pathway runs along the bottom edge of the image.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Footsteps on bitumen paths
  2. Crunching gravel underfoot
  3. People talking nearby
  4. Croquet mallets striking balls
  5. Gardeners working quietly
Smell

Smells

  1. Fresh grass scent
  2. Floral fragrance from garden beds
  3. Earthy smell from soil
  4. Mild scent of pine trees
  5. Occasional scent of mulch
Touch

Feel

  1. Smooth bitumen underfoot
  2. Cool shade beneath trees
  3. Warm sun on exposed areas
  4. Rough stone surfaces on garden beds
  5. Gentle breeze through foliage
Sight

Sight

  1. Wide bitumen paths with concrete edges
  2. Stone garden beds and trimmed hedges
  3. Tall pine, gum, and palm trees
  4. Hedge maze shaped like a train
  5. Shaded pergola with benches

3. Botanic Gardens - Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

This area of the Toowoomba Botanic Gardens features large, flat grass lawns bordered by flower beds arranged in geometric and thematic patterns. The flower beds contain tulips, roses, and other seasonal blooms in colours such as yellow, purple, blue, pink, and red. Concrete pathways run alongside the lawns, providing step-free access. There are benches and shaded areas under trees and floral arches. The garden beds are edged with low stone or metal borders, and hanging flower baskets are visible along the paths.

The space is used for walking, viewing floral displays, and photography, especially during the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. Activity levels increase during the event, with many visitors present. You may hear crowd noise, music from nearby stages, and sounds from food trucks. Floral scents and pollen are noticeable, and the area is exposed to outdoor weather conditions including sunlight and occasional shade from trees.

A large grassy area features intricate floral displays. In the foreground, flowers spell out "A long time ago...". Above this, a triangular floral arrangement depicts three chariots. Further up, another triangular display shows a structure resembling a Greek temple. Surrounding these are rectangular floral panels with various historical and mythological scenes. The grass is neatly trimmed, and trees are visible on the right side.
A vibrant garden scene with colourful flower beds arranged in intricate patterns across a well-maintained lawn. People are walking and gathering around the flower displays, enjoying the scenery. Tall trees and lush greenery surround the garden, providing a natural backdrop. The sky is clear, and the area is well-lit, suggesting a sunny day.
A bustling outdoor scene with people walking along a paved path. On the left, a woman in a blue and white checkered dress walks away, while others stroll in various casual outfits. On the right, a woman in a white cap and T-shirt walks alongside another in a colourful dress. Hanging baskets with flowers are visible above, and trees with pink blossoms line the path. The grass on either side is bright green, and people are seated in the background.
A garden path leads through a lush landscape. On the left, a wisteria-covered archway with benches underneath is surrounded by neatly trimmed bushes. On the right, vibrant flower beds with blue and yellow blooms line the path, bordered by a low stone wall. Tall trees and a hanging basket with flowers are in the background, adding to the garden's charm. The path is paved and flanked by well-maintained grass.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Crowd noise from visitors
  2. Music from nearby stages
  3. Footsteps on concrete paths
  4. Bird calls from surrounding trees
  5. Sounds from food trucks
Smell

Smells

  1. Floral fragrances from tulips
  2. Rose scents in flower beds
  3. Pollen in the air
  4. Fresh grass smell
  5. Occasional food aromas nearby
Touch

Feel

  1. Soft grass underfoot
  2. Smooth concrete pathways
  3. Shade from tree canopies
  4. Warm sunlight exposure
  5. Cool breeze through flowers
Sight

Sight

  1. Brightly coloured flower beds
  2. Geometric floral patterns
  3. Visitors walking and photographing
  4. Hanging flower baskets
  5. Floral arches over paths

4. Scented Sensory Garden

The Scented Sensory Garden features a mix of stone pavers and concrete pathways bordered by low stone walls and trimmed hedges. The garden includes a small ornamental bridge with metal railings and a water feature surrounded by plants. A timber-framed shelter with a corrugated metal roof provides shade. The garden is enclosed by hedges and trees, creating defined boundaries and a quieter environment. Pathways are step-free and wide enough for easy navigation, with tactile stone surfaces aiding orientation.

This garden is designed for people with blindness or low vision, using fragrant herbs like thyme, rosemary, lemongrass, and sage to help with orientation. Visitors may use the space for quiet exploration and sensory engagement. Sounds of splashing water from the water feature are present. Activity levels are generally low, with visitors maintaining quiet to preserve the sensory experience.

