Enlighten 2016 has started and it is looking grand! The festival which runs from March 4-12, sees our beautiful capital come alive after dark, illuminating the Parliamentary Triangle into a hive of activity. Featuring the return of the Enlighten Night Noodle Markets, a range of ticketed & free entertainment and stunning architectural projections lighting up six of Australia’s most iconic buildings.
Australian Parliament House which will not only display projections on their walls but this year they are also offering a unique opportunity to explore inside the building after dark.
With great views of Enlighten, fabulous food, an exclusive roof-top bar (tickets for which quickly sold out), fine dining (also sold out), tours and late-night shopping—Australian Parliament House has a lot going on but be quick before all the tours sell out.
We spent last night checking out some of the great things on at the Australian Parliament House that either require no tickets or still have tickets available:
Autumn glory tour
Enlighten at Australian Parliament House – Autumn Glory Tour
We were enchanted by the beauty of the hidden gardens and the opportunity to explore unique sculptures on this tour of the private courtyards.
Date: Fri 4 Mar, Sat 5 Mar, Fri 11 Mar, Sat 12 Mar
Time: 6.00 – 7.00pm, 6.30 – 7.30pm
Cost: Adult $26, Concession $21, Child $16 (booking fess apply)
Bookings via Ticketek or call 13 28 49
Queen’s Terrace café
We enjoyed a glass of wine and some nibbles while taking in spectacular views of Canberra from the Queen’s Terrace. It is the perfect spot to watch the sunset & all the colours of Enlighten unfold.
Date: Fri 4 Mar, Sat 5 Mar, Fri 11 Mar, Sat 12 Mar
Time: 5.30 – 9.45pm
Enlighten at Australian Parliament House – Drinks at Queen’s Terrace cafe
We didn’t get to see the below but hear they are also lots of fun.
Autumn Lantern
Illuminated dancers and musicians move, play and react like falling leaves and echo the sounds of autumn on the forecourt.
Date: Fri 4 Mar, Fri 11 Mar
Time: From 6.00pm at the Australian Parliament House Forecourt
Behind the scenes tour
Journey through the corridors of power to see the hidden places of Australian Parliament House. You’ll be amazed at what goes on where the political action takes place.
Date: Fri 4 Mar, Sat 5 Mar, Fri 11 Mar, Sat 12 Mar
Time: 7.00 – 8.00pm, 8.00 – 9.00pm
Cost: Adult $26, Concession $21, Child $16 (booking fees apply)
Bookings via Ticketek or call 13 28 49
Making the change
Celebrate 50 years of decimal currency with the Royal Australian Mint by stamping ‘C’ for Canberra on a special commemorative coin. Only at Australian Parliament House.
Date: Fri 4 Mar, Sat 5 Mar, Fri 11 Mar, Sat 12 Mar
Time: from 6.00pm
The Parliament Shop
Take advantage of late-night openings to enjoy some retail therapy at The Parliament Shop — offering stunning glassworks, political memorabilia, local region wines and much more!
Everyone who books into an Enlighten event or tour at Parliament House can take advantage of a 10% discount on any purchase from the shop on the day of their ticketed event/tour.
Date: Fri 4 Mar, Sat 5 Mar, Fri 11 Mar, Sat 12 Mar
Time: 5.30 – 9.45pm
What you need to know:
Photo identification will be required for ticketed events
For security purposes, participants must present photo identification and ticket confirmation for all ticketed events and tours. In the event a patron does not have these, they will be unable to participate. We recommend that you arrive at least 20 minutes before your event or tour for screening and check-in.
Parking
Parking in the underground car park is free on weekends and for the first two hours on weekdays. Paid parking machines are prominently located at the end of the carpark closest to the main entrance.
Get social:
Website: http://www.aph.gov.au/Visit_Parliament/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/visit_australian_parliament
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Visit-Australian-Parliament-House-860488284047707/?fref=ts
#EnlightenNightNoodleMarket #EnlightenCanberra #Enlighten2016 #VisitCanberra #SoFrankSocial #CBRmap_festival
*The So Frank team was lucky enough to be invited as guests of Australian Parliament House to enjoy the Autumn glory tour but happily paid for our drinks and nibbles at Queen’s Terrace café and are already planning our return trip.
