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.

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.

An insider’s guide to visiting Floriade 2024 in Canberra