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 14 to October 13 with a special showcase of illuminated flowers for night owls on select 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, 2024
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 2024 theme is Art in Bloom and it promises to mesmerise with 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 October 3-6 filling the park with neon colours, entertainment, and tasty treats, all under the glow of moonlight.
And that’s not all, there are plenty of workshops including ikebana flower arrangements, bonsai and painting classes, wildflower arrangement, and photography, and much more.
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 Floriade’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. Find more here.