In time for the Australian spring and the celebration of Canberra’s anniversary, flowers of magnificent varieties bloom their loveliest during the 2016 Floriade flower festival. This year marks the 28th year celebration of thousands of blooms, making it one of the biggest tourist attractions in Canberra.
This is a month long festival that opened last September 17 and will run until October 16. So, there is no need to worry if you didn’t make it during the kick-start because fun activities and surprises are in store for you every week. No wonder Events ACT, the festival organiser, is expecting over 500 thousand visitors this year. I bet you can imagine this magnitude of visitors because you are one of the many who will be visiting the park, right?
Before getting too excited (we know you are), here are some things you need to know if you want to have fun during the festival, especially for first-timers.
What to expect?
Flower enthusiasts and green thumbs consider this event a haven. Why not when you are in the 8 thousand square meters of the Commonwealth Park surrounded by thousands of flowers– of different kinds at that. Georgia Hitch and Elise Pianegonda of ABC News quoted Floriade’s production and delivery manager, Jason Rose, announcing that “visitors will see more than 70 species of tulips and crowd favourites of jonquils, daffodils, Dutch irises and English daisies.” A haven indeed! It isn’t surprising because Australia is the perfect home to wonderful flowers.
Flowers are the stars of the show, and they share the limelight with other cultural events. More than the lovely perennials, visitors will also get to experience exciting and fun activities! Be mesmerised with glowing bright lights at NightFest. Feast on delicious foods, made by talented chefs gracing the event, and beverages at the Marketplace. And of course, to challenge your inner artist and florist-wanna-be self are different workshops by Australia’s best florists.
How to get there?
I can see you getting giddy! So here is how to get to the festival:
If you are driving to the event, parking spaces are quite limited. But, don’t fuss because several parking areas can be availed of.
We suggest that you enjoy the day just by walking or biking if you are near the park. That way, you don’t need to spend so much of your time driving around when you can enjoy the activities inside.
For those who are not Australian locals, to avoid emptying your mobile phone’s battery life on Google maps, check for the nearest shuttle station that will bring you directly to the park (and the fun). Free shuttle service is available throughout the entire event from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.
What do you need?
During the opening of the festival, rain may pour down. The following days are also forecasted to be a combination of cloudy and rainy days. Don’t let this deter you, though. Umbrella, jacket and comfortable shoes are all you need to have fun. Even if the day started sunny, you should be ready with these items.
Also, the lesser things you bring, the better. Bring with you only the essentials like your wallet, phone (for pictures, of course) and something to keep you warm and dry.
Stay hydrated. The park has stalls that offer refreshments. Make sure you try some of these. Don’t forget to eat, too. Australia’s best chefs are coming. Wouldn’t it be a waste not to try their cuisines?
And, put your game face on. Never forget to have fun!
For more information about the event and festivities, see Floriade Australia.
