Play, eat and stay: Floriade 2019

One million blooms carpeting Canberra’s lakeside Commonwealth Park form the backdrop to Australia’s biggest celebration of spring.

Opening in mid September, this month long Floriade festival from 15 September to 14 October features an ever changing program of music, entertainment, horticultural workshops and market-style shopping and food sprinkled amongst the stunning and colourful spring blooms. There’s even a day when you can bring your pooch to the park for Dog’s Day Out.

And for five exclusive nights from 26 to 30 September don’t miss Floriade NightFest, an opportunity to see the garden beds lit up at night and enjoy comedy, film, food and music under the stars. The program for this ticketed event will be released on 6 August.

What’s on

If Floriade’s one million spring blooms planted in patterns for insta-worthy sharing is not enough, there’s plenty to do in the park. Catch performers on the main stage, ride the giant ferris wheel, watch a horticultural demonstration, shop at the market stalls and be entertained by roving performers. During the school holidays there’s a dedicated kids area.

Keep an eye out on the 6 August when the full Floriade highlights program will be revealed on floriadeaustralia.com.

What’s new

Floriade has new opening hours this year, open 9:30am to 5:30pm daily.

The ticketed Floriade NightFest event is also back with a new line up with five themed nights from Thursday 3 October through Sunday 6 October from 6:30pm to 10:30pm.

What to eat

There’s no shortage of food options at the festival with a mix of street food trucks, food stalls, a beer garden featuring Canberra craft beer, cool climate wines from the Canberra district, and market traders selling everything from sour strap lollies to curry powder.

A visit to Floriade is not complete without a cup of steaming hot Claridge Honey donuts – a Floriade institution.

Where to stay

Extend your stay in the capital to discover why it was ranked by Lonely Planet as the number 3 city in the world to visit in its Best in Travel 2018.

Hotel Kurrajong Canberra offers an accommodation experience unlike any other in the capital. The hotel is steeped in the history of Canberra's formative years and has been lovingly refurbished to provide exceptional modern comfort. Its prime location on the edges of the Parliamentary Triangle means it’s just moments from the city’s cultural and political institutions, while the trendy suburbs of Civic and New Acton are less than 10 minutes’ drive away. Members can enjoy 10 percent off accommodation, or stay three nights and only pay for two.

TFE Hotels also offer a range of hotels and serviced apartment accommodation options in Canberra. Properties include Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra, James Court, Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra, Kingston, Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra, Dickson, and Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport. Members can enjoy 10 percent off any stay under four nights, or stay for four nights and only pay for three. Plus, get free wifi and 15 percent off food and beverage. 

For more information on Floriade and NightFest visit floriadeaustralia.com.