The spring festival promises to be bigger and better this year with a host of activities planned during the two-week celebration.

"We're looking forward to a fantastic festival this year," director Vicki Miller said.

"We've had good enquiry levels and good pre-sales for coaches, so we're expecting a huge turnout this year.

"Local residents are free again this year so we hope to see them come along as well."

Tracking tourist numbers will be easier with Tulip Time using computerised entry points this year.

"We want to capture how many people come in so we can get a better idea of the numbers that turn up to Tulip Time," Ms Miller said.

Once again Corbett Gardens will be the centerpiece of the festival with more than 90,000 tulips and 20,000 annuals on display. Designed around a carnival theme, the garden design includes a big top, a stardust bed, a catherine wheel and garland beds.

"We planted all the flowers one month earlier this year and I think it's going to pay off with a stunning display," Ms Miller said.

The Tulip Time Festival will also have a diverse range of entertainment on offer with carnival performers, jazz, big bands, international folk dancers, school musical groups, and buskers. Daily meditation and tai chi classes are also on offer.

The outdoor cafe has also doubled in size with a large selection of local food and wine available.

Kids are also well catered for this year with Crystal the Clown appearing daily in the gardens and face painting, balloon sculpture, treasure hunts and games also in store.

Organisers also hope to see a solid turnout for the famous street parade, with more than 50 items entered for this year's procession.