A sign reading "Scented Garden for the Visually Impaired" is centred in the image, supported by two posts. In the foreground, a neatly trimmed hedge runs across the bottom. The background features a variety of trees and shrubs, with sunlight filtering through the leaves. A path is visible to the left, leading deeper into the garden area.
A small pavilion with a red roof and open sides stands in the centre, surrounded by neatly trimmed hedges. A concrete path leads up to the pavilion, flanked by green grass on either side. In the background, there are various trees and shrubs, creating a lush garden setting. The foreground features a paved road edge and a small plaque on the left side of the grass.
A well-maintained garden with a stone pathway winding through it. On the left, there are neatly trimmed hedges and a variety of plants. In the centre, a circular hedge encloses a small stone structure. To the right, there are more hedges and spherical shrubs. The background features tall trees with sunlight filtering through. The foreground shows a stone path with a patch of grass. A wooden bench is partially visible on the right.
A circular pond is in the centre, surrounded by a stone wall. The water reflects the surrounding trees. On the left, a stone path curves around the pond, bordered by lush greenery and a bench. On the right, a gravel path is lined with trimmed hedges and more dense foliage. In the background, a statue is visible among the trees. The area is shaded by large trees, and the ground is a mix of stone and gravel.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Water splashing from feature
  2. Leaves rustling in breeze
  3. Footsteps on stone pavers
  4. Birds chirping nearby
  5. Occasional quiet voices
Smell

Smells

  1. Thyme fragrance
  2. Rosemary scent
  3. Lemongrass aroma
  4. Sage herbal smell
  5. Fresh air
Touch

Feel

  1. Tactile stone pavers
  2. Smooth metal railings
  3. Soft trimmed hedges
  4. Cool shaded shelter
  5. Gentle breeze on skin
Sight

Sight

  1. Low trimmed hedges
  2. Stone pathways
  3. Ornamental bridge
  4. Water feature pond
  5. Timber shelter roof

5. Playground and BBQ Area

This area features a large gazebo with a red roof and yellow trim, constructed from timber and metal. Inside, there are multiple wooden picnic tables with metal frames on a concrete floor. The gazebo opens onto a flat grassed area with trimmed hedges and mature trees. Nearby, a children's playground includes red and grey slides, climbing structures, and play panels on a soft rubber surface bordered by low stone walls. Concrete pathways connect the playground, gazebo, and surrounding grassy zones. The playground surface transitions from firm concrete and grass to soft rubber.

The space is used for informal recreation, picnics, and supervised play. Activity levels may increase during weekends or events. You may hear children playing, swings creaking, and people talking. You may smell rubber, plastics, barbecue smoke, and food. The grass and trees may produce natural earthy smells. The area may feel warm under direct sunlight and cooler in shaded spots under the gazebo and trees.

A paved road runs along the left side, bordered by lush green grass and trees. In the centre, a blue lamppost stands near a neatly trimmed hedge with a red sculpture on top. To the right, a pavilion with a red roof and open sides houses picnic tables. The area is surrounded by well-maintained lawns and hedges, with a large tree providing shade in the background.
A park shelter with a wooden roof and yellow beams. Two wooden picnic tables with metal frames are on a concrete floor. The shelter opens to a large grassy field with trees in the background. Sunlight casts long shadows on the grass. A white fence runs along the edge of the field, and there are more trees and a few picnic tables in the distance.
A playground with a grassy foreground. On the left, there's a pavilion with a red roof and yellow accents, surrounded by trees. In the centre, a colourful bee-themed decoration stands near a lamppost. On the right, a playground structure features red slides and climbing areas, set on a purple surface. Tall trees are in the background, providing shade.
A playground with a large play structure featuring a red spiral slide and a grey slide. The structure has colourful panels with floral designs. Surrounding the playground are large trees providing shade. The ground is covered with purple safety flooring, and there's a stone border separating it from the grass. Benches and bins are visible to the left, and a building with a red roof is in the background.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Children laughing and playing
  2. Swings creaking in the breeze
  3. Voices from people eating
  4. Footsteps on concrete paths
  5. Birds calling in nearby trees
Smell

Smells

  1. Rubber from playground surface
  2. Plastic from play equipment
  3. Barbecue smoke nearby
  4. Food smells from picnic area
  5. Earthy scent from grass and trees
Touch

Feel

  1. Warmth from sunlight exposure
  2. Cool shade under gazebo roof
  3. Soft rubber surface underfoot
  4. Firm concrete pathways
  5. Grassy areas with natural texture
Sight

Sight

  1. Red roofed gazebo with yellow trim
  2. Wooden picnic tables with metal frames
  3. Red and grey slides on playground
  4. Flat grassed area with trimmed hedges
  5. Mature trees providing shade

6. Live Music - Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

This area features a temporary stage with a metal frame and fabric roof, set on grass. The backdrop is decorated with colourful floral and musical instrument graphics on panels. The ground is grass, providing a soft surface. Audience seating includes plastic and metal chairs in various colours, arranged on the grass. The stage is equipped with microphones, music stands, and speakers. Pathways to the stage appear step-free, with open grassy access. Shade is provided by the stage roof, but audience seating is mostly open to the sky.

The space is used for live music performances during the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. Activity levels increase during events, with audiences sitting on chairs or picnic blankets. Sounds include guitars, saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and singing. A host introduces artists, and cheering follows songs. People may dance near the stage. The outdoor setting may include natural sounds like wind and birds.

Three musicians are seated on a stage, each playing a guitar. Behind them is a colourful mural with flowers and a sign that reads "People First Bank" and "Parkland Entertainment." A banner on the right displays "The Volt Sisters." In the foreground, several people are seated on vibrant, woven chairs on a grassy lawn, watching the performance. The setting appears to be outdoors under a tent.
A band is performing on an outdoor stage. On the left, a man plays a saxophone, while a woman next to him plays a double bass. In the centre, a woman in a red dress sings into a microphone. The backdrop features the logo of "People First Bank" and the words "Parkland Entertainment" with colourful illustrations of musical instruments. The foreground shows blurred heads of audience members, suggesting they are seated on the grass.
A group of musicians is performing under a large tent. On the left, a sign with colourful graphics and text stands beside a speaker. The musicians, mostly wearing uniforms, are playing various instruments including saxophones and clarinets. Music stands are in front of them. The background features a banner with text and logos. The ground is covered with grass, and the tent's ceiling is visible above.
A group of people, mostly in school uniforms, are gathered on a grassy area. Some are standing, holding musical instruments like saxophones and a keyboard, while others are kneeling with guitars. They are surrounded by flower beds and trees, with a lamppost visible in the background. The scene is well-lit, suggesting a sunny day.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Guitars playing
  2. Saxophones and trumpets
  3. Singing voices
  4. Host speaking
  5. Audience cheering
Smell

Smells

  1. Grass scent
  2. Fresh outdoor air
  3. Possible food aromas nearby
  4. Floral scents from surroundings
  5. Occasional dust from grass
Touch

Feel

  1. Soft grass underfoot
  2. Shade under stage roof
  3. Open air on seating area
  4. Cool breeze possible
  5. Sun exposure on chairs
Sight

Sight

  1. Colourful floral backdrop
  2. Musicians with instruments
  3. Audience seated on chairs
  4. Green grass ground
  5. Stage with fabric roof

7. Information Hubs and Food Trucks - Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

This area features multiple info hubs and food trucks arranged along a paved pathway near off-street parking. The info hubs are constructed from metal and wood, painted in bright colours like pink, blue, and green, with large printed signage and awnings. The ground is asphalt with rubber mats at service windows. Tall trees provide partial shade, and flower beds with low fencing border the area. Food trucks display retail branding and flags, creating a visually distinct row of service points. The pathway is wide enough for pedestrian flow and queuing.

The space is used for visitor information, food service, and social interaction. Activity levels increase during events, with people queuing, ordering, and eating. Sounds of cooking, talking, and laughter are common. Various food aromas, including fairy floss, fill the air. The environment includes natural sounds from nearby trees and occasional vehicle noise from the parking area.

A vibrant carnival scene with a pink "Carnival Info Hub" booth on the left, featuring a map and merchandise list. People are gathered around, engaging with staff. To the right, a row of food stalls and trailers, each with distinct signage and colours. In the foreground, bright pink flowers are slightly out of focus. Tall trees form the background, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
A bright pink Carnival Info Hub with two service windows is in the centre. Four people stand in front, looking at merchandise and information. The hub is decorated with floral images and text about the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. To the right, a brown coffee booth with an open door and a blue sign. Trees and greenery are in the background, with a paved path in the foreground.
A vibrant outdoor scene with a Carnival Info Hub booth in the centre. The booth is blue and green, staffed by people assisting visitors. Several individuals, including children, are gathered around, engaging with the staff. In the foreground, colourful flowers are in bloom, adding a lively touch. Trees are visible in the background, providing a natural setting. The ground is paved, and the atmosphere appears busy and festive.
A bustling outdoor scene with people walking and standing. On the left, a man in a blue shirt and cap stands near a group of people. In the centre, a woman in a colourful dress walks alongside others, including a person in a striped shirt and denim shorts. On the right, a man in a pink shirt and cap walks past. Food trucks and stalls with colourful signs are visible in the background, along with trees providing shade. The ground is a mix of grass and pavement.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Voices of people talking
  2. Sounds of cooking food
  3. Laughter from visitors
  4. Footsteps on asphalt
  5. Occasional vehicle noise
Smell

Smells

  1. Aromas of cooked food
  2. Sweet smell of fairy floss
  3. Fresh outdoor air
  4. Scent of nearby flowers
  5. Occasional food truck exhaust
Touch

Feel

  1. Smooth asphalt underfoot
  2. Partial shade from trees
  3. Cool breeze through trees
  4. Rubber mats at service windows
  5. Warm sun in open areas
Sight

Sight

  1. Brightly coloured info hubs
  2. Food trucks with flags
  3. People queuing and eating
  4. Tall trees and flower beds
  5. Printed maps and signage

8. Amenities

Laurel Bank Park features two amenity blocks located on Hill Street and Herries Street. The Hill Street block is adjacent to the Laurel Bank Park Hall and is a modern structure with a metal roof, painted cream walls and blue doors. It includes accessible and ambulant bathrooms with stainless steel fixtures, grab rails, and tiled walls. Handbasins and water fountains are located outside this building.

The Herries Street block is an older wooden building painted yellow with a red roof and is located next to a children's playground with colourful slides. It has separate male and female entrances at the front of the building. Access to the accessible bathroom and baby change facilities are at the back of this building.

Both blocks have step-free concrete pathways from the main bitumen paths, surrounded by grass and palm trees. The area is open with some shade from trees and structures.

A park scene with a well-maintained lawn and a path leading through the centre. On the left, there's a small building with a corrugated metal roof. In the middle, tall palm trees are scattered around. On the right, a yellow building with a sign reading "Laurel Bank Park" is visible, surrounded by neatly trimmed hedges and small plants. Cars are parked in the background, partially obscured by trees.
A small public restroom building with a corrugated metal roof is in the centre, surrounded by a well-maintained grassy area. On the left, large trees with thick trunks and dense foliage provide shade. On the right, there are several palm trees lining a paved path. In the background, a few parked cars are visible along a road. The sunlight filters through the trees, casting shadows on the grass.
A public restroom facility with two doors in the centre, each marked with signage. The structure has a slatted wooden design above the doors and is supported by blue metal beams. On the right, there are outdoor sinks with a soap dispenser mounted on a brick wall. The ground is paved, and the area is surrounded by lush greenery, including large trees and palm plants. Cars are visible in the background, parked along a road.
A public restroom with a stainless steel toilet on the left, equipped with a grab rail and a toilet paper holder. The walls are tiled with a pattern of white and yellow tiles. In the centre, a yellow sharps disposal box is mounted on the wall. On the right, a stainless steel sink with a soap dispenser above it is visible, along with a mirror. The floor is covered with grey tiles.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Birds chirping in trees
  2. Footsteps on concrete paths
  3. Water running from taps
  4. Rustling leaves in breeze
  5. Distant vehicle noise
Smell

Smells

  1. Fresh grass scent
  2. Mild outdoor air
  3. Possible chlorine from cleaning
  4. Earthy soil smell
  5. Faint floral from nearby plants
Touch

Feel

  1. Smooth concrete underfoot
  2. Cool metal handrails
  3. Soft grass adjacent paths
  4. Slight breeze through trees
  5. Warm sun on exposed surfaces
Sight

Sight

  1. Yellow wooden building with red roof
  2. Modern amenity block with metal roof
  3. Concrete paths with step-free access
  4. Palm trees and trimmed hedges
  5. Stainless steel sinks and grab rails
Two hands shaking Thankyou graphic

Thank You

For all suggestions to improve our Visual Stories contact info@cerge.app and join the Facebook community to get involved /cergecommunity.