The famed Floriade festival is returning this September and it’s worth travelling from Sydney for. Touted as Australia’s biggest celebration of spring, the immersive display will take place from September 16 to October 15 with a special showcase of illuminated flowers for night owls on selected days. The blooming celebration is set to drench Canberra with spring hues and with over 1 million flowers to frolic through, it’s the perfect event for flower enthusiasts and nature lovers in the city.
Floriade, 2023
Sydneysiders will find this giant festival of flowers just 3 hours from the city, making it the perfect day trip destination this spring. Visitors can expect a stacked program of entertainment, food and wine, workshops, market stalls and of course, pretty flowers, in the picturesque setting of Commonwealth Park. The 2023 theme is Floral Wonderland so prepare to be mesmerised by a striking display of flowers.
If you want to enjoy the display after hours, the exclusive NightFest event will run for four nights only from September 28 to October 1 filling the park with electric colours, entertainment and tasty treats, all under the glow of moonlight.
And that’s not all, if you want to enjoy the flowers with your furry friends, Floriade is hosting a special Dogs’ Day Out on October 15 with photo opportunities, demonstrations and a stylish paw-rade to take part in.
Floriade started in 1988 as a one-off event to celebrate Canberra’s 75th birthday and Australia’s Bicentenary of European settlement. It has since become one of the country’s most popular floral celebrations taking place annually to mark the arrival of spring. Expect fields of rainbow blooms, an adults-only cabaret show, light installations highlighting the lovely garden beds at the park and several Instagrammable elements.
Entry to the festival is free although some events are ticketed. Head to Floraide’s official website for all the details. Find information on opening hours, parking and tours here.
Sydneysiders have access to a variety of stunning flower shows this spring including Bowral’s famous Tulip Time and pretty pink cherry blossoms in and around the city.