Whether you’re looking to embark on a magical adventure or meet one of Australia’s most famed gardeners, Floriade 2023 has something for everyone.
Australia’s biggest celebration of Spring returns to Canberra’s Commonwealth Park from 16 September – 15 October featuring more than one million blooms designed around this year’s theme of Floral Wonderland.
Once again, the festival’s program is jam-packed with entertainment, cultural celebrations, food, workshops, and more. Wondering where to start? Here’s five things not to miss:
Circus Wonderland: A Neverland Adventure in the Spiegeltent
Take a trip to Neverland inside the Wonderland Spiegeltent. Join Peter Pan, Wendy, Tinker Bell and the pirates on an hour-long adventure you won’t forget. A Neverland Adventure will be on show daily from 26 September to 8 October. Tickets for each performance can be purchased online.
Jamie Durie | Floriade special guest
This year’s Floriade special guest is renowned award-winning designer Jamie Durie. The much-loved TV personality and seven-time Logie winner will be at Floriade on Sunday 17 September. Jamie will share his love for gardens, design, and sustainability from Stage 88 from 12.30pm. There will also be meet and greet sessions from 10.00am – 11.00am and again at 2.00pm – 3.00pm in the Wonderland Spiegeltent.
Take a guided tour or attend a workshop
Hosted by the Floriade horticulture team, an hour-long guided tour of Commonwealth Park is a great way to learn more about the one million signature blooms on display. Tours run each weekday at 10.00am and each Friday of the festival at 4.00pm. Floriade workshops are a great way to learn something new. Be inspired by the colours of the festival and explore your creative side.
Meanwhile, in the Julia Rose Flower Crown workshop, you can create a flower crown using a mixture of blooms, greenery, and vines while the Floriade Photography workshop will teach you techniques to compose and capture stunning floral images.
NightFest
For four nights from Thursday 28 September to Sunday 1 October, Floriade’s dark side will come to life with stunning illuminations, captivating entertainment, and fantastic food. Tickets for the four nights are available on the Floriade website. Be sure add the world class, adults only cabaret show Popcorn Underground to your NightFest ticket.
Dogs’ Day Out
Floriade opens its gates to humans and their furry friends alike on the final day of the festival. On Sunday 15 October dogs will take over Floriade with a range of dog friendly programs and stalls. There will be prizes up for grabs at the annual Dogs Day Out Paw-rade from 2.30pm. There will also be a professional photography booth on site to capture your fur family amongst the flowers. More information about Dogs Day Out is available on the Floriade website.
If you want to take a slice of Floriade home with you, the Great Big Bulb Dig will take place on Monday 16 October. You can buy a bulb dig bag to take part on the day from the Floriade shop or the Canberra and Region Visitor’s Centre shop on site during the festival. All proceeds from the sale of the Big Bulb Dig bags go to local charities.
Floriade 2023 continues to Sunday 15 October. Floriade is a free non-ticketed event (except NightFest) with gates opening from 9.30am – 5.30pm daily. For more information, including a full list of music, events and programs, visit: www.floriadeaustralia.com for details.
Image: Floriade 2023 takes place in Canberra’s Commonwealth park (supplied)