Canberra is in full bloom as one of the territory’s major festivals, Floriade, kicks off.

The spring feeling will shine through at Commonwealth Park from 13 September to 12 October with plenty of flowers on show.

Floriade is celebrating its 38th year with the theme ‘Science and Nature’, transforming the park into a space of discovery and learning.

My first impression of walking in was the hit of colour!

While not all of the flowers have fully opened or grow, it was still a feast for the eyes.

The garden bed designs have drawn inspiration from the most recognised scientific fields of physics, chemistry, astronomy, biology and botany from DNA to atoms and spectrum.

We were also give the opportunity to interact with robots or look through a telescope.

One of the best ways to see the festival is from the Ferris wheel, which also gives you the opportunity to spot Canberra’s icons from the National Library of Australia to the National Museum of Australia’s orange sculpture.

The media was also treated to the high tea offerings at Floriade café and all I can say is, that the sweet and savoury options were all so delicious!

At the media launch on 12 September, ACT chief minister Andrew Barr said the government was hopeful 280,000 tourists and another 250,000 locals would attend the festival over the month.

“It’s really a Canberra spring institution, and for many people, it does really provide the trigger to get outside again after what are often very cold Canberra winters,” he said.

Mr Barr said the event generated just under $62 million economically to Canberra in 2025.

“So we hope that we would achieve that and possibly a little bit more,” he said.

“It does depend a bit on the weather that can impact the attendance on any given day.

“But on a (sunny and warm) day like today, on a weekend or public holiday, you get more than 35,000 people through the gates.

“So if we get a really good run of weather, then you can get a really strong attendance.

“It would be fantastic if it exceeded half a million people, but we do know that will be very weather contingent.”

Kirsten Tapine, the wife of Canberra Raiders captain Joe Tapine, was among the first people to get a glimpse of the festival. The pair have been in Canberra for nearly 10 years and always make sure to attend Floriade.

“I need to make it a must because I just love what Canberra puts on. We come along and now I get to bring Ilua (their two-and-a-half-year-old daughter) and baby in my tummy,” she said.

“It’s just been so good, just how pretty is it?”

Kirsten’s first impression is the gorgeous colour of the flowers.

“How well just the colours go together. And the patterns throughout, ‘I’m like how do they do this? This is amazing. Can you come to my house, please?’ It’s beautiful,” she said,

Kirsten said the rides is what Ilua was most excited to check out.

Kirsten said she was also excited to continue the tradition when her second child is born in February next year.

“It’s really exciting. Actually, mixed emotions, nervous about becoming a mother of two but just also super excited that I get to watch Ilua become a big sister and bring her or him (the baby) here next year,” she said.

The program

This year’s program offers exhibitions, entertainment, music, food and drink, workshops, market traders, recreational activities for all ages and more.

Get hands on with science at The Lab with ANU Rocketry, Robogals, Questacon, Bonsai at the Bay and Icon Water. 

Uncover new science innovations through the speaker series, including Coral Reef Restoration through 3D Printing, Healthy Soil with Canberra Environment Centre, and Space developments with Dr Brad Tucker from Mt Stromlo Observatory.

Talk a walk through the six seasons with the Rainbow Serpent along the Ngunnawal Dreamtime Pathway.

Discover kids shows and activities at Floriade Sprouts where they can get up close with bugs at the Wildlife Reimagined popup display, be a bee with ACT Bees or discover the wonders of nature with ACT Libraries. 

Entertain the family in the Kazador Tent with the interactive circus show Children are Stinky, on throughout the school holidays, with tickets available through the Floriade website.

The special guest at this year’s festival is Dr Karl Kruszelnicki who will share his excitement and wonder of science on Saturday 4 October.

Celebrate different cultures with the Windows to the World Showcase on Saturday 11 October.

For those who want to enjoy the experience with their furry friends, Dogs’ Day Out will be held on Sunday 12 October, allowing visitors to bring their pets along for a joyful day among the flowers.

There will also be the Great Big Bulb Dig on 13 October to close the festival, which gives visitors a chance to take home some of the Floriade magic while supporting Charity Partner YWCA Canberra, selected by the festival’s presenting partner, Allhomes.

NightFest allows guests to see Commonwealth Park illuminated with vibrant colours at night, while enjoying some live music, roving entertainment, market stalls, munching on some delicious food and sipping drinks from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 October.

NightFest’s music line-up is led by headliners Josh Pyke on Friday 4 October and Ella Hooper on Saturday 5 October.

There will also be Kiss Tease Cabaret — a quick-witted, and deliciously risqué cabaret with tickets available online when you buy your NightFest ticket.

Getting to Floriade  

• Park in the city or National Triangle then jump on the free Floriade Shuttle or follow the Walking Trails to the gate. 
• Catch a rapid bus or hop the Light Rail to the city and take the free Floriade Shuttle or follow the Walking Trail to the gate. 
• Catch the free Floriade Weekend Express from Tuggeranong, Woden and Belconnen straight to the Floriade gates! 
• Set sail on weekends from Kingston with the Love Boats Ferry

The full Floriade program can be viewed at floriadeaustralia.com

Floriade across the city

Find Floyd’s Family. The Find Floyd’s Family competition is underway again, with 38 gnomes hidden across Canberra. Those who find all 38 will go into the draw for the grand prizes.

Floriade Community has provided 300,000 bulbs and annuals to 100 community groups to plant and maintain in their local area to spread the beauty and colour of Floriade throughout the suburbs.

Floriade About Town Local businesses, restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs, retailers, hotels, national cultural institutions, and attractions have been invited to offer Floriade-themed promotions across the city as part of the Floriade about Town program.

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