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.

A world away from the hustle, bustle and chaos of the big smoke – yet with a distinct sense of familiarity – Victoria’s Wimmera Mallee region is an incomparable place.

Victoria’s Grampians are a visual feast, a seemingly endless vista of craggy cliffs, rolling valleys and untamed bushland. But they’re also much more than a scenic mountain landscape. Diverse and storied, each region within the range has its own rhythm. The Wimmera Mallee – a pocket in the state’s north-west, stretching from Horsham to near Mildura – is one of the most captivating.

Once known as Victoria’s agricultural heartland, the Wimmera Mallee has evolved in recent years into a dynamic, slightly offbeat hub. It buzzes with a creative hum and welcoming energy, and harbours an eclectic mix of long-time locals and tree-changers. Once you encounter its unmistakable charm, feel its warm country hospitality and taste its nationally celebrated vanilla slice, you may find yourself lingering longer than planned.

Eager to explore? These must-visit spots let you experience the inimitable spirit of this special part of the world.

Wimmera Mallee’s quirky attractions

The Dimboola Imaginarium, Wimmera Mallee victoria — Step into the whacky Dimboola Imaginarium. (Image: Denis Bin)

If you’re after something a little more unconventional, the Wimmera Mallee delivers in droves.

The Dimboola Imaginarium – located in a historic bank building in its namesake town – is a gift shop and boutique accommodation in one. Shop for unique and whimsical keepsakes, stay overnight in an elegant themed room, and lose yourself in one of the Imaginarium’s interactive experiences.

Also in Dimboola, just a short drive from the Imaginarium, is a menagerie of utter delight. Tiny Goats and Co. is home to a herd of miniature goats, with the farm offering group visits and special events like goat yoga and cuddle sessions.

Arcade aficionados should visit the Australian Pinball Museum in nearby Nhill. Here, you’ll find the biggest selection of playable pinball machines in the country, featuring modern models and classics dating all the way back to 1931.

Arts and culture in Wimmera Mallee

Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed — Step into history at the Stick Shed. (Image: Visit Vic)

As a thoroughly creative community, it’s no wonder the Wimmera Mallee has a host of venues focused on its rich arts and culture scene.

Wander Trickbots Metal Art & Sculpture Garden in Nullawil, a winding trail filled with unique and quirky creations fashioned from metal odds, ends and scrap. A walk through the garden is inspiring enough, but consider buying a piece to take home and treasure.

The town of Nhill also has a significant Karen-Burmese refugee community, who make up 10 per cent of the local population. Discover the artistry of this vibrant culture at Paw Po , where you can purchase traditional hand-woven and textile products. Choose from a selection of beautifully crafted homewares, fashion and dolls.

Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed , the only WWII emergency grain store still standing today. This National Heritage-listed structure takes you on a journey through the region’s agricultural past and is a dramatic sight with its towering and eerily striking timber poles.

Nature escapes around Wimmera Mallee

pink Lake Tyrrel, Wimmera Mallee, Victoria Australia — Take in the pink hues of Lake Tyrrell. (Image: Visit Vic)

Much like the majestic beauty of the wider Grampians, the Wimmera Mallee is a mélange of serene and spellbinding nature escapes.

Victoria’s pink lakes are famed nationwide, and two of them are found right here. See the flamingo-pink hues of Loch Iel, particularly vivid after a heavy downpour, or the vast and ancient Lake Tyrrell , which turns pink during wet and warm conditions.

The Snowdrift dunes in Wyperfeld National Park are ideal for adventurers. Set amid the area’s semi-arid landscape, the dunes are expansive mounds of sand deposited around 40,000 years ago. Hike or sandboard them and make sure to visit at sunset, when the sand glows golden.

And while some travellers chase the highest peaks, you can see the most modest in the Wimmera Mallee. Standing a mere 43 metres above the surrounding terrain, Mount Wycheproof is considered the smallest registered mountain in the world. Courtesy of its relatively gentle inclines, it’s a lovely spot for a walk and a picnic.

Culinary adventures in Wimmera Mallee

border inn in the Wimmera Mallee — Meet the locals at Border Inn.

As a region rich in agricultural bounty, it’s little surprise the Wimmera Mallee has such a robust and vibrant food scene. The community is fiercely proud of its local produce, showcasing the flavours and heritage of the area.

The Border Inn in the village of Apsley is a quaint country pub and meeting spot for the local community, featuring a classic country menu and warm hospitality.

The Horsham Golf Club is a popular spot for golf buffs with an adjoining bistro and bar. Try a modern twist on hearty favourites while taking in views of the green. For a taste of the area’s vintages, head to Norton Estate Wines – a boutique wine producer and cellar door open weekends.

A Wimmera Mallee jaunt wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famed Sharp’s Bakery in Birchip. Here, you’ll find a velvety vanilla slice that’s been crowned as Australia’s best seven times.

Wimmera Mallee accommodation

Fulham Homestead in wimmera mallee — Escape to Fulham Homestead.

If you’re enjoying an extended trip, you’ll need somewhere to rest. After a day tackling Wyperfeld’s epic dunes, visit Pine Plains Lodge , also in the national park. Built from reclaimed timber planks and logs, and anchored by rugged stone fireplaces, the lodge is a rustic and cosy hideaway.

For a refined yet relaxing escape, head to Fulham Homestead – a gorgeously restored guesthouse on an idyllic working farm, complete with farm animals and scenic vistas. Built in the 1840s, it has all the elegance and charm of its heritage, plus contemporary comforts like a modern kitchen, wi-fi and air-conditioning.

The Hermitage Hotel is Victoria’s oldest inland pub and an equally delightful blend of old and new. The restored rooms are perfectly appointed and adorned with period furnishings and high-quality linens. The pub itself is a favoured food and wine spot among locals and travellers alike.

If camping is more your style, the Lake Lascelles Cabins and Camping (formerly Mallee Bush Retreat) is a sprawling oasis with powered and unpowered sites and snug cabins. The setting is stunning too, the pristine Lake Lascelles sitting right in its centre.

Annual events

Wimmera Mallee Nhill Aviation Museum — Time your visit to Nhill Aviation Museum for the annual air show.

You may not need an excuse to revisit the Wimmera Mallee, but these annual and bi-annual events will almost certainly have you returning again and again.

Each year, the Lake Chalegrark Country Music Marathon takes over the town for a spectacular line-up of musicians from around Australia. The event is easygoing, family-friendly, and set in scenic surrounds on the shores of Lake Charlegrark.

Every two years, the region holds colourful events like the Wimmera Steampunk Festival , a raucous celebration of 19th-century steampunk culture with a different theme each time; the Nhill Air Show , which features jaw-dropping aerial stunts, aircraft displays, music, activities and more; and the Nati Frinj , a festival of art, culture and performance showcasing the many talents of the Natimuk community.

From the quirky to the tasty, start planning at visitwimmeramallee.com.au

An insider’s guide to visiting Floriade 2024 in Canberra