The Insider Guide To Floriade In Canberra

It’s the most vibrant time of year to visit Canberra, as the flowers bloom and the city comes alive.

Australia’s biggest flower festival occurs every spring in the city of Canberra, where for 30 days across September and October the nation’s capital is awash with colour in celebration of spring.

Floriade 2024 is more than just a flower festival, though – it’s one of the best Aussie events on in September. Each year, Canberra comes alive with entertainment, music, cultural celebrations, food and wine, horticultural workshops, market stalls, art displays and more. Here is everything you need to know about Floriade before visiting.

Floriade in Canberra — Floriade is the brainchild of Christiaan Slotemaker de Bruine.

What is Floriade?

Floriade was the brainchild of Christiaan Slotemaker de Bruine, a landscape architect with the Department of Capital Territory in Canberra. Back in 1986, he was inspired by the famous Keukenhof Garden in The Netherlands and teamed up with horticulturalist and manager of the Commonwealth Garden, Peter Sutton, to create something similar.

The first event was held in 1988 and was intended to be a one-off celebration for Canberra’s 75th birthday. However, it was so popular that it now runs annually. The word “Floriade" is derived from the Latin “floreo", meaning “to be decked or covered with flowers".

Now, it has become the largest flower festival in the southern hemisphere, with over one million flowers blooming each year. The theme for 2024 is ‘Art in Bloom’ and will see the city transform into an explosion of colour for the 37th year running.

When is Floriade?

Floriade is held across 30 days in the months of September and October. In 2024, the festival will run from 14 September until 13 October.

Nightfest is an exciting evening program that runs alongside Floriade for just four nights only, between 3 and 6 October. Come night time, you’ll see the floral displays light up, offering a completely different perspective.

NightFest at Floriade, Canberra — NightFest offers a different perspective for four nights only.

There will also be plenty of live entertainment and food stalls by L’epi Bakery, Agostinis, Papa Deli and Bianco, plus a Bentspoke Brewing Beer Garden. Kiss Bang Cabaret will be taking over the Kazador tent for an adults-only (18+) ticketed show, too.

Within Floriade, there are also some key dates to know about. Dogs’ Day Out is a designated day when visitors can bring their furry friends along to the festival to enjoy the flower fields. It’s held on the final day of Floriade, 13 October. Guests can also look forward to meeting gardening guru Costa Georgiadis on 28 September.

Dogs Day Out at Floriade, Canberra — Furry friends can get amongst the flowers during Dogs’ Day Out.

Another epic event to circle on your program is the Great Big Bulb Dig . Held the day after Floriade closes on 14 October, the dig gives you a chance to take a piece of the festival home.

All funds raised by the dig will go directly to Roundabout Canberra and the Indigenous Marathon Foundation, two local charities chosen by Floriade’s presenting partner, Synergy Group. So buy a bag and get digging – it’s for a good cause!

How much does Floriade cost?

And here’s the best part – entry to Floriade is free! The festival won’t cost you anything, as it predominantly takes place in Commonwealth Park, a public space in the heart of Canberra. However, some events, like Nightfest, require an entry fee and ticket that can be purchased online.

Gates are open from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm daily, with NightFest running from 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm (during the allotted dates).

Is Floriade child-friendly?

Yes, Floriade is definitely child-friendly! In fact, there are plenty of kid-focused events and workshops that will delight all ages. Younger children can get crafty at Floriade Sprouts, while teenagers will love the Teen Oil Painting class.

Don’t miss Gnome Knoll, where kids can paint their own gnome to take home. Or ride the iconic Floriade Ferris Wheel for a birds-eye view. The circus entertainment, magic show and Dr Hubble’s Bubble Show are also great for little ones!

Painting workshop at Floriade in Canberra — There are plenty of workshops for kids of all ages.

Is Floriade accessible?

Floriade aims to be an accessible and inclusive event for everyone. There is a designated sensory hour between 9:30 am and 10:30 am on weekdays, when amplified sounds and stage performances are reduced.

Accessible public transport and onsite parking is also available, as well as mobility scooters, walking frames, wheelchairs and prams for hire. For elderly and mobility impaired attendees, a designated drop-off zone at the front gate is provided.

Where should you stay for Floriade?

Floriade’s main celebrations occur in Commonwealth Park, so staying nearby will make your visit a little easier. There are several great accommodation options around the city, from cosy Airbnbs to great caravan parks for camping.

If you’d rather stay in a hotel, check out the lovely Hyatt Hotel Canberra, which is perfect for solo travellers, couples and families. It’s only a 15-minute walk from Floriade too. Due to Canberra’s efficient infrastructure, you can stay in most neighbourhoods within the city and still easily access Commonwealth Park.

Hyatt Hotel Canberra exterior — Stay at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra.

Getting to Floriade

The best way to get to Floriade is by using public transport or walking from your accommodation. Parking can be difficult at this time of year, so if you can, leave the car and catch the light rail, ferry or bus.

There is a free Floriade shuttle bus that runs to and from Canberra’s CBD each day, with a schedule posted closer to the event. If you do plan to drive, the best parking can be found at the Regatta Point carpark; parking rates may apply.

Check out our Canberra travel guide for more insider travel tips and hidden gems.

Discover vibrant culture and creativity, gorgeous nature spots and more in lively Newcastle.

Newcastle/Muloobinba has a lot going for it beyond its big skies and beautiful beaches. The city’s creative types are now heading downtown, taking over and transforming warehouses and terraces to offer a more alternative vibe. From its nightlife to secret swimming spots, art to architecture, here’s our insider’s guide to Newcastle in New South Wales.

1. Learn to sail on Newcastle Harbour

The harbour has always shaped Newcastle, so it seems like the most obvious place to start your weekend. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers a range of programs that provide instruction for both novice and experienced sailors. This is an inspired classroom that sets off past the Honeysuckle Foreshore up the Hunter River, with views towards a seemingly infinite vista of blue stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to savour your time by the sea. Other water activities include surfing, swimming in one of the secret ocean baths or whale-watching with CoastXP .

Aerial view of Newcastle Harbour. — Join Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s programs. (Image: City of Newcastle)

2. Underground jazz scene

Follow the lively sound of the saxophone bubbling up to find The Underground . The popular basement-level bar, with its dim lighting and speakeasy aesthetic, schedules live jazz performances every Tuesday and Thursday. Newcastle is known around the country for supporting live music and this late-night New York-style jazz bar is, like the city itself, both approachable and sophisticated. For fans of live music, Queen’s Wharf Hotel , King Street Newcastle , Mad Poet and The Lucky Hotel are all popular pubs for their roster of live music.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Newcastle Live (@newcastlelive)

3. The city as a canvas

The streets of Newcastle present like an outdoor art gallery , adding beauty to the everyday with large-scale works by artists such as Fintan Magee, Inari Meyers, Tom Henderson and Sophia Flegg. Hire a Flash E-bike and pedal around the streets to find treasures such as Bronte Naylor’s Mirror Ocean in Civic Square or Sky & Ocean at South Newcastle Beach Skate Park. You can also join Newy Tour Co.’s Discover Newcastle tour to explore city highlights, architectural gems and street art with an expert guide.

Friends take in Newcastle Street Art. — Admire stunning works of art displayed all around you. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. An artist’s view of Newcastle

There’s a real sense of optimism around Newcastle, stemming from its many grassroots art galleries and organisations. The city is home to an eclectic array of artists who gravitate toward different mediums; see their works on show at independent galleries such as The Lock-Up , which operated as a police station from 1861 until 1982, and Lighthouse Arts Newcastle in the light-filled cottages on Nobbys Head/Whibayganba. Stop by The Creator Incubator to see the Little and Big gallery spaces. Newcastle Art Gallery will soon reopen after a recent expansion, so keep an eye out.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Creator Incubator (@thecreatorincubator)

5. Newcastle after dark

The small bars confetti’d around Newcastle are a sign of the times. Visitors to the compact city will find a concentration of bars within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail. The after-dark experience, which includes theatre and live music, is designed for visitors who are in search of the offbeat and want to celebrate the city’s creativity. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the bars that dot most neighbourhoods will tempt you with everything from happy hour to their alt attitude.

A bartender expertly crafting a drink, with a stunning library of spirits in the background. — Enjoy a night out at a lively bar. (Image: City of Newcastle)

6. Indulge in great gastronomy

Newcastle’s proximity to the Hunter Valley has helped establish it as a sophisticated getaway for gourmands with a passion for provenance. Dining options in the city are diverse, with everything from casual cafes to cantina-style Mexican eateries such as Antojitos , through to fine diners such as Flotilla and Jana Restaurant & Bar at QT Newcastle . Visit during Newcastle Food Month to get a snapshot of the local culinary scene – you can take note of the many world-class restaurants and cafes that warrant a return visit. Humbug , Peregrin and Bistro Penny should also be on your radar.

The dining area at Flotilla in Newcastle NSW. — Savour a world-class dining experience at Flotilla. (Image: Flotilla)

7. Crystalbrook Kingsley

Crystalbrook Kingsley is another great example of Newcastle’s new wow factor. Staying at the hotel – in the heart of the cultural centre – makes exploring a breeze, with vintage bikes for guests who want to check out the city streets on two wheels. The design-savvy Crystalbrook Collection reimagined the Roundhouse building while adhering to its ethos of sustainable luxury. The hotel is also a magnet for foodies, with the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, Romberg’s, two of the best spots in the city for wining and dining.

The Roundhouse by Crystalbrook Collection. — Step into the reworked Roundhouse by Crystalbrook. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)

8. Newcastle’s creative side on show

Save the date for New Annual , a festival of art, music and ideas from 26 September – 5 October. The program is jam-packed with 10 days of art, culture and creativity. This year’s festival will celebrate the power art has to connect people. Expect to see a diverse program including music, theatre, workshops, and performances in iconic Newcastle locations. Visitors will find a concentration of events within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail.

Dancers performing gracefully, accompanied by a live orchestra. — Celebrate migration, community and belonging at New Annual.

Plan your next trip to offbeat Newcastle.

An insider’s guide to visiting Floriade 2024 in Canberra