With the cool weather now settled in, thoughts of spring are never far away and in the nation’s capital, that means one thing for garden lovers.
And it’s not just Canberrans … the million bulbs that spring to life for the annual Floriade festival attract around 500,000 people every year.
This year – the event’s 32nd – the dazzling showcase of colour will run from September 14 to October 13 with another packed program of day and evening events with free entry.
And when the sun goes down on Lake Burley Griffin, Commonwealth Park will come to life again from 630pm-1030pm from 3 October to 6 October. Nightfest is a magnificent display of LED light installations complemented by spectacular roving entertainers and sideline events that add a whole new dimension to Floriade.
This wonderful festival was first staged as a Bicentennial event and locals immediately fell in love with the concept that has returned every year since. It has grown to become the largest horticultural festival in the southern hemisphere.
The theme of this year’s event is ‘World in Bloom’ and organisers say visitors can expect to see more flowers than ever before.
One of the features of the event every year is the hands-on DIY workshops where keen amateur gardeners learn from the experts. Just about every facet of gardening from seed-raising to permaculture is covered leaving enthusiastic greenthumbs with plenty to go on with between seasons.
Look out for a new collaboration this year from Underground Spirits who have distilled a unique gin that will be a Floriade exclusive only. The limited-edition Lakeside Gin will be available for purchase at the Visitor’s Centre,onsite at the Floriade Shop or from Underground’s Ginternational pop up bar onsite for the month of Floriade.
With thoughts of fresh flowers blooming, this gin is fresh, subtle and delicate, and an exquisitely smooth finish awaits at the end.
RELATED STORIES …
- Explore Canberra over winter
- Canada’s Butchart Gardens – worth travelling for
- Leaf Peeping in America’s New England (it’s a real thing!)
- Visit Monet’s home and gardens
And this year, Floriade is bursting out of Commonwealth Park and heading to local town centres around Canberra between September 14 to October 5. Floriade in the Suburbs is bringing a little bit of Floriade flavour to Gungahlin, Belconnen, Tuggeranong, Coombs and Woden.
Popping up between 12pm and 3pm, bring along your picnic blanket and enjoy an afternoon of food, drinks from the Pop Inn wine bar, live music and family entertainment. You’ll also get to meet Floriade’s famous pink gnome.
ABOUT FLORIADE
Entry to Floriade is free. Floriade is open daily from 930am to 530pm, weather permitting. Last entry to the event is 30-minutes before closing. Floriade is located in Commonwealth Park, minutes walk from the city centre.
Experience Floriade after dark with NightFest, open daily from Thursday 3 October to Sunday 6 October 2019, 6.30pm – 10.30pm, weather permitting. NightFest is a ticketed event.
FLORIADE ENTRY POINTS
Floriade is located in one of the most picturesque parts of the city, right next to Lake Burley Griffin. Consider taking in the beautiful spring weather, parking a little bit further away and walking or riding your bike to Floriade. Bike racks are available at both the Floriade main entry at Regatta Point and the Parkes Way gate, just remember to bring your lock.
Floriade’s main gate is located on Regatta Place, off Commonwealth Avenue. Alternate entries are available at Nerang Pool (an easy walk from the Reid CIT car parks), from the pedestrian bridge over Parkes Way and via the lakefront path at Regatta Point.
GETTING TO FLORIADE
BUS – bus stops are located on either side of Commonwealth Avenue, opposite Regatta Point. It’s only a short walk from the bus stop to the entrance of Floriade. Transport Canberra provides regular services on weekdays and weekends.
LIGHT RAIL – the Light Rail connects the north side of Canberra to the city. Once you arrive at the city interchange (Alinga Street stop), you have a couple of option to get to Commonwealth Park; you can stretch your legs with a walk (it’s about 20 minutes, 1.5km), or you can jump on a bus and hop off on Commonwealth Avenue (route numbers 2, 4, 6, 7, 57 and 58 all stop at Floriade from the city).
Plan your public transport options here.
PARKING
Parking at Acton Park across from Commonwealth Park is extremely limited.
Parking is available at a number of public car parks within close proximity to Floriade, including;
- Public car parks off Constitution Avenue
- Public car parks off London Circuit
- Public car parks off Coranderrk, Ballumbir and Cooyong Streets
- Limited car parks at Acton Park off Commonwealth Avenue
