As winter fades and the first hints of spring appear, Canberra bursts into vibrant life with its annual Floriade festival. This long-awaited event turns the city into a breathtaking floral wonderland, attracting visitors from across Australia and beyond. If you’re planning a trip to Canberra, here’s everything you need to know about when to visit Floriade and what’s there for you.

What Is the Floriade Festival?

Floriade is Australia’s largest celebration of spring, showcasing over a million meticulously planted flowers in stunning arrangements. The festival has blossomed from humble beginnings in 1988 (originally a one-off event for Canberra’s 75th birthday) into the Southern Hemisphere’s premier flower show.

The inspiration behind Floriade came from landscape architect Christiaan Slotemaker de Bruine, who dreamed of bringing a touch of the famous Dutch Keukenhof Garden to Australia’s capital. Teaming up with horticulturalist Peter Sutton, they created an event that has been captivating anthophiles for over three decades.

Each year, Floriade adopts a unique theme, with 2024’s “Art in Bloom” promising to blend floral artistry with creative expression. The name “Floriade” itself comes from the Latin “floreo,” meaning to be adorned with flowers – and adorned the city certainly is!

Where is Floriade Held in Canberra?

The heart of Floriade beats in Commonwealth Park, a beautiful green space located along the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.

In 2024, the festival will expand beyond the park, with floral displays and events popping up throughout Canberra’s city center. This will allow visitors to experience the beauty of Floriade while exploring the capital’s other attractions.

When Does Floriade Start in Canberra?

Mark your calendars for September 14th, 2024!

Floriade runs for a full 30 days, concluding on October 13th. This timing coincides perfectly with Canberra’s spring, when the weather is mild and the days are getting longer.

Also Read: Best Time to Visit Tasmania for Southern Lights

What Time Does Floriade Open?

Floriade welcomes early birds and night owls alike. The main festival gates open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, giving you plenty of time to wander through the colorful displays and participate in various activities.

For those searching for a magical after-dark experience, don’t miss NightFest. This special evening program runs for four nights only, from October 3rd to 6th, mesmerizing the floral displays with dazzling lighting.

NightFest hours are 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM, offering a completely different perspective on the flowers and featuring live entertainment, food stalls, and even an adults-only cabaret show.

How Much Does Floriade Cost?

Entry to the main Floriade festival is completely free!

You can spend hours wandering through the floral wonderland, enjoying the sights and scents of spring without spending a cent.

However, some special events and activities within Floriade do come with a cost. NightFest, for example, requires a separate ticket that can be purchased online. It’s worth checking the official Floriade website for pricing on any additional experiences you’re interested in.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Floriade Visit

1. Plan for multiple visits if possible. The flowers change throughout the month, offering new scenes and photo opportunities.
2. You can also bring your dog on October 13th for the special “Dogs’ Day Out” event.
3. Don’t miss the Great Big Bulb Dig on October 14th. For a small fee, you can take home some Floriade bulbs while supporting local charities.
4. If you are someone who loves gardening, time your visit for September 28th to meet celebrity gardener Costa Georgiadis.
5. Families should check out the kid-friendly activities like gnome painting, craft workshops, and the Floriade Ferris Wheel for a bird’s-eye view of the displays